How Does Flood Risk Affect Home Value & Insurance?

As you’d probably expect, homes and businesses located in flood-prone areas are generally more difficult and expensive to insure. Insurers are cautious when there’s a history or risk of water damage, and that’s not the only issue.

These properties also tend to suffer a hit in value, and there are two major reasons for this:

• Flooding poses a serious risk to health and safety.

• Properties with a flood history are harder to secure building cover for, and that can cause real problems when it comes to getting a mortgage.

So, what’s the solution?

Before anything else, the property's flood risk needs to be properly assessed. From there, putting adequate protection measures in place becomes crucial to safeguard both the building and the people inside it. Understandably, regions that are more prone to flooding will be affected the most.

SO, HOW CAN YOU ACTIVELY PLAN AND PREPARE FOR THE WORST?

Every precaution you take, even the smallest one, can make a big difference. If you live in a high-risk flood area, here are some simple yet essential tips to help you stay one step ahead:

1. Have an Emergency Flood Kit Ready

Floods can hit fast and hard, sometimes leaving people stranded for days while emergency services work to deal with the broader crisis. Roads can be blocked or washed out entirely. That’s why it’s a smart move to prepare a flood emergency kit in advance. What should it include?

Think practical: waterproof clothing, bottled water, non-perishable food, necessary medication, and anything else you might need if you're stuck without access to outside help.

2. Keep Your Mobile Charged

It may sound obvious, but it's easy to forget: make sure your mobile phone is charged daily. In case of an emergency, communication is key. If you’re not carrying it with you, store your phone upstairs, safely out of reach from rising floodwater.

3. Know Your Shut-Off Points

In some cases, you might get a flood warning in time. In others, a sudden surge could take you by surprise. Either way, be ready. Make sure you know exactly how to shut off your home’s utilities: gas, electricity, and water. This simple step can prevent further danger and damage during a flood.

4. Act Fast When Alerts Come In

If you haven’t yet invested in long-term flood safety solutions and your area is on high alert, now’s the time to act. Quick fixes like sandbags, flood sacks, and door guards can help hold back the water, even at short notice. Contact your local council for emergency supplies and advice, they’ll be your best point of contact when things escalate.

Preparation doesn’t just protect your property, it gives you peace of mind. And in flood-prone areas, that’s something you can’t afford to ignore.

For more information, contact us on: 01480 442327