Brief
Aviva warns new UK homes in flood zones may become uninsurable
Aviva’s chief executive has warned that homes being constructed now in flood‑prone areas could face future insurance gaps.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Aviva chief executive Amanda Blanc said on the BBC that 115,000 homes could be built in flood‑risk areas over the next decade, and that many of those could become uninsurable as climate change worsens. She cited Aviva research showing that nearly a third of new homes built in 2024 will be at risk of some flooding by 2050, and one in seven will face medium‑to‑high risk. The Environment Agency estimates 6.3 million homes and businesses in England are at flood risk, a figure that could rise to around 8 million by mid‑century. Blanc warned that the Met Office has seen the frequency of very wet winters rise from once in 80 years to once in 20 years. She urged the government to avoid “kite‑flying” policy ahead of Chancellor John Healey’s budget on 28 October, and called for careful consideration of where new homes are built. The insurer also noted that a recent wet winter had highlighted the need for better flood mitigation measures.
Key facts
- Aviva CEO Amanda Blanc warned 115,000 homes could be built in flood zones in the next decade (theguardian.com)
- Aviva research shows nearly a third of new homes built in 2024 will be at risk of some flooding by 2050 (theguardian.com)
- Environment Agency estimates 6.3m homes and businesses in England at flood risk, rising to 8m by mid‑century (theguardian.com)
- Met Office notes very wet winters have become more frequent, from once in 80 years to once in 20 years (theguardian.com)
Background
Felo News previously covered flood‑proofing tips for UK homes in a 19 September article.
Why it matters
The potential loss of insurance coverage could affect homeowners and developers, raising costs and risks for new construction.
What happens next
Aviva has called for government action before the upcoming budget, and the insurer is urging better flood mitigation measures.
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “New UK homes in flood-risk areas could become uninsurable, says Aviva boss”
