The UK is understood for a lot of issues, however we will’t deny that wet climate is certainly considered one of them. When it rains, it pours, and notably heavy downpours (plus different causes like tidal surges and raised groundwater ranges) can result in flooding in sure components of the nation.
Flooding issues could come up in case you’re desirous to get on the property ladder as a result of round 5.5 million properties in England are literally in danger,, together with a proportion of properties constructed within the final decade. So it’s attainable that your house-hunt could lead on you into flood-risk areas.
When you is likely to be apprehensive to make a suggestion on, and even view, a flood-risk house, there’s loads of causes a danger or historical past of flooding shouldn’t cease you from buying your dream house in a selected location.
Remaining knowledgeable and ready is your finest wager on this scenario so, hold studying to seek out out what try to be contemplating when shopping for a house in a flood danger space, together with key tips about easy methods to get knowledgeable about your property forward of shopping for it, and how one can finest defend it after a sale goes by means of.
How will you discover out if a house is in a flood danger space?
A part of preserving knowledgeable is realizing what you’re coping with from the get-go. You may verify the long-term flood danger for any space in England by way of the government website, the place you may also hold up-to-date with current flood risks in the UK.
There are additionally web sites that can allow you 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 acquire the extent of the harm and the price of repairs from the vendor – this might impression the quantity you select to supply or in case you proceed with the sale. You can even ask the property agent. Each have a duty to reveal any recognized data of this nature.
If you wish to keep away from any awkwardness, you may also e mail the property’s handle to [email protected] and ask for a flooding historical past report.
Ensure you’re checking for the various kinds 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 in the case of flood-risk properties, so it’s necessary to be sure you’d have the ability to borrow the mandatory funds earlier than falling too deeply in love along with your potential new house.
How will you defend your new property from flooding?
So, now you’re knowledgeable on what could also be coming, virtually, remaining ready for a attainable flood will assist to present you some peace of thoughts.
Firsty, you possibly can join flood warnings to make sure that you’re by no means caught off guard, and verify for support and local flood plans.
You can even discover out what public or native flood defences are in place within the space, for instance limitations. These will usually be managed by the Environment Agency and would possibly scale back your want for private defences.
Creating your personal flood plan might be useful too. This will embody transferring necessary paperwork to a protected place, realizing the place you possibly can go to for assist if obligatory, easy methods to hold your pets secure throughout a flood, and how one can defend your car from flood damage, plus itemizing what ought to be included in your flood package.
There are additionally easy-to-apply defences which you can buy your self, together with:
Flood limitations – 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 harm.
Water diverters – Just like flood limitations, 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 is going to hold 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 might be an necessary a part of the home-buying course of, and we’re one of many few insurance coverage brokers that may supply applicable flood insurance choices for properties which can be 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 house insurance coverage quote or book a callback at a time that fits you.
