Flood risk symbols for estate agents

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is proposing traffic light symbols in red, amber and green, to warn buyers about the flood dangers.

Around one in six properties would be labelled as either amber or red. The ABI says the symbols would prompt buyers to investigate flood risks properly. It claims that at the moment, house-hunters are more likely to ask about parking provision than flooding. Last December, as many as 16,000 homes in the north of England succumbed to flood waters, as a result of Storm Desmond and Storm Eva.

Estate agents say they are unlikely to take up the idea. They point out that, under the Consumer Protection Regulations, they are already obliged to tell buyers of any material concerns about a property, including the risk of flooding. But having such prominent warning symbols would put most buyers off, they say.

Being aware of your surroundings is important. If you are looking to buy a home, you should be aware if it falls within an area of risk (or potential risk) of flooding. You are responsible for your home and its important to be aware of this.

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