Privacy Policy
BuildDirect ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect personal information across the BuildDirect Marketplace (the "Platform").
By accessing or using the Platform, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
1. Personal Information We Collect
We collect personal information that is reasonably necessary to operate the Platform, process reservations, verify user roles, and facilitate communication between Buyers, Builders, Developers, and Administrators.
1.1 Information You Provide Directly
Buyers
Full name
Home address
Email address 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, and façade files
Package and listing information
Subscription and billing details
Developers
Company information and ABN/ACN
Estate, lot, and stage data
Solicitor details 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 and technical information (browser type, operating system, IP address)
Platform usage analytics
Pages visited, listings viewed, and search activity
Log data for security, auditing, and diagnostic purposes
1.3 Sensitive Information
We may collect sensitive information (such as identification documents) only where necessary for:
Verifying user identity
Fulfilling reservation or compliance requirements
Meeting legal or regulatory obligations
Sensitive information is collected only 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 identity, licensing, and eligibility
Enabling listings, search, messaging, and reservations
Supporting document uploads and display
Providing 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 nominated solicitors
Facilitating contract preparation and document issuance
Managing refunds where applicable
2.3 Communications
Sending confirmations, notifications, and updates
Facilitating Buyer–Builder–Developer communications
Providing Platform announcements or policy updates
2.4 Compliance and Security
Verifying licensing, registrations, and identity
Detecting and preventing fraud or unauthorised access
Meeting obligations under Australian law
2.5 Platform Improvement
Analysing usage data to improve user experience
Developing new features and workflows
Maintaining performance and resolving technical 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 in the following circumstances:
3.1 Builders and Developers
When a Buyer submits an enquiry or reserves a package, relevant personal information may be shared with:
The Builder
The Developer (where applicable)
Their nominated solicitors
3.2 Third-Party Service Providers
We may disclose information to trusted third-party providers who assist us in operating the Platform, including:
Payment processors
Cloud hosting providers
Email and messaging services
Identity verification or security providers
Analytics providers
Some providers may store or process data outside Australia. We require all service providers to comply with privacy protections consistent with the APPs.
3.3 Legal and Regulatory Requirements
We may disclose personal information where required or authorised by law, including to:
Respond to legal requests, audits, or investigations
Protect the rights, safety, or property of users or the Platform
3.4 Corporate Transactions
If BuildDirect is involved in a merger, acquisition, sale, or restructuring, personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
We do not sell personal information.
4. Storage and Security of Personal Information
We store personal information using secure systems, including:
Encrypted cloud hosting environments
Role-based access controls
Encryption of data in transit and at rest
Audit logs and monitoring
Strong authentication procedures
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from unauthorised access, misuse, loss, modification, or disclosure.
When personal information is no longer required, it is securely destroyed or de-identified.
5. Overseas Disclosure
Some third-party providers may store or process personal information outside Australia.
We take reasonable steps to ensure overseas recipients comply with the Australian Privacy Principles or equivalent safeguards.
6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
The Platform uses cookies and similar technologies to:
Maintain session authentication
Improve functionality and performance
Analyse usage patterns
Personalise content or recommendations
You may disable cookies via your browser settings; however, some Platform features may not function correctly.
7. Access and Correction
You may request:
Access to personal information we hold about you
Correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
Requests can be made using the contact details in Section 12. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe in accordance with the APPs.
8. Data Retention
We retain personal information:
For as long as necessary to provide Platform services
As required by legal, accounting, or contractual obligations
Until accounts are closed and compliance requirements are met
9. Children’s Privacy
The Platform is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors without parental or guardian consent.
10. Third-Party Links
The Platform may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party sites.
11. Complaints
If you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles, you may submit a written complaint using the contact details below.
We will:
Acknowledge receipt of your complaint
Investigate the issue
Provide a written response within a reasonable timeframe
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate the complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Phone: 1300 363 992
12. Contact Us
BuildDirect Privacy Officer
Email: [insert]
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 most current version will always be available on the Platform.