buying house with possible flooding

jstvj

I have found an ideallic property close to a river, but it could be a blessing in disguise. Does anyone know (Environmental Agency ?) how I can find out if the property has been flooded in the past ?

Richard_Webster

To start with go to:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/37837.aspx and put in your postcode - even on maximum zoom the plans are not very detailed but they are a start.

There are searches available for around £20-£25 which give details of the inter alia the number of insurance claims made to Norwich Union in the area.

Also have a look at:
http://www.landmark.co.uk/corp/content.jsp?head=39230&body=39229

jstvj

Richard_Webster wrote: »

To start with go to:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/37837.aspx and put in your postcode - even on maximum zoom the plans are not very detailed but they are a start.

There are searches available for around £20-£25 which give details of the inter alia the number of insurance claims made to Norwich Union in the area.

Also have a look at:
http://www.landmark.co.uk/corp/content.jsp?head=39230&body=39229

Richard
Many thanks for your suggestion. I did lok on the Environmental Agency site but they area I am interested in was not covered. Also as you have said they the maps are not very detailed. However, I will try your other suggestions, many thanks.

Milliewilly

Ask the locals.

I lived in a watermill right next to the river. If you want the beauty of a riverside property you have to accept the risk - I would buy a property next to a river any day - in fact finding one is the hardest part as they are so popular.

Check you can get insurance too.

jstvj

Milliewilly wrote: »

Ask the locals.

I lived in a watermill right next to the river. If you want the beauty of a riverside property you have to accept the risk - I would buy a property next to a river any day - in fact finding one is the hardest part as they are so popular.

Check you can get insurance too.

Not many locals around and the immediate neiibours in the Mill next door didn't seem very forthcoming. As you say though, insurance is the imporant thing and presumably this could be checked by asking for a quotation before purchase. Thanks very much.

kaych

jstvj wrote: »

Richard
Many thanks for your suggestion. I did lok on the Environmental Agency site but they area I am interested in was not covered. Also as you have said they the maps are not very detailed. However, I will try your other suggestions, many thanks.

What area are you looking at? coz I think the EA flood map only covers England and Wales. The EA map should be detailed enough to tell you which flood zone your site is located in.

kaych

Just another note, you may want to try the local authority or sewer company to obtain history of flooding in that area.

jstvj

kaych wrote: »

What area are you looking at? coz I think the EA flood map only covers England and Wales. The EA map should be detailed enough to tell you which flood zone your site is located in.

Its location is South East Cornwall, so local authority is now Cornwall Council. I will try them and South West Water, thank you.

lincroft1710

If the neighbours weren't very forthcoming it may be because they didn't want to spoil their neighbour's chance of a sale.

Milliewilly

Have you asked the sellers directly - they have to give a full and truthful answer by law or its misrepresentation?

Is there a local shop / post office to ask in?

Wobblydeb

I live next to a river, and can recommend Direct Line for a realistic insurance quote....