Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Vicbourne Homes ("we," "our" or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services. Please read this policy carefully to understand our practices regarding your personal information.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Submit an enquiry form: First name, last name, phone number, email address, message, preferred region, build timeline and how you found us
• Subscribe to our newsletter: First name, last name and email address
• Contact us: Any information you choose to provide in your communications
• Submit a review: Name, rating, review text and optional profile image

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

• Browser type and version
• Device information
• IP address
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Language preferences

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To respond to your enquiries: Process and respond to your home design enquiries and questions
• To provide our services: Deliver information about our home designs, pricing and building services
• To send marketing communications: Send newsletters, promotional materials and updates about our services (only with your consent)
• To improve our website: Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience and website functionality
• To manage customer relationships: Maintain records of your interactions with us
• To display testimonials: Showcase customer reviews on our website (with your permission)
• To comply with legal obligations: Meet regulatory requirements and respond to legal requests

4. How We Store and Protect Your Information

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction. Your information is stored securely using:

• Encrypted database connections (MongoDB)
• Secure authentication systems (NextAuth.js)
• Password hashing and encryption (bcrypt)
• Secure email transmission protocols
• Regular security updates and monitoring

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and conducting our business (e.g. email service providers, database hosting)
• Legal requirements: When required by law, court order or government regulation
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition or sale of assets
• With your consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your information

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your language preferences
• Maintain your session when logged in
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve website functionality and performance

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our website.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Under Australian privacy law, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Data portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured format
• Complaint: Lodge a complaint about how we handle your personal information

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided in Section 11.

8. Marketing Communications

If you have consented to receive marketing communications from us, we may send you:

• Newsletters about our latest home designs
• Special offers and promotions
• Updates about our services and company news
• Invitations to events and display home openings

You can unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any email or by contacting us directly.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

13. Australian Privacy Principles

Vicbourne Homes is committed to complying with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). We handle personal information in accordance with these principles and applicable Australian privacy laws.

14. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.