Website Terms of Use

1. Welcome

Welcome to the Hoult Homes website (“Website”).

These Website Terms of Use (“Terms”) explain the rules that apply when you access and use this Website. They are designed to help you understand your rights and responsibilities, as well as ours.

By accessing or using this Website, you confirm that you accept these Terms and agree to comply with them. If you do not agree with these Terms, you should stop using the Website immediately.

These Terms apply to all visitors to the Website, including those who:

• browse our property listings;
• request a property valuation;
• contact us by email or online form;
• subscribe to our newsletter;
• use our AI assistant, Jenny;
• access our secure Client Portal; or
• otherwise interact with any services provided through this Website.

Your use of this Website is also subject to our:

• Privacy Notice;
• Cookie Policy; and
• Accessibility Statement.

These documents should be read alongside these Terms.

Nothing in these Terms affects any statutory rights you may have as a consumer under applicable law.

2. About Hoult Homes Limited

This Website is owned and operated by Hoult Homes Limited (“Hoult Homes”, “we”, “us” or “our”).

Hoult Homes Limited is a company registered in England and Wales.

Registered Company Number: 17125284

Registered Office:
Hoult Homes Ltd,
Casterton Suite,
Clawthorpe Hall Business Centre,
Burton-In-Kendal,
Carnforth,
Lancashire,
LA6 1NU

VAT Registration Number: 522 9844 73

We are an independent estate agency specialising in the marketing and sale of village, rural and country homes across the North-West of England.

Our Website has been designed to provide information about our services, showcase properties, offer local knowledge and make it easier for buyers, sellers and homeowners to connect with us.

If you have any questions about these Terms or the use of this Website, please contact us using the details provided at the end of this document.

3. Definitions

In these Terms, the following words and phrases have the meanings set out below.

Client Portal means the secure online area of the Website provided to authorised clients to access information relating to their property transaction, communicate securely with Hoult Homes and upload or download documents.

Content means all material made available on this Website, including text, property descriptions, photographs, images, videos, drone footage, virtual tours, floor plans, illustrations, maps, graphics, logos, branding, downloadable documents, blog articles, software, databases and any other information published by Hoult Homes.

Cookie Policy means our policy explaining how we use cookies and similar technologies on this Website.

Jenny means the Hoult Homes artificial intelligence assistant available through the Website to provide general information and answer enquiries.

Personal Data has the meaning given to it under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Privacy Notice means our Privacy Notice, which explains how we collect, use, store and protect personal information.

Property Particulars means all information relating to a property marketed by Hoult Homes, including written descriptions, measurements, photographs, videos, drone imagery, floor plans, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) information, virtual tours, maps and any other marketing material.

Services means the estate agency and related services provided by Hoult Homes Limited.

Website means the Hoult Homes website, currently located at www.houlthomes.co.uk, together with any associated webpages, subdomains, online services and digital platforms operated by Hoult Homes Limited.

Working Day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday in England on which banks in England are generally open for business.

Throughout these Terms, references to “we”, “us” and “our” mean Hoult Homes Limited, and references to “you” and “your” mean any person accessing or using this Website.

4. Using This Website

You may use this Website for lawful purposes only and in accordance with these Terms.

You agree to use the Website responsibly and in a way that does not interfere with its operation, compromise its security or adversely affect other users.

When using this Website, you must not:

• use the Website for any unlawful, fraudulent or malicious purpose;
• knowingly introduce viruses, malware, ransomware or any other harmful software or code;
• attempt to gain unauthorised access to the Website, its servers, databases or connected systems;
• interfere with, damage or disrupt the operation or security of the Website;
• use automated software, bots, spiders, scrapers or similar technology to extract or copy information from the Website without our prior written permission;
• reproduce, copy or republish property listings, photographs, floor plans or other Content without our consent;
• submit false, misleading or inaccurate information through our enquiry forms or Client Portal;
• impersonate another individual or organisation; or
• use the Website in any manner that could damage the reputation of Hoult Homes or infringe the rights of another person.

We reserve the right to suspend, restrict or terminate access to the Website or any part of it where we reasonably believe that these Terms have been breached or where it is necessary to protect the security, integrity or lawful operation of our Website or services.

Nothing in this section limits any rights or remedies available to us under applicable law.

5. Website Availability

We aim to ensure that this Website is available and functions reliably at all times. However, we cannot guarantee that access will always be uninterrupted, error-free or free from delays.

From time to time, we may suspend, withdraw or restrict access to all or part of the Website to:

• carry out routine maintenance;
• install software updates or security improvements;
• investigate technical issues or suspected security incidents;
• introduce new features or services; or
• comply with legal or regulatory requirements.

Where reasonably practicable, we will endeavour to minimise disruption. However, we shall not be liable for any loss or inconvenience arising from the temporary unavailability of the Website.

We reserve the right to modify, update or discontinue any part of the Website or its content at any time without prior notice.

6. Accuracy of Information

We take reasonable care to ensure that the information published on this Website is accurate and up to date at the time it is published.

However, information may change without notice and we do not guarantee that all content will always be complete, accurate or current.

The content on this Website is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon as professional advice or as the sole basis for making decisions relating to the purchase, sale or valuation of a property.

Whilst we make every reasonable effort to present properties fairly and accurately, you should independently verify any information that is important to your decision.

Nothing published on this Website forms part of any offer, contract or legally binding agreement unless expressly confirmed in writing.

7. Electronic Communications

When you contact Hoult Homes through this Website, by email or through the Client Portal, you agree that we may communicate with you electronically where appropriate.

Electronic communications may include:

• responses to enquiries;
• appointment confirmations;
• valuation confirmations;
• property updates;
• viewing arrangements;
• Client Portal notifications;
• identity verification requests;
• regulatory or compliance communications;
• newsletters, where you have chosen to subscribe; and
• other information relating to the services we provide.

We will take reasonable steps to ensure that electronic communications are sent securely. However, you acknowledge that communication over the internet cannot be guaranteed to be completely secure.

If you receive an email or message that appears suspicious or requests payment details or changes to bank account information, you should contact us directly using independently verified contact details before taking any action.

Hoult Homes will never ask you to transfer funds to a different bank account solely by email without appropriate verification. We strongly recommend that bank account details are always verified by telephone using a trusted number before any payment is made.

Nothing in this section affects your legal rights or any legal requirement for information to be provided in a particular format.

8. Property Particulars

Hoult Homes prepares Property Particulars with reasonable skill and care to provide an accurate and fair description of each property at the time of publication.

Property Particulars are intended to assist prospective buyers by providing general information about a property and may include:

• written descriptions;
• professional photography;
• drone photography and aerial imagery;
• floor plans;
• measurements;
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) information;
• videos and virtual tours;
• location maps;
• tenure information;
• council tax information; and
• other relevant marketing material.

Whilst we make every reasonable effort to ensure that Property Particulars are accurate, they are prepared from information provided by our clients, publicly available information and our own observations.

Property Particulars are provided for guidance only and do not constitute representations of fact, warranties or contractual terms.

Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any information that is important to their decision by carrying out their own inspections and making appropriate enquiries through their legal adviser, surveyor or other professional adviser.

Nothing contained within any Property Particulars shall form part of any contract for the sale or purchase of a property.

Properties may be withdrawn from the market, sold, let or have their asking price amended without prior notice.

9. Property Valuations

Any valuation requested through this Website, by telephone, email or any other method is provided for guidance unless expressly stated otherwise.

Property valuations are based on professional opinion, market knowledge and the information available at the time of the valuation.

The property market is influenced by many factors, including market conditions, location, property condition, planning matters, comparable sales and buyer demand. As a result, property values may change over time.

Where an initial valuation is provided before a physical inspection has taken place, it should be regarded as an indicative estimate only.

A more accurate valuation will normally require an inspection of the property by a member of the Hoult Homes team.

Unless specifically agreed in writing, valuations provided by Hoult Homes should not be relied upon for mortgage lending, taxation, probate, legal proceedings or other formal purposes.

10. Photography, Videos and Digital Media

Professional photography, drone imagery, video tours and other digital media play an important role in presenting properties for sale.

Images and videos published on this Website are intended to provide a fair representation of each property at the time they were created.

Photographs may not show every aspect of a property and should not be relied upon as a complete record of its condition or layout.

Lighting conditions, weather, seasonal changes and subsequent alterations to a property may affect its current appearance.

Images may be edited for presentation purposes, including adjustments to brightness, colour balance, sharpness or perspective. Such editing is intended to improve image quality and does not deliberately misrepresent a property’s features.

All photographs, videos and other digital media remain the intellectual property of Hoult Homes or the relevant copyright owner unless otherwise stated.

They may not be copied, reproduced, downloaded, republished or used for commercial purposes without our prior written permission.

11. Virtual Tours and Virtual Staging

Some properties featured on this Website may include virtual tours, 360-degree imagery or digitally enhanced images.

Virtual tours are provided to help prospective buyers gain a better understanding of a property’s layout and features before arranging a viewing.

Where virtual staging or other digitally enhanced imagery has been used, this will be intended to illustrate how a space may look when furnished, redecorated or presented differently.

Virtual staging is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the actual contents, fixtures, fittings, décor or condition of a property unless expressly stated.

Prospective purchasers should always inspect a property in person before making any decision to proceed with a purchase.

12. Local Area Guides and Community Information

Hoult Homes is passionate about the communities we serve and may publish information about villages, towns, schools, transport links, local amenities, walking routes, places of interest, businesses and community events.

Our Local Area Guides are intended to provide helpful background information and give prospective buyers an insight into the character and lifestyle of an area.

Whilst we take reasonable care to ensure that this information is accurate at the time of publication, local services, facilities and amenities may change without notice.

Information contained within our Local Area Guides is provided for general guidance only and should not be relied upon when making decisions relating to education, transport, healthcare, planning, local authority services or any other matter.

We recommend that you make your own enquiries with the relevant organisations before relying on any information that is important to your decision.

13. Maps and Location Information

This Website may include interactive maps, location plans, illustrations and mapping provided by Hoult Homes or third-party mapping services.

Maps are provided to help users understand the general location of a property and nearby amenities.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, maps and plans are approximate and should not be relied upon:

• to establish legal boundaries;
• to determine ownership;
• to identify rights of way or easements;
• to measure distances or land areas;
• for navigation; or
• for planning or legal purposes.

You should obtain independent professional advice where precise location or boundary information is required.

14. Jenny - AI Assistant

This Website includes an artificial intelligence assistant known as Jenny, designed to help answer general questions about Hoult Homes, our services, available properties and the local area.

Jenny is intended to provide helpful information and improve your experience when using our Website. Whilst we aim for the information provided by Jenny to be accurate and up to date, responses are generated using artificial intelligence and may occasionally be incomplete, inaccurate or out of date.

Information provided by Jenny is for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as professional, legal, financial, mortgage, surveying or tax advice.

Jenny does not make decisions on behalf of Hoult Homes and cannot enter into contracts, negotiate offers or provide binding commitments.

Where your enquiry relates to a property transaction, valuation, legal matter or any issue requiring professional advice, we recommend that you contact a member of the Hoult Homes team directly.

To help us improve the quality, accuracy and security of our services, conversations with Jenny may be reviewed and processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice.

You should not use Jenny to submit confidential documents, payment information, bank details or other sensitive personal information unless specifically requested through a secure process.

We reserve the right to update, suspend or withdraw Jenny, or any of its features, at any time without notice.

15. Newsletter Subscription

Visitors to our Website may choose to subscribe to the Hoult Homes newsletter.

Our newsletters may include:

• newly listed properties;
• market updates;
• local news and community features;
• home-moving advice;
• interior inspiration;
• countryside living articles;
• company news; and
• information about our services.

By subscribing, you confirm that the information you provide is accurate and belongs to you.

You may unsubscribe at any time by selecting the unsubscribe link included in our emails or by contacting us directly.

Your personal information will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice, and we will only send marketing communications where permitted by law or where you have given your consent.

16. Client Portal

Hoult Homes provides a secure Client Portal for authorised clients.

The Client Portal allows clients to securely access information relating to their property transaction, communicate with our team and upload or download documents.

Access to the Client Portal is restricted to authorised users and may require multi-factor authentication, including the use of an authenticator application or other security measures.

You are responsible for:

• keeping your username, password and authentication credentials secure;
• ensuring that only you access your account;
• notifying us immediately if you believe your account has been compromised;
• ensuring that information you upload is accurate, lawful and belongs to you.

You must not:

• share your login details with another person;
• attempt to access another user’s account;
• interfere with the security or operation of the Client Portal;
• upload malicious software or unlawful content.

We may suspend or remove access to the Client Portal where we reasonably believe that these Terms have been breached, your account security has been compromised or continued access is no longer appropriate.

17. Documents Uploaded Through the Website

Where you upload documents through the Client Portal or any secure area of the Website, you confirm that:

• you have the legal right to provide those documents;
• the information is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge;
• the documents do not infringe the rights of another person.

Documents may include proof of identity, proof of address, property information, photographs or other information required for the services we provide or to comply with our legal and regulatory obligations.

All documents uploaded through our secure systems will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Notice and retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil our contractual, legal and regulatory obligations.

You remain responsible for ensuring that any information you provide is accurate and up to date.

18. Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, all Content published on this Website is owned by or licensed to Hoult Homes Limited and is protected by copyright, trade mark and other intellectual property laws.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• the Hoult Homes name, logo and branding;
• website design and layout;
• property descriptions and marketing material;
• professional photography;
• drone photography and aerial imagery;
• videos and virtual tours;
• floor plans;
• illustrations and graphics;
• local area guides;
• maps and location content;
• blog articles and written content; and
• downloadable documents.

All intellectual property rights are reserved.

You may view, download or print material from this Website for your own personal, non-commercial use only.

You must not reproduce, copy, distribute, publish, modify, adapt, sell, licence or otherwise use any Content from this Website without our prior written permission.

Unauthorised use of our Content may result in legal action.

19. Links to Third-Party Websites

This Website may contain links to third-party websites or services for your convenience.

These links may include mortgage advisers, conveyancers, surveyors, government websites, mapping services, social media platforms or other organisations.

We have no control over the content, availability, security or privacy practices of third-party websites and accept no responsibility for them.

The inclusion of a link does not imply that Hoult Homes endorses or recommends the third-party website, its products or its services unless we expressly state otherwise.

Your use of any third-party website is entirely at your own risk and will be subject to that website’s own terms and privacy policies.

20. Website Security and Fraud Prevention

We take the security of our Website, Client Portal and the information entrusted to us seriously.

Whilst we implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect our systems, no website or method of electronic communication can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

You are responsible for ensuring that your own devices, internet connection and software are adequately protected against viruses, malware and other cyber threats.

You must not knowingly attempt to interfere with the operation or security of this Website or gain unauthorised access to any part of our systems.

To help protect our clients from fraud, we recommend that you independently verify any request to transfer money or change bank account details before making a payment.

Hoult Homes will never ask you to send funds to a new bank account solely by email. If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, please contact us immediately using independently verified contact details.

21. Regulatory Compliance

Hoult Homes Limited is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations relating to estate agency services.

Where required by law, we may carry out identity verification, anti-money laundering checks, sanctions screening and other compliance checks before providing certain services.

You agree to provide any information or documentation that we reasonably request to enable us to comply with our legal and regulatory obligations.

If you do not provide the information requested, we may be unable to provide some or all of our services.

Further information about how we process personal information for these purposes is available in our Privacy Notice.

22. Limitation of Liability

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under the laws of England and Wales.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Hoult Homes Limited shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss arising from your use of, or inability to use, this Website.

We shall not be responsible for any loss arising from:

• temporary interruption or unavailability of the Website;
• technical faults beyond our reasonable control;
• reliance placed on information published on the Website;
• viruses, malware or other harmful material introduced by third parties;
• the content or availability of third-party websites.

Nothing on this Website constitutes legal, financial, mortgage, tax or surveying advice, and you should obtain appropriate professional advice before making decisions relating to a property transaction.

Nothing in these Terms affects your statutory rights as a consumer.

23. Privacy, Cookies and Accessibility

Your use of this Website is also governed by our:

• Privacy Notice;
• Cookie Policy; and
• Accessibility Statement.

These documents explain how we collect and use personal information, how we use cookies and similar technologies, and the steps we take to make our Website as accessible as reasonably possible.

We encourage you to read these documents alongside these Terms.

24. Changes to These Terms

We may amend these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements or business practices.

The most recent version will always be published on this Website together with the date on which it came into effect.

By continuing to use this Website after updated Terms have been published, you agree to be bound by the revised Terms.

25. Force Majeure

Hoult Homes Limited shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under these Terms where that failure or delay results from circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to:

• severe weather;
• flooding;
• fire;
• power failures;
• internet outages;
• cyber attacks;
• industrial disputes;
• government action;
• pandemics or public health emergencies; and
• other unforeseen events beyond our reasonable control.

26. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unlawful, invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severed from the remaining Terms.

The remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

27. Waiver

If we delay or fail to exercise any right or remedy available to us under these Terms, this shall not prevent us from exercising that right or remedy at a later date.

28. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and any dispute arising out of or in connection with them shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales.

The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine any dispute relating to these Terms or your use of this Website.

29. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Website Terms of Use, please contact:

Hoult Homes Limited

Registered in England and Wales
Company Number: 17125284

Registered Office:
Hoult Homes Ltd,
Casterton Suite,
Clawthorpe Hall Business Centre,
Burton-In-Kendal,
Carnforth,
Lancashire,
LA6 1NU

VAT Registration Number: 522 9844 73

Email: hello@houlthomes.co.uk
Telephone: 01524 928250
Website: www.houlthomes.co.uk