Privacy Policy
1. Who we are
What Can We Afford ("we", "us", "our") is a mortgage affordability calculator for UK home buyers. For privacy enquiries please contact us at info@whatcanweafford.co.uk.
We are the data controller for the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
2. What information we collect
Calculator inputs
All figures you enter into the calculator (income, deposit, mortgage details, bills) are stored exclusively in your browser's local storage. This data is never transmitted to our servers and we cannot access it.
Technical data
When you visit the site, our hosting provider automatically logs standard technical data including your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URL, and pages visited. This data is retained for up to 30 days for security and diagnostic purposes.
Cookies and similar technologies
See section 4 below for full details.
3. How we use your information
- To provide and improve the calculator service
- To maintain the security and performance of the service
4. Cookies
Essential cookies (always active)
These are required for the site to function. They cannot be disabled.
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
wcwa_inputs_v1 | Saves your calculator inputs between sessions | Persistent (local storage) |
wcwa_bills_v2 | Saves your bill amounts | Persistent (local storage) |
wcwa_council_band_v1 | Saves your selected council tax band | Persistent (local storage) |
wcwa_cookie_consent_v1 | Remembers your cookie preferences | Persistent (local storage) |
Analytics and advertising cookies
We do not currently use analytics or advertising cookies. If this changes, this policy will be updated before any such cookies are set, and your consent will be requested first.
5. Legal basis for processing (UK GDPR)
- Essential cookies and technical data: Legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f)) — necessary to provide and secure the service.
6. Data retention
- Calculator data in local storage: until you clear your browser data
- Server/hosting logs: up to 30 days
7. Third parties
We may share data with the following third parties, subject to their own privacy policies:
- Microsoft Azure — hosting provider. Privacy policy
We do not sell your personal data to any third party.
8. Your rights under UK GDPR
You have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Rectify inaccurate personal data
- Erase your personal data ("right to be forgotten")
- Restrict processing of your personal data
- Data portability — receive your data in a machine-readable format
- Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Withdraw consent at any time (this does not affect processing before withdrawal)
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at info@whatcanweafford.co.uk. We will respond within one month.
9. Complaints
If you believe we have mishandled your personal data you have the right to complain to the UK's supervisory authority:
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint
Helpline: 0303 123 1113
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be noted at the top of this page with a revised "last updated" date. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact
For any privacy-related questions: info@whatcanweafford.co.uk