Comprehensive Mapping and Data Solutions
Key Datasets
What is a Residential Flood Risk Report?
The Groundsure Flood Report report uses a detailed water and drainage risk model devised by industry experts, and provides a detailed flood risk report on all potential flood hazards – not just river and tidal. The report includes unique Groundsure risk analysis as well as a view on flood risk insurance and offers access to our expertly qualified environmental consultants for further advice and support on your flood check property report.
Key Features of a Groundsure Flood Report
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River and coastal flood risk data from the Environment Agency including RoFRaS, flood defences, areas benefiting from flood defences and proposed flood defence schemes in our flood risk report.
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5m surface water (pluvial) and groundwater flooding data
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Groundwater flooding susceptibility data from the British Geological Survey
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Environment Agency recorded historic flood events
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FloodScore™ gives an indicative assessment of the potential insurance risk classification from flooding
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FloodRe statement indicates properties at higher risk of flooding that could cede the flood cover to FloodRe
Key Benefits of a Groundsure Flood Report
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Satisfies Law Society Practice note on Flood Risk
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Improved accuracy using Land Registry polygons
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Site boundary on MasterMap - enables clear identification of boundary for title
Residential Flood Risk Reports for Homebuyers and Property Professionals
Understanding potential flood risk is an important part of buying, selling or owning a residential property. A flood risk report can help identify potential hazards affecting a home, provide useful information during property transactions and highlight where further investigation may be appropriate.
The Groundsure Residential Flood Report brings together information from multiple flood data sources to provide an interpreted assessment of potential flood hazards. Unlike searches that focus exclusively on river and coastal flooding, it considers a wider range of sources, including surface water and groundwater flooding.
Designed for homebuyers, conveyancers, solicitors, mortgage professionals and property owners, the report helps make complex flood information easier to understand as part of residential property due diligence.
What Does a Residential Flood Report Cover?
Flooding can occur in several different ways, and a property may be exposed to more than one potential source. The Groundsure Flood Report considers a range of flood hazards, including:
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River and coastal flooding: Environment Agency information covering river and tidal flood risk, flood defences, areas benefiting from flood defences and proposed flood defence schemes.
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Surface water flooding: High-resolution 5m surface water data identifying areas that may be susceptible to flooding following heavy rainfall.
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Groundwater flooding: Information about potential groundwater flood susceptibility, including data from the British Geological Survey.
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Historical flood events: Recorded Environment Agency flood events that provide additional context about previous flooding.
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Flood insurance considerations: FloodScore™ provides an indicative assessment of potential flood insurance risk classification.
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FloodRe information: A statement indicating whether a property may fall within the higher-risk category associated with the FloodRe scheme.
By bringing together information from these different sources, the report provides a broader overview of potential flood hazards affecting a residential property.
Why Get a Flood Report When Buying a House?
Flood risk is an important consideration when purchasing a property. Even if a home has never experienced flooding, its location and surrounding environment may indicate potential exposure to future flood events.
A residential flood risk report can help homebuyers and their conveyancers:
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Identify potential flood hazards before completing a purchase.
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Understand whether a property may be affected by river, coastal, surface water or groundwater flooding.
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Review available information about historical flood events.
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Consider potential implications for buildings insurance.
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Identify whether further enquiries or specialist advice may be appropriate.
Having this information during the conveyancing process can help buyers make more informed decisions and understand potential issues before committing to a purchase.
Understanding FloodScore™ and FloodRe
The Groundsure Residential Flood Report includes FloodScore™, which provides an indicative assessment of the potential insurance risk classification associated with flooding. This can help homebuyers and property professionals understand whether flood risk may be a consideration when arranging buildings insurance.
The report also includes a FloodRe statement, highlighting properties identified as being at higher risk of flooding that could potentially have flood cover ceded to the FloodRe scheme.
These indicators provide useful context, but they do not guarantee that insurance will be available or confirm the terms or premiums an insurer will offer. Individual insurers make their own decisions based on their assessment of the property and its circumstances.
Accurate Property Boundaries and Flood Risk Mapping
Understanding exactly which property is being assessed is important when interpreting flood information. The Groundsure Residential Flood Report uses Land Registry polygons to improve property identification and includes the site boundary on Ordnance Survey MasterMap.
This helps provide clearer geographical context for the assessment, allowing flood information to be considered in relation to the relevant property boundary rather than relying solely on a general postcode or approximate location.
Residential and Commercial Flood Risk Reports
Different property types have different requirements when it comes to flood risk assessment. The Groundsure Residential Flood Report is designed for residential property enquiries and homebuyer due diligence.
For business premises, investment properties and commercial property transactions, see our Commercial Flood Report, which provides flood risk information tailored to commercial property requirements.
Explore our full range of Flood Risk and SuDS Reports to find other assessments for property, development and drainage projects.
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