"It’s concerning that almost 110,000 new homes have been built in the last decade in a flood zone, leaving thousands of homeowners and tenants at risk. Crucially, these homes are not covered by the Flood Re insurance scheme and many may have been constructed without flood resilience"
- Jason Storah - Aviva
New analysis from Aviva has shown that, since 2013/14, 1,355,330 new homes have been completed in England. 8% of these, equating to 109,017 homes, have been built in National Flood Zone Three, which represents the highest risk of flooding.
Some of these properties will be protected by flood defence systems but some locations may have no defences in place. This number excludes 2022/23 where figures are not yet available.
This is despite homes built since 2009 being excluded from the Flood Re reinsurance scheme which was set up in 2016 to improve the affordability and accessibility of flood insurance to homes in high-risk areas.
Furthermore, research commissioned by Aviva among residents of homes built in the last five years reveals that 59% believe their home is at risk from flooding, compared with 41% of residents of homes built pre-2018. Worryingly, 19% of new-build home residents believe the location of their home is unsuitable due to the potential risk of flooding.
It appears climate concerns also extend beyond flooding. 61% of new home residents are concerned about the impact of heat on their homes, compared with 46% of residents of homes built pre-2018. Storms are also a concern, cited by 62% of new build residents (51% of residents of homes built before 2018).
Many newly built homes have experienced some damage since they were built. According to the research, 13% of new build residents say their home has been affected by flooding inside and 16% of new homes have suffered a flood event in the garden. However, the research also reveals new homes are not just at risk from flooding but wider construction issues.
Jason Storah, CEO UK & Ireland General Insurance, Aviva, said: “It has been heartbreaking to see the devastation caused by flooding during recent winter storms. Sadly, some homes have flooded multiple times and inevitably, many affected properties will be on newer developments.
“It’s concerning that almost 110,000 new homes have been built in the last decade in a flood zone, leaving thousands of homeowners and tenants at risk. Crucially, these homes are not covered by the Flood Re insurance scheme and many may have been constructed without flood resilience.
"Not only are these newly-built homes at high risk, but they also face the prospect of repeated flooding and may not be protected by flood defences to prevent or limit flood damage.
“Insurance can play its part by restoring homes and offering financial reassurance, but it cannot replace cherished family possessions or prevent the emotional impact that floods bring.
"It is paramount that any future plans for new homes include strengthened rules to prevent the development of buildings in current and potential flood zones. But in some low-lying parts of the country, this is more difficult. In these cases, flood resilience should be made mandatory in planning rules and built-in from the outset.”
26% have suffered a water leak; 18% have been damaged by storms and 15% have been affected by subsidence, severe movement or tree damage.
Echoing this real-life experience, new-build residents are also worried about the construction of their homes. 35% are concerned about the quality of workmanship and 34% worry about the quality of materials. 21% are concerned about the lack of resilience in their home. Only 26% have no concerns about the quality of the build.
Whilst 60% of newly built home residents are confident their home builder or developer has done enough to protect their home, only 51% are aware if measures have been put in place to reduce or prevent flooding.
However, although some new homes may face a greater risk of flooding, the research reveals those living in new homes are more aware of the measures needed to make their property more resilient to climate impacts. 42% agree they know what steps to take to improve resilience and only 26% have not installed resilient measures, compared with 60% of residents of homes built pre-2018.
Storah concludes: “It's worrying that many newly-built homes have already suffered a flood within five years of construction. This suggests the homes may have been built in unsuitable locations to standards which are unable to withstand flooding. However, the research reveals wider concerns about construction which could leave these homeowners and tenants at risk from other climate events, including hot, dry weather.
“If we are to prevent more scenes of devastation caused by extreme weather, we need to work collectively to change where and how we build. By building houses that are climate-ready and able to withstand the multiple impacts of climate change we can provide safe and sustainable homes for our future generations.”
