SA Property Tool ("we", "us", "our") operates the website at sapropertytool.co.za. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use our website and calculators.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Calculator Inputs
All calculations on SA Property Tool are performed entirely within your browser. We do not collect, store, transmit, or process any financial data you enter into our calculators. Your property prices, income figures, and other inputs never leave your device.
1.2 Usage Data (Google Analytics)
We use Google Analytics 4 to understand how visitors use our website. This service collects anonymised data including:
- Pages visited and time spent on each page
- General geographic location (country/city level)
- Device type and browser
- How you arrived at our site (search engine, direct, referral)
This data is aggregated and anonymised. We cannot identify individual visitors from this data. Google Analytics is governed by Google's Privacy Policy. You can opt out using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
1.3 Contact Form
If you submit a message via our Contact page, we collect your name, email address, and message content solely for the purpose of responding to your enquiry. This data is not shared with third parties and is not used for marketing purposes.
2. Cookies
Our website uses cookies in the following ways:
- Analytics cookies: Set by Google Analytics to track usage patterns (see section 1.2 above)
- Advertising cookies: Set by Google AdSense to serve relevant advertisements (see section 3 below)
- Functional cookies: We do not use functional cookies that store your preferences or login state
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of third-party services on our site.
3. Google AdSense and Advertising
SA Property Tool displays advertisements served by Google AdSense. Google may use cookies and similar technologies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this and other websites. This is known as interest-based advertising.
To opt out of interest-based advertising by Google, visit Google Ad Settings. Alternatively, you can opt out through the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.
Google AdSense is governed by Google's Advertising Policies.
4. Affiliate Links
Some links on SA Property Tool are affiliate links. When you click these links and make a purchase or application, we may receive a referral commission from the third party. This does not cost you anything and does not affect the price you pay or the advice we provide. Affiliate relationships do not influence our calculator outputs or editorial content.
We currently have affiliate relationships with bond originators and financial service providers operating in South Africa. All affiliate links are clearly identified where practical.
5. Third-Party Links
Our website contains links to third-party websites (including ooba, SARS, and other resources). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
6. Data Security
Since we do not collect or store your financial calculator inputs, the primary personal data we hold is limited to contact form submissions. This data is held securely and is not shared with third parties except where required by law.
7. Children's Privacy
Our website is not directed at children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
8. Your Rights (POPIA)
Under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), South African residents have the right to:
- Request access to personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate personal information
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Object to the processing of your personal information
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at hello@sapropertytool.co.za.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. The date at the top of this page reflects when the policy was last revised. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Contact
For any privacy-related questions or concerns, please contact us at hello@sapropertytool.co.za or via our Contact page.