Flood Risk Check
Check the flood risk for any property in England. Free flood zone data from the Environment Agency covering river flooding, coastal flooding, and surface water risk — for every address.
Check a property flood risk →Environment Agency Flood Zones Explained
Little or no risk of flooding from rivers or the sea. Most properties in England are in Zone 1.
Between a 1 in 100 and 1 in 1,000 chance of flooding in any given year from rivers or sea.
Greater than 1 in 100 chance of flooding from rivers (or 1 in 200 from sea) in any year.
Land that floods frequently and is designed to convey or store water in major flood events.
Types of flood risk assessed
- ✓River flooding (fluvial) — watercourse overflow
- ✓Coastal flooding — storm surge and tidal
- ✓Surface water flooding — drainage overload
- ✓Environment Agency flood zone classification
- ✓Flood history and incident records
- ✓Combined with EPC, sold prices, and UPRN data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a flood zone?
The Environment Agency divides England into flood zones based on the probability of flooding from rivers and the sea (not surface water). Flood Zone 1 is low risk (less than 0.1% annual probability). Flood Zone 2 is medium risk (between 0.1% and 1% annual probability from rivers; 0.1% to 0.5% from the sea). Flood Zone 3a is high risk (greater than 1% annual probability from rivers; greater than 0.5% from the sea). Flood Zone 3b is the functional floodplain.
What is the difference between river, sea, and surface water flood risk?
River flooding occurs when watercourses overflow their banks after prolonged or intense rainfall. Sea flooding (coastal flooding) occurs when storm surges raise sea levels above normal coastal defences. Surface water flooding (also called pluvial flooding) happens when heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems before reaching a watercourse — it is not captured by flood zone maps and is assessed separately by local authorities.
Does flood risk affect mortgage applications?
Yes. Mortgage lenders routinely check flood risk as part of their valuation assessment. Properties in Flood Zone 3 or with a history of flooding may be subject to higher rates, restricted lending, or declined applications. Lenders typically require evidence of flood insurance for high-risk properties.
Does flood risk affect buildings insurance?
Flood risk can significantly affect the availability and cost of buildings insurance. The Flood Re scheme helps make insurance more affordable for higher-risk properties built before 2009, but properties built after 2009 in high-risk areas are excluded from Flood Re.
How often is flood risk data updated?
The Environment Agency updates its flood zone maps periodically as new modelling and survey data becomes available. Property Passport UK refreshes its flood risk data from the EA's National Flood Risk Assessment on a regular basis. However, flood risk is inherently dynamic — always check the EA's live Flood Map for Planning for the most current official information.
What should I do if my property is in a high flood risk area?
If your property is in Flood Zone 2 or 3, consider: registering for the Environment Agency's free Flood Warning Service; installing property flood resilience (PFR) measures such as flood barriers and non-return valves; reviewing your buildings and contents insurance; and speaking with your mortgage lender about their requirements. The National Flood Forum provides guidance for homeowners in flood-risk areas.