Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using HomeBid ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Platform.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and HomeBid Limited ("HomeBid," "we," "us," or "our").

2. Definitions

• "Platform" means the HomeBid website, mobile applications, and all related services
• "User" means any person who accesses or uses the Platform
• "Buyer" means a User seeking to purchase property
• "Seller" means a User seeking to sell property
• "Professional" means estate agents, solicitors, or other licensed professionals using the Platform
• "Transaction" means any property sale facilitated through the Platform
• "Content" means all information, data, text, software, images, or other materials

3. Eligibility

To use HomeBid, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts
• Not be prohibited from using the Platform under UK law
• Provide accurate and complete registration information
• Maintain the security of your account credentials

4. Account Registration

4.1 Creating an Account

You must create an account to use most features of the Platform. You agree to:

• Provide true, accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of your login credentials
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or security breach
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account

4.2 Identity Verification

To ensure platform integrity and comply with legal requirements, we require identity verification through:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of address
• Biometric verification (where applicable)
• KYC/AML screening
• Financial verification for buyers

5. Platform Services

5.1 Marketplace

HomeBid provides a marketplace connecting buyers, sellers, and professionals for property transactions. We facilitate but do not directly participate in transactions.

5.2 Transaction Management

Our platform provides tools for managing property transactions including:

• Property listing and search
• Bid management and offer acceptance
• Document storage and sharing
• Chain visualization and tracking
• Communication between parties
• Progress monitoring and milestones

5.3 Blockchain Services

We utilize blockchain technology to create NFT Property Passports. You acknowledge that blockchain records are permanent and cannot be deleted or modified.

6. User Obligations

6.1 Prohibited Activities

You agree NOT to:

• Provide false, inaccurate, or misleading information
• Impersonate any person or entity
• Engage in fraudulent activities or money laundering
• Upload malicious code, viruses, or harmful content
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Platform
• Scrape, harvest, or collect data from the Platform
• Use the Platform for any illegal purpose
• Harass, abuse, or harm other Users
• Manipulate prices or engage in artificial bidding
• Circumvent security or authentication measures

6.2 Property Listings

If you list a property, you represent and warrant that:

• You have legal authority to sell the property
• All information provided is accurate and complete
• The property complies with all applicable laws and regulations
• You will disclose all material defects or issues
• You will honor accepted offers in good faith

7. Fees and Payments

7.1 Service Fees

HomeBid charges fees for certain services. All fees are clearly displayed before you commit to a transaction.

7.2 Payment Terms

• All fees are in GBP (£) unless otherwise stated
• Fees are non-refundable except as required by law
• You authorize us to charge your payment method
• You are responsible for any taxes on fees

7.3 Transaction Fees

A transaction fee of approximately 1.5% of the property value may apply to completed sales. Professional subscription fees may also apply for agents and solicitors.

8. Intellectual Property

8.1 Our Rights

All content, features, functionality, and intellectual property of the Platform are owned by HomeBid and protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws.

8.2 Your License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Platform for its intended purposes.

8.3 User Content

By uploading content, you grant us a worldwide, royalty-free license to use, store, display, and distribute that content as necessary to provide our services.

9. Disclaimers

We strongly recommend that you: Obtain independent legal advice before entering any property transaction, conduct proper surveys and searches, verify all information independently, and understand all risks involved in property purchases.

10. Limitation of Liability

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded under applicable law.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless HomeBid, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another party
• Your negligence or willful misconduct

12. Termination

12.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us at support@home-bid.co.uk

12.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your account immediately if:

• You violate these Terms
• You engage in fraudulent or illegal activity
• Your account poses a security risk
• We are required to do so by law
• We cease operations

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

13.2 Dispute Resolution Process

Before filing any legal action, you agree to attempt to resolve disputes through:

1. Direct negotiation with HomeBid
2. Mediation if negotiation fails
3. Arbitration or court proceedings as a last resort

13.3 Jurisdiction

Any legal proceedings shall be brought exclusively in the courts of England and Wales.

14. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Email notification to your registered address
• Prominent notice on the Platform
• In-app notification

Your continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

15. General Provisions

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and HomeBid.

15.2 Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.

15.3 No Waiver

Failure to enforce any right does not constitute a waiver of that right.

15.4 Assignment

You may not assign these Terms without our written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.

16. Contact Information