Privacy policy

What we collect

Research choices, shortlist data, and technical service data

Depending on how you use the site, we may process search inputs, selected areas or postcodes, shortlist identifiers and shortlist entries, contact form content when available, basic technical logs, security events, and analytics data if optional analytics are enabled with valid consent.

Why we use it

Provide reports, remember choices, and keep the service secure

We use data to show reports, remember relevant preferences, manage shortlist features, improve the service, respond to requests, investigate faults, and protect the site from misuse.

Lawful basis

How we use lawful bases

The service relies on legitimate interests for core operation, consent where non-essential cookies or analytics are used, contract where user-requested services require it, and legal obligations where applicable.

Cookies and browser storage

We store only the context needed to run the service

BeforeYouMove uses cookies for cookie consent, shortlist continuity, and remembered location where you allow preference cookies. Non-essential cookies or similar technologies must not be used without valid consent.

• bym_cookie_consent: stores your analytics and preference-cookie choice.
• bym_shortlist_id: stores a random identifier only so shortlist items stay on the server.
• bym_last_location: stores the last selected area or postcode only if you allow preference cookies.

Remembered location

Area and postcode search journeys stay separate

We remember the last area or postcode you checked only if you allow preference cookies, and area and postcode search journeys stay separate. The saved value is reused only where it still fits the page you are on, and you can replace it any time by checking a different location.

Shortlist data

Your shortlist uses an opaque browser identifier, not a public profile

The shortlist feature uses the bym_shortlist_id cookie to reconnect your browser with shortlist data stored by BeforeYouMove. The cookie stores a random identifier only so you can keep comparing places between visits.

Sharing

Service providers may process data for hosting, security, and analytics

We may share limited data with hosting, monitoring, analytics, and infrastructure providers where that is necessary to run the service. Public datasets shown in the product may also come from external public-data suppliers and authorities.

Retention

How long we keep data

Cookie settings, shortlist cookies, and remembered-location cookies are stored for up to 3 months. Server logs, shortlist records, contact-form content, and analytics records are retained only for as long as they are needed for operations, security, support, or legal obligations.

Your rights

You can ask about access, correction, deletion, and objections

Where applicable, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, restrict, object to, or move personal data, and to withdraw consent where consent is the basis for processing. You may also raise concerns with the relevant supervisory authority.

Security

We use reasonable technical and organisational controls

We work to protect the service with proportionate security controls, but no internet service can promise absolute security, so you should avoid submitting sensitive information unless the service clearly asks for it.