When you see a property for sale that’s surprisingly affordable, it can be very tempting to put in an offer. But if you see it’s also near a river or on a floodplain, risk of flooding could be the reason for the low price.

In this blog, we consider the risks of buying a house on a floodplain and how to sell property that’s flooded in the past. We can give you our thoughts and general guidance, but you should seek specific advice from your conveyancer and other professionals before committing to buying a house on a floodplain. 

What are the risks of buying a house on a floodplain? 

Flooding

The most obvious risk is flooding! Flooding might be from a local river, or it might be from groundwater or – in the worst case – it might be sewage. And if you’re house hunting in a coastal area, the property might be at risk of flooding from the sea (not a problem in landlocked Surrey!). 

However, it’s important to remember that just because a property is on a floodplain, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it floods frequently or seriously. The seller should declare whether it has flooded in the past, and what kind of a flood it was. If there is any doubt about the nature of the flood, your conveyancer will bring it out into the open. It’s in your power as a buyer to ask the estate agent at the time of the viewing, and also to ask your conveyancer to look into it in detail. 

For example, it might be the case that the garden floods but the house stays dry. If that’s the case, you could plant some lovely moisture-loving trees and feel confident that the house itself is unlikely to flood.

It’s also possible to organise a home so that floods cause as little damage as possible. Consider installing high shelves where you can move personal items to keep them out of a flood. Also consider buying furniture that’s easy to move, or could be raised up out of floodwater. Get your own stock of sandbags and make friends with your neighbours – you might need to team up in the event of a flood. 

Home insurance

Another risk is that you might struggle to secure home insurance. Your premiums might well be higher than for your previous property, or you might be refused insurance altogether. Sometimes, the property owner will be asked to submit an insurance-linked request letter, which details the history of flooding in that area and what measures have been put in place to reduce the risk. This letter may help you secure insurance even if the property is at risk of flooding.

Selling the property in future

The last risk is that you might be stuck with a property that’s difficult to sell in future. However, the right buyer is out there – read on to find out more. 

Can I sell property in a flood zone?

Yes, you can sell property in a flood zone. It’s important to remember that, in general, a house in a flood zone will probably command a lower price than a similar house that’s not. 

However, it’s also worth noting that there’s more to buying a property than managing flood risk. If your property is in a great location, near public transport and good schools, it might attract a buyer for whom those factors outweigh the risk. 

Properties in flood zones can also be very attractive. Surrey’s waterways are mostly delightful, with calm, reflective water and overhanging trees. If your property is a picturesque cottage with a river running alongside it, it might attract a buyer who’ll take a risk to live in such a beautiful environment. 

Buy and sell property in Guildford 

If you have property to sell in Guildford, we hope you’ll consider Cobbles. Our experienced team have great local knowledge and can help connect your unique property with the right buyer. Explore our site to find out more, or get in touch today on 01483 457 000 – we’d love to hear from you. 

External links:

Real-time flood alerts in Surrey

Guildford’s flood risk assessment summary