Q: HOW do I find out if a property I am thinking of buying is at risk of flooding? Mrs K, Stroud.

A: In 2009 the Environment Agency estimated that one in six (5.2 million) properties in England were at risk of flooding in one form or another.

This was double the numbers that were previously thought to be at risk.

The reason for the increase is that for the first time properties at risk from surface water flooding have been included. This is likely to increase due to the rise in the number of unusual weather events brought about by climate change.

Some 70 per cent of the damage suffered in the floods of summer 2007 was from surface water.

The losses suffered by insurers will drive up the cost of premiums for those properties deemed at risk. If insurance cover is not available on standard terms it will also make it extremely difficult to get a mortgage.

The availability of insurance on ‘normal’ terms and the greater perceived risk of flooding will have an effect on a property’s value.

The Environment Agency maps will give you a risk factor for your property based on its postcode.

If your property is in an area identified as being at risk of flooding, the risk is graded as low, moderate, or significant.

Whilst information can be easily obtained from the Environment Agency website environment-agency.gov.uk, the flood maps do not include information about some flood risks, including surface water and ground water flooding. However, there are companies that can provide a ‘desktop’ flood search for a modest cost that is dwarfed by the potential losses that could be suffered if the property flooded.

If you are buying a house it is better to have this information at an early stage before you incur legal and other costs.

A downloadable booklet ‘A Clear Guide to Flooding for Property Owners’ can be found on: richardwoodsurveying.co.uk Please continue to send your questions to:clive@sawyersestateagents.co.uk.

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