Cookie Policy
We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. This policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and your choices.
Last Updated: 31 January 2026
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to the website owners.
Think of cookies like a memory for the website. They help the site remember your preferences, understand how you use the site, and improve your experience on future visits.
First-Party Cookies
Set by our website directly. Only we can read them.
Third-Party Cookies
Set by other companies (like Google or Facebook) to provide services.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
RequiredThese cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They cannot be disabled.
Examples:
- •Session cookies to keep you logged in
- •Security cookies to protect against fraud
- •Load balancing cookies
- •Cookie consent preferences
Analytics Cookies
OptionalThese cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website.
Examples:
- •First-party FHBG analytics - records page, source, and conversion events
- •Optional Google Analytics - only if a real GA4 ID is installed and you accept analytics cookies
- •Optional Microsoft Clarity - only if a real Clarity project ID is installed and you accept analytics cookies
- •Error tracking
Functional Cookies
OptionalThese cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation.
Examples:
- •Remembering your calculator inputs
- •Saving your checklist progress
- •Language preferences
- •Dark/light mode preferences
Marketing Cookies
OptionalThese cookies are used to deliver relevant advertisements and track campaign performance.
Examples:
- •Optional Meta/Facebook Pixel - only if installed for a campaign
- •Optional Google Ads conversion tracking - only if installed for a campaign
- •Retargeting cookies, if a campaign is active
- •Campaign performance measurement, if marketing tools are enabled
How We Use Cookies
Essential Operations
Some cookies are essential for our website to function. They enable core functionality like security, network management, and accessibility. You cannot opt out of these cookies.
Performance & Analytics
We use cookies to understand how visitors interact with our website. This helps us identify issues, understand which content is most helpful, and improve the overall user experience. All data is aggregated and anonymised where possible.
Functionality
These cookies remember your preferences and settings. For example, if you save your progress on our checklist or use our calculators, cookies help us remember your inputs for your next visit.
Marketing (with consent)
With your permission, we use cookies to deliver relevant advertisements and measure their effectiveness. This helps us reach more first home buyers who might benefit from our services.
Specific Cookies We Use
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| fhbg_session | First Home Buyers Guide | Maintains your session state | Session |
| fhbg_consent | First Home Buyers Guide | Stores your cookie preferences | 1 year |
| _ga | Google Analytics, if enabled | Distinguishes users when GA4 is installed and consented | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics, if enabled | Distinguishes users when GA4 is installed and consented | 24 hours |
| _fbp | Delivers advertisements | 3 months | |
| fhbg_checklist | First Home Buyers Guide | Saves checklist progress | 1 year |
| theme | First Home Buyers Guide | Stores dark/light mode preference | 1 year |
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You have control over which cookies are placed on your device. Here are your options:
Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit our website, you\'ll see a cookie consent banner. You can:
- Accept all cookies
- Reject non-essential cookies
- Customise your preferences for each cookie type
You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer.
Browser Settings
You can also manage cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:
- View cookies stored on your device
- Delete individual cookies or all cookies
- Block cookies from specific websites
- Block all cookies (may affect website functionality)
- Receive notifications when a cookie is being set
Analytics & Marketing Tools
First-party analytics and optional Google Analytics
FHBG uses first-party analytics to understand which pages, packs, and forms are useful. Google Analytics is only loaded if a real GA4 measurement ID has been installed and analytics cookies are accepted. Analytics may include:
- How you found our website
- Which pages you visit
- How long you spend on each page
- Your general location (city/region level)
First-party analytics is used for operational funnel debugging. If Google Analytics is installed later, Google Analytics data is aggregated where possible and you can opt out using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Optional advertising pixels
Advertising pixels such as Meta/Facebook Pixel or Google Ads conversion tracking are only loaded if a campaign is active, the relevant project IDs are installed, and marketing cookies are accepted.
You can control Meta/Facebook ad personalisation through your Facebook Ad Preferences.
How Long Cookies Last
Session Cookies
These cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. They help our website function during your visit.
Persistent Cookies
These cookies remain on your device for a set period (from a few hours to several years) or until you manually delete them. They help us remember your preferences for future visits.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our data practices. When we make significant changes, we will notify you through a notice on our website or by email (if you have provided your email address).
The date at the top of this policy indicates when it was last updated. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.