Cookie Notice

1.What we use, and what we do not

“Cookies” and similar technologies such as local storage let a website keep a small amount of information in your browser between page loads. Plotwise uses them only for things the site needs in order to work.

We do not use advertising cookies, marketing pixels, third-party analytics products or any cross-site tracking. We do not build advertising profiles and we do not share browsing data with advertisers.

2.What is stored on your device

Sign-in state: Google Firebase Authentication stores a token in your browser so you stay signed in and do not have to log in on every page. This is strictly necessary: without it, accounts cannot work. It is cleared when you sign out.
Recently viewed: A list of properties you have opened recently, kept in your browser’s local storage so the site can show them again. If you are signed in, recently viewed properties are also recorded against your account.
Recent searches: Your last few searches, kept locally so they can be suggested when you search again.
Draft listings: If you start creating a listing, your progress is saved in your browser so you do not lose it if the page reloads.

Local storage stays on your device. It is not sent to us with every request the way a cookie is, and we cannot read it from another website.

3.Third-party services

Some services we rely on may set their own cookies or storage when their content loads on a page:

Google Firebase — authentication and data access.
Google Maps — when a map loads, Google may set cookies and receives your IP address.
Google Fonts — typefaces are requested from Google’s servers.

These are governed by Google’s own privacy terms, not ours. More detail on the providers we use is in section 6 of our Privacy Policy.

4.How to clear or block it

Every browser lets you view, delete and block cookies and site data, usually under privacy or site settings. You can clear everything Plotwise has stored by deleting site data for this site, or by browsing in a private window.

Blocking cookies for Plotwise will sign you out and prevent you from signing back in, because the sign-in token has nowhere to live. Clearing local storage only loses your recently viewed list, recent searches and any listing draft.

5.Why there is no cookie banner

Consent banners come from European law. South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act does not require one, and it would add nothing here: everything we store is either strictly necessary for the site to function or a convenience feature that stays on your own device. There is no advertising or tracking to opt out of.

If we ever introduce anything that does require your consent, we will ask for it before switching it on.

6.Changes