ORJ SOLICITORS: FLOODING - YOU DON'T NEED TO BE BY A RIVER OR SEA

Given all the current news showing the flooding crisis in the UK at the moment, it shows more than ever the need to consider flood risk when purchasing a property.
The issue of insurability of properties is now a high profile issue which can potentially affect the cost you must pay to insure your home.

The Environmental Agency assess that 1 in 6 properties are at risk of flooding.  The most common types of flooding are:-

• Surface water flooding - occurs when heavy rainfall overwhelms the drainage capacity of an area.

• Sewer flooding - occurs when sewers are overwhelmed by heavy rainfall or when they become blocked.

• Groundwater flooding - occurs when underground water levels rise above surface level. This is most likely to occur in low lying areas underlain by permeable rocks.

• River flooding - occurs when a watercourse cannot cope with the water draining into it from the surrounding land.

• Coastal flooding - results from a combination of high tides, low lying land and, sometimes, stormy conditions.

ORJ Solicitors recommend that a Flood Risk Search is obtained when purchasing your property.  This will give further details as to insurability, based on the level of flood risk.  This search will also assess the risk of flooding from river, coastal, groundwater and surface water sources and will determine whether the property is in or within:

a. 250m of an area affected by flooding (Zone 3) or extreme flooding (Zone 2)

b. 250m of flood defences or area defences

c. National Flood risk assessment (NaFRA)

Furthermore, the report will identify where groundwater flooding could potentially occur based on the underlying geological conditions.

We also recommend that you sign up for flood warnings at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31618.aspx 

Finally, we would strongly recommend that you always make enquiries with insurance companies as to cost and insurability before you legally commit yourself to your purchase.

Tania Zompi

www.orj.co.uk