Privacy Policy

Last updated: 29 August 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Second Home Decisions processes personal data when you visit this website, subscribe to the newsletter, create a member account, download materials or contact us.

1. Controller

The controller responsible for processing personal data under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is:

Stefan Fickert
Second Home Decisions
Ludwigstraße 35
87437 Kempten
Germany

Email: hello@secondhomedecisions.com

No data protection officer has been appointed because the statutory requirements for such an appointment are not currently met.

2. Website hosting and technical delivery

This website is hosted using Ghost(Pro), a service provided by Ghost Foundation Ltd. Ghost acts as a processor where it processes personal data on our behalf.

When the website is accessed, technical data may be processed in order to deliver and secure the service. This may include:

  • IP address;
  • date and time of access;
  • requested page or file;
  • referrer URL;
  • browser, device and operating-system information;
  • technical security and error information.

Processing is necessary for the secure and reliable operation of the website and is based on Article 6(1)(f) GDPR. Our legitimate interests are the delivery, security, integrity and troubleshooting of the publication.

Ghost states that Ghost(Pro) data is stored in the European Union. In limited circumstances, data may be processed outside the EU or EEA for support or maintenance subject to appropriate safeguards. Further information is available in Ghost's GDPR information and Privacy Policy.

3. Cookies and similar technologies

Ghost may use technically necessary cookies or browser storage to provide functions such as:

  • private-site access;
  • member authentication and login;
  • subscription preferences;
  • security and session management.

These technologies are required to provide requested functions and protect the website. Their use is based on Article 6(1)(b) or Article 6(1)(f) GDPR, depending on the function.

We currently do not use advertising cookies, behavioural advertising or third-party web analytics. Ghost's optional website traffic analytics are not enabled. A consent banner is therefore not currently used. If non-essential analytics, advertising or comparable technologies are introduced later, this policy and the consent mechanism will be updated before they are activated.

4. Newsletter subscriptions and member accounts

If you subscribe or register as a free member, we process data such as:

  • your email address;
  • subscription and confirmation status;
  • signup date and source page;
  • login and membership activity;
  • newsletter preferences;
  • technical confirmation and security data.

We use a confirmation email to verify the subscription. The legal basis for sending the newsletter and creating the requested membership is your consent under Article 6(1)(a) GDPR. Technical administration of the member account may also be necessary to provide the requested service under Article 6(1)(b) GDPR.

You may withdraw your consent at any time by using the unsubscribe link in an email, changing your member preferences or contacting us. Withdrawal does not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out before withdrawal.

Ghost processes membership and newsletter data on our behalf. Email-delivery and infrastructure providers used by Ghost may also receive the data necessary to deliver and secure emails.

5. Newsletter measurement

We have disabled measurement of whether individual newsletter emails are opened.

We currently measure clicks on links contained in newsletter emails. This can associate a click with a member account and helps us understand which research, tools and topics are useful, maintain the newsletter and improve editorial relevance.

The legal basis is Article 6(1)(f) GDPR. Our legitimate interests are measuring the usefulness of the newsletter and improving its content. You have the right to object to this processing for reasons arising from your particular situation by contacting us.

6. Member-source information

Ghost may record the page through which a member signed up and related source information. We use this to understand which pages and materials lead to subscriptions and to improve the publication.

The legal basis is Article 6(1)(f) GDPR. Our legitimate interest is evaluating and improving the effectiveness of our publication and signup paths.

7. Downloads

Files such as worksheets or planners may be delivered directly through the website. The hosting infrastructure may process the technical access data described in Section 2 when a file is requested. We do not currently require payment or collect separate personal information solely for downloading publicly available files.

8. Contact by email

If you contact us, we process your email address, the content of your message and any other information you provide in order to respond.

Depending on the subject, processing is based on Article 6(1)(b) GDPR for pre-contractual or contractual communication or Article 6(1)(f) GDPR for other enquiries. Our legitimate interest is responding to communications concerning the publication.

This website contains links to third-party websites and official sources. When you follow an external link, the third party may process personal data under its own privacy policy. We are not responsible for third-party processing.

Ghost's outbound link tagging is enabled. It may add source information to outbound links so that the receiving website can identify Second Home Decisions as the referring publication. It does not create a third-party analytics profile on this website.

10. Recipients of personal data

Personal data may be disclosed where necessary to:

  • Ghost Foundation Ltd and service providers used to host, secure and operate Ghost(Pro);
  • email-delivery and infrastructure providers;
  • professional advisers where necessary;
  • courts, authorities or other recipients where disclosure is required by law or necessary to establish, exercise or defend legal claims.

We do not sell personal data.

11. International transfers

Where personal data is processed outside the EU or EEA, the transfer will take place only where permitted by Chapter V GDPR, for example on the basis of an adequacy decision, appropriate contractual safeguards or another lawful transfer mechanism.

12. Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for the relevant purpose or required by law.

Member and newsletter data is generally retained while the membership or subscription remains active. After an unsubscribe or deletion request, limited information may be retained where necessary to document the opt-out, comply with legal obligations or protect legal claims.

Contact messages are retained only as long as needed to answer the enquiry and meet applicable legal retention requirements. Technical logs are retained according to operational and security requirements of the hosting service.

13. Your rights

Subject to the applicable legal conditions, you have the right to:

  • access your personal data;
  • correct inaccurate data;
  • request deletion;
  • restrict processing;
  • receive data in a portable format;
  • object to processing based on legitimate interests;
  • withdraw consent at any time;
  • lodge a complaint with a data protection supervisory authority.

To exercise your rights, contact hello@secondhomedecisions.com.

The competent supervisory authority for private-sector controllers in Bavaria is:

Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision (BayLDA)
Promenade 18
91522 Ansbach
Germany
www.lda.bayern.de

14. Automated decision-making

We do not currently use personal data for automated decision-making that produces legal or similarly significant effects.

15. Children

This publication is not directed at children. We do not knowingly seek newsletter subscriptions from children under 16.

16. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy when services, processing activities or legal requirements change. The current version and update date will always be published on this page.