More than a third (37%) of UK adults believe their homes are at risk of flooding yet two-thirds (67%) haven’t put any flood resilience measures in place, research from Aviva’s second Building Future Communities Report shows. Flooding is the biggest climate change consideration when selecting a new home – more than half (59%) of UK adults are most concerned about this, compared to subsidence (40%) and excess heat (31%).
Meanwhile, the majority (80%) of UK residents feel it is important (50% “very important”) to make sure properties are built to be resilient to flooding.
One in five properties in England are currently at risk of flooding, says Aviva. Flood impacts likely to increase in future, as UK developers continue to build on flood plains, golf courses and land which is marginal as regards economic food production, due to it being waterlogged on a regular basis. That said, the UK government has been spending money on flood defence projects in Hull, the Somerset Levels and allocating an extra £150m in 2021 to several regional flood defence schemes.
Home defences
Aviva has conducted some analysis, looking at two 1930s homes, one with resilience measures and the other without.
With simple flood resilience measures in place, the depth of flood water reduced by 64% to just 20-30mm – which in many cases is the difference between having to move out or being able to stay in a home. The Aviva Building Future Communities report also found that failing to protect a house from flooding could have an enormous carbon footprint when restoring the property: 13.9 tonnes of CO2 emissions, equivalent to six and a half return transatlantic flights.
Owners and Tenants Have a Different Risk Reality
Although 55% of people are worried about the financial impacts of extreme weather (e.g. property damage), one in five (21%) UK adults say they do not have home insurance (buildings or contents). This is significantly higher among private renters (38%) and those in social housing (44%). Only 4% of those who own their home outright say the same. But the fact is anyone living in social housing would be rehoused, eventually, with many being gifted cash for new appliances, furniture and clothing – so why buy insurance when the Council, Housing Association or Government will pick up the tab?
According to Aviva two thirds (65%) of UK adults believe that climate change will have an impact on their home in the next 10 years – and nearly half (45%) said there will be an impact in the next 12 months.
Adam Winslow, Chief Executive Officer of Aviva UK & Ireland General Insurance, said:
“When a home floods, there’s not just a financial cost for the people who live there. There is also an emotional cost that comes with seeing treasured possessions being damanged by flood water, as well as living in temporary accommodation while the home is being restored. Some people worry that flood resilience measures may to be too obvious or unsightly, but most are unobtrusive and easy to action. Simple flood resilience measures can have an enormous, beneficial impact and can mean the difference between having to move out or being able to stay in your home.
“Installing property flood resilience measures such as fitting non-return valves on toilets, raising electrical sockets and raising up appliances such as TVs, fridges and cookers can all help to protect homes and possessions.”
More information and a copy of Aviva’s second ‘Building Future Communities’ report can be found at Building Future Communities report 2023 – Aviva
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