Cookie Policy
How we use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience on our website.
Manage Your Cookie Preferences
You have full control over which cookies we use. Update your preferences at any time.
Types of Cookies We Use
Understanding the different categories of cookies and their purposes
Strictly Necessary
Essential for website operation
Examples:
Performance & Analytics
Help us understand website usage
Examples:
Functionality
Enhanced features and personalisation
Examples:
Marketing & Advertising
Targeted advertising and marketing
Examples:
Social Media
Social media integration features
Examples:
Cookie Policy Details
Comprehensive information about our cookie usage and your rights
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer, smartphone, or other device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners.
Cookies contain information that is transferred to your device's hard drive and allow us to recognise your device and store some information about your preferences or past actions.
2. Legal Framework
UK GDPR & ePrivacy Compliance
We operate under UK data protection laws including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003.
2.1 Consent Requirements
Consent is required for using cookies under the provisions of the GDPR and ePrivacy Directive. We obtain your explicit consent before setting non-essential cookies.
3. Detailed Cookie Information
3.1 First-Party Cookies
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Category | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| session_id | Maintains user session | Strictly Necessary | Session |
| auth_token | User authentication | Strictly Necessary | 30 days |
| user_preferences | Store user settings | Functionality | 1 year |
| cookie_consent | Records consent choices | Strictly Necessary | 1 year |
| search_filters | Saved property search criteria | Functionality | 90 days |
3.2 Third-Party Cookies
| Service | Purpose | Category | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | Website analytics and performance | Performance | View Policy |
| Google Ads | Advertising and remarketing | Marketing | View Policy |
| Facebook Pixel | Social media marketing | Marketing | View Policy |
| Hotjar | User behaviour analytics | Performance | View Policy |
4. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
4.1 Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie consent banner that allows you to:
- Accept all cookies
- Reject non-essential cookies
- Customise your cookie preferences
4.2 Preference Centre
You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by:
- Clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our website footer
- Revisiting the cookie consent banner
- Contacting us directly using the details below
4.3 Browser Settings
You can also control cookies through your browser settings:
Desktop Browsers
- • Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
- • Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies
- • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- • Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions
Important Note
Blocking or deleting certain cookies may impact website functionality and your user experience.
5. Data Retention
Different cookies have different retention periods:
6. Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights regarding cookies and the personal data they collect:
Right to Withdraw Consent
You can withdraw consent for non-essential cookies at any time
Right to Object
Object to processing based on legitimate interests
Right of Access
Request information about data collected through cookies
Right to Deletion
Request deletion of personal data collected through cookies
7. Contact Information
For questions about this Cookie Policy or to exercise your rights:
Cookie Policy Team
Email: cookies@firwoodhomes.com
Phone: [COOKIE POLICY PHONE]
Technical Support
Email: websupport@firwoodhomes.com
For cookie-related technical issues