The UK is understood for a lot of issues, however we are able to’t deny that wet climate is certainly considered one of them. When it rains, it pours, and significantly heavy downpours (plus different causes like tidal surges and raised groundwater ranges) can result in flooding in sure components of the nation.
Flooding issues might come up when you’re desirous to get on the property ladder as a result of round 5.5 million houses in England are literally in danger,, together with a proportion of houses constructed within the final decade. So it’s doable that your house-hunt may lead you into flood-risk areas.
When you may be apprehensive to make a suggestion on, and even view, a flood-risk residence, there’s loads of causes a danger or historical past of flooding shouldn’t cease you from buying your dream residence in a particular location.
Remaining knowledgeable and ready is your greatest guess on this state of affairs so, preserve studying to seek out out what you need to be contemplating when shopping for a house in a flood danger space, together with key recommendations on easy methods to get knowledgeable about your property forward of shopping for it, and how one can greatest shield it after a sale goes by way of.
How are you going to discover out if a house is in a flood danger space?
A part of conserving knowledgeable is realizing what you’re coping with from the get-go. You may test the long-term flood danger for any space in England by way of the government website, the place it’s also possible to preserve up-to-date with current flood risks in the UK.
There are additionally web sites that can make it easier to analysis the flood danger in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Can you discover out the flooding historical past of a property?
If the home has flooded beforehand, attempt to receive the extent of the injury and the price of repairs from the vendor – this might affect the quantity you select to supply or when you proceed with the sale. It’s also possible to ask the property agent. Each have a duty to reveal any identified data of this nature.
If you wish to keep away from any awkwardness, it’s also possible to e mail the property’s handle to [email protected] and ask for a flooding historical past report.
Ensure you’re checking for the several types of flooding that may happen, as coastal flooding could also be categorised otherwise to the flooding that may occur to a riverside property.
You must also be sure that you speak to your mortgage advisor/lender. Some could also be pickier than others on the subject of flood-risk properties, so it’s essential to be sure to’d be capable to borrow the mandatory funds earlier than falling too deeply in love along with your potential new residence.
How are you going to shield your new property from flooding?
So, now you’re knowledgeable on what could also be coming, virtually, remaining ready for a doable flood will assist to provide you some peace of thoughts.
Firsty, you may join flood warnings to make sure that you’re by no means caught off guard, and test for support and local flood plans.
It’s also possible to discover out what public or native flood defences are in place within the space, for instance obstacles. These will typically be managed by the Environment Agency and would possibly scale back your want for private defences.
Creating your individual flood plan might be useful too. This may occasionally embody shifting essential paperwork to a protected place, realizing the place you may go to for assist if essential, easy methods to preserve your pets protected throughout a flood, and how one can shield your car from flood damage, plus itemizing what needs to be included in your flood equipment.
There are additionally easy-to-apply defences that you could buy your self, together with:
Flood obstacles – These might be put round your house and in doorways to forestall the flood coming into your house.
Sandbags – The sand will assist to soak up the water earlier than it might probably seep into your property and trigger injury.
Water diverters – Just like flood obstacles, these are designed to not simply cease the flood in its tracks, but in addition divert the water away.
All of this preparation is straightforward however extremely efficient; and it’s possible you’ll by no means have to utilise it, however it’ll preserve you feeling reassured and able to go.
How can insurance coverage assist to guard your property in a excessive danger flood space?
Adrian Flux understands that insuring your property will likely be an essential a part of the home-buying course of, and we’re one of many few insurance coverage brokers that may provide acceptable flood insurance choices for houses which are situated in areas with a reasonable to excessive danger of flooding.
Even when the property has been flooded earlier than, we’ll try to seek out an insurance coverage deal that’s best for you. Name 0800 369 8590 for a fast and simple residence insurance coverage quote or book a callback at a time that fits you.
