Consumer Property Guides

A clear guide to Flooding for property owners

The RICS Flooding Working Group has published a new consumer guide to Flooding for property owners.

Flooding could seriously affect the value and amenity of your home or business premises. There will probably be an increasing number of floods in the future due to changes in weather patterns, the amount of new building on low-lying areas in recent years, and other local factors.

This guide provides useful information and practical advice on how to prepare for and deal with a flood, supplying answers to the following essential questions:

• What is the risk to property from flooding?
• How do I find out if my property, or a property I am thinking of buying, is at risk of flooding?
• How will the flood risk affect the value and insurability of my property?
• What can I do to deal with any flood risk to my property?
• What can I do to prepare for a flood?
• Should I install flood defences to my property?
• What should I do if my property is flooded?
• Why does it take so long to reinstate a property after a flood?
• Useful links – who can I go to for help in dealing with flood risk and reinstatement?

For more information

• The Environment Agency has an extensive website covering flood risks and what to do to prepare for a flood, during a flood, and after a flood.
  
• The National Flood Forum is an extensive site offering a wide range of help and advice about flooding. The Blue Pages Index on the National Flood Forum website gives suppliers and contractors for all aspects of flood defence and flood remediation.
  
• Association of British Insurers provides reports and Policy statements on flooding risk and insurance issues, and guidance on choosing appropriate insurers.

Alternatively, please contact the RICS Contact Centre who can assist you with our ‘Find a Surveyor’ service.

t +44 (0) 870 333 1600
e contactrics@rics.org