Cookie policy
Last updated: July 2026.
This site uses a small number of cookies and browser storage features. This policy explains what they are, why they are used and how you can control them.
Essential cookies: hbc_cookie_consent — first-party, stored in your browser until cleared, purpose: remembers your cookie choice (accepted or declined) so we do not ask on every visit.
Analytics cookies (only if you accept): _ga — Google Analytics, first-party, 2 years, purpose: distinguishes unique users. _ga_[ID] — Google Analytics, first-party, 2 years, purpose: keeps session state. _gid — Google Analytics, first-party, 24 hours, purpose: distinguishes sessions. These help us see which pages are most useful so we can improve them.
Advertising cookies (only if you accept): this site shows ads via Google AdSense. Google and its advertising partners set third-party cookies and identifiers to serve and measure advertising, including personalised ads. Examples include IDE (Google DoubleClick, up to 13 months, ad targeting and measurement) and similar cookies set by Google's certified ad partners. These are only loaded when you accept advertising cookies via Google's consent message. Google's advertising policies list the partners involved and their data use.
Consent: A cookie consent banner asks for your choice, and we use Google Consent Mode v2 so that advertising and analytics cookies are not set until you accept. If you decline, only essential storage is used and any advertising shown is non-personalised. Your choice is remembered in your browser (hbc_cookie_consent) so we do not ask again.
How to control cookies: you can block or delete cookies at any time through your browser settings. In Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies. In Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies. In Safari: Preferences > Privacy. You can also review ad controls in your Google ad settings. Blocking essential cookies may prevent your consent preference from being saved.
Changes: if we add new cookies we will update this policy. Contact hello@homebuyingcosts.co.uk with any questions about our cookie use.
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Written and reviewed by James Whitfield and the HomeBuyingCosts editorial team.
Stamp duty, LBTT and LTT figures are checked against GOV.UK, Revenue Scotland and GOV.WALES. We explain every cost of buying a home in plain English, with worked examples. Editorial standards · About us