House with high risk of groundwater flooding

jeffwjz

Hi, I may need some help here.


We are buying a new property and the solicitors returned with a conveyance report saying the house has a high risk of groundwater flooding, the overall floodability rating is Amber.


Good thing is that the report shows no risk of surface water flooding. I'm wondering if the risk of groundwater flooding could be a big deal? Any advice will be very helpful.


Thanks in advance.


Jeff

ProDave

Explain the difference between ground water and surface water? Both look exactly the same when you are up to your knees in water in your living room.

There are plenty pf houses without such a risk. I would keep looking. It would have to be VERY cheap to tempt me.

ReadingTim

It could make obtaining buildings insurance more difficult, and therefore more expensive...

RockOnZombies

I work for a local authority that looks at flood risk issues from surface water, groundwater and small rivers, my advice is that if the groundwater flood rating is that high do some more investigation!

Has anyone checked out whether there are any springs or historical springs listed on OS maps? Look at soil conditions using free online soils maps which will tell you whether water soaks away quickly or not.

And most importantly be aware that if it is your responsibility to deal with the flooding if it occurs, its not your local authority's all they'll do is investigate it and maybe give you some advice on how to handle it.

Just a thought maybe ring your local authority and talk to their Drainage department (most LA's have one these days) they may have local knowledge that isn't written down and doesn't show up on any reports which will help far more than any map.