1. What Personal Information We Collect

We collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for operating the Platform, processing reservations, verifying user roles, and facilitating communication between Buyers, Builders, Developers, and Administrators.

1.1 Information Provided Directly by You

Buyers

Full name

Home address

Email and phone number

Conveyancer details

Budget and finance information

Identification documents (e.g., driver’s licence)

Reservation-related details

Uploaded files or documents

Builders

Company name, trading name and ABN/ACN

Contact person details

Licensing and insurance documentation

Website, profile content, images, and promotional materials

House plans, inclusions, floorplans, façade files

Package and listing information

Subscription and billing details

Developers

Company information and ABN/ACN

Estate, lot, and stage data

Solicitor information for land contracts

Land contracts, contour surveys, covenants, engineering reports

Subscription and billing details

General Users

Email address

Account information and preferences

Communications with us or through the Platform

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

Device information (browser, OS, IP address)

Platform usage analytics

Pages visited, listings viewed, and search activity

Log data for security and diagnostic purposes

1.3 Sensitive Information

We may collect sensitive information (e.g., identification documents) only where necessary for verifying users, fulfilling reservation requirements, or meeting compliance obligations. We only collect sensitive information with your consent or where authorised by law.

2. How We Use Personal Information

We use personal information for the following purposes:

2.1 Operating the Platform

Creating and managing user accounts

Verifying user identity, licensing, and eligibility

Enabling listing creation, search, messaging, and reservations

Facilitating the upload and display of property-related documentation

Providing Buyer dashboards and contract-stage tracking

2.2 Processing Reservations

Collecting and allocating the $5,000 Reservation Fee

Notifying Builders and Developers

Providing Buyer details to Builders and relevant solicitors

Facilitating contract preparation and issuing required documents

Managing refunds where applicable

2.3 Communications

Sending confirmation emails, notifications, and updates

Facilitating buyer–builder–developer messaging

Providing platform announcements or policy updates

2.4 Compliance & Security

Verifying licensing, registrations, and identity

Preventing fraud, unauthorised access, and misuse

Meeting obligations under Australian law

2.5 Improving the Platform

Analysing usage data to enhance user experience

Developing new features and workflows

Maintaining system performance and troubleshooting issues

Marketing communications are sent only with your consent, and you may opt out at any time.

3. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose personal information to:

3.1 Builders and Developers

When a Buyer reserves a package or submits an enquiry, relevant details are shared with:

The Builder

The Developer (where applicable)

Their nominated solicitors

3.2 Third-Party Service Providers

Including but not limited to:

Payment processors

Cloud hosting providers

Email delivery services

Identity verification or security providers

Analytics services

These providers may store or process data offshore, but we require them to comply with privacy protections consistent with the APPs.

3.3 Legal & Compliance

We may disclose information:

As required by law

To respond to legal requests, regulatory audits, or investigations

To protect the safety, rights, or property of users or the Platform

3.4 Corporate Transactions

If BuildDirect is involved in a merger, sale, or restructuring, personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

We do not sell personal information.

4. How We Store and Protect Personal Information

We store personal information using:

Secure cloud hosting environments

Role-based access controls

Encryption of data in transit and at rest

Audit logs and monitoring

Strict authentication procedures

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from:

unauthorised access,

misuse,

loss,

modification, or

disclosure.

Where personal information is no longer needed, it is securely destroyed or de-identified.

5. Overseas Disclosure

Some third-party providers (e.g., hosting, analytics, messaging services) may store or process data outside Australia.

We take reasonable steps to ensure these providers comply with the Australian Privacy Principles or equivalent safeguards.

6. Cookies and Tracking

The Platform uses cookies and similar technologies to:

Maintain session authentication

Improve functionality

Analyse usage patterns

Personalise content or recommendations

You may disable cookies in your browser, but some Platform features may not function correctly.

7. Access and Correction

You may request:

Access to the personal information we hold about you

Corrections to ensure accuracy and completeness

Requests may be submitted to the contact details in Section 12.
We will respond within a reasonable timeframe as required by the APPs.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information:

For as long as it is needed to provide Platform services;

As required by legal, accounting, or contractual obligations;

Until the account is closed and all compliance requirements are met.

9. Children’s Privacy

The Platform is not intended for individuals under the age of 18.
We do not knowingly collect personal information of minors without consent from a parent or guardian.

10. Links to Third-Party Sites

The Platform may contain external links.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those third-party websites.

11. Complaints

If you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles, you may submit a written complaint to the contact details below.

We will:

Acknowledge receipt of the complaint

Investigate the issue

Provide a written response within a reasonable timeframe

If you are not satisfied, you may escalate the complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992

12. Contact Us

BuildDirect Privacy Officer
Email: privacy@builddirectmarketplace.com.au
Address: [insert]

For questions about this Privacy Policy or our handling of personal information, please contact our Privacy Officer.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
The latest version will always be available on the Platform.