Things to Consider Before Buying a House in a Flood-Risk Area

So you’ve found the home of your dreams. It’s close to top-rated schools, and the nearby amenities are fabulous. But there’s just one problem – you’ve discovered that it’s in a high-risk flood zone! Before you panic and scrap the idea of buying it, it may not be a dealbreaker.

4 Things to Know Before Buying

There are lots of ways to make it work for you. To help you make the right decision, here are four things you should know and consider before buying a house in a flood-risk area.

1. How prevalent is the problem?

Before you panic too much, it’s a good idea to investigate how prevalent the problem is. Your estate agent can provide information about any past issues and what impact they had on the house. You can also do your own research into the flood plains. You can use the GOV.UKchecker to understand how severe the risk is and get a survey completed on the property for personalised advice.

2. What are the home insurance premiums like?

It’s possible that living in a high-risk flood area can equate to a higher home insurance premium. This is especially the case if there have been claims on the property in the past due to floods. It’s a good idea to get an online quote before you buy to see the potential cost. If it’s higher than you’re used to, it’s important to bear in mind that you may pay less for a property in a high-risk flood zone. So even though home insurance costs will be high, they could balance out long-term.

3. How important is the carpet downstairs?

It’s not completely necessary, but you may want to consider hardwood flooring or tiles downstairs if a home is in a high-risk flood area. This is because it’s usually a lot easier to clean or replace. It can also be much cheaper to replace than new carpets (including underlay and hiring a fitter). If you’re thinking about buying a house in a flood-risk area, consider how important it is that you have carpet downstairs beforehand. If it’s a non-negotiable, make sure you’re willing to replace it, potentially on a regular basis.

4. Are you willing to invest in precautionary measures?

To prevent incidents and excessive damage, it’s a good idea to consider whether you’re willing to invest in precautionary measures when you buy the property. Should a flood occur, there are lots of things you can do to minimise the impact. Rewiring plug sockets so they are higher up and not close to the ground will be an investment, but it could pay off in the long run. Plus, keeping a regular stock of sandbags in your garage or shed will come in handy. These are small measures, but if you’re prepared to invest, floods may not be so troublesome if they occur.

Want more tips?

Here at Redkey, we’d be happy to help you with your search for the right home. We take pride in answering any question you have about a property before buying a house in Cardiff. Contact us today at 02920 090690 or via email at hello@redkeylets.co.uk or get in touch with our sister company Fortis Estate Agents on 02920 561111.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying in Flood-Risk Areas

Should I avoid flood-risk areas altogether?

Not necessarily! While there are risks, flood-prone areas can offer beautiful locations and lower property prices. Careful research and preparation can help you decide if it's the right choice for you.

How can I find out about a property's flood risk?

You can check the GOV.UK flood risk checker and speak to your estate agent about past flooding in the area. Getting a flood risk survey on the property itself is also recommended.

Will flood insurance be more expensive in a high-risk area?

Yes, flood insurance premiums are likely to be higher in high-risk areas, especially if the property has a history of flooding. However, the lower purchase price of the property may offset this cost.

How can I prepare a flood-prone house for potential flooding?

Consider installing waterproof flooring downstairs, relocating electrical points to higher positions, and keeping sandbags readily available. These measures can lessen the damage if a flood does occur.