One in nine new homes in England built in areas of flood risk, study shows

The Guardian - World NewsEN 4 min read 100% complete by Helena Horton Environment reporterFebruary 18, 2026 at 01:01 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

A recent study by insurer Aviva reveals that one in nine new homes built in England between 2022 and 2024 are in areas at medium to high risk of flooding, a rise from previous years. The data, cross-referenced with Environment Agency assessments, indicates that over 43,000 new homes are potentially vulnerable. Aviva projects that by 2050, climate change will increase flood risk for these properties, with 15% facing medium to high risk and 30% facing some risk. The research highlights a potential conflict between government housing targets and the need to avoid building in flood-prone areas. While the government claims flood defenses mitigate the risk, Aviva disputes this. Greater London and Essex have the highest proportion of new homes in flood-risk areas.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Essex 40% Ordnance Survey 40% Greater London 40% Ministry for Housing 50% Defra 60% Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs 60% Emma Howard Boyd 70% Environment Agency ×270% Aviva ×580% United Kingdom ×490%

Keywords

flood risk 100% new homes 90% climate breakdown 70% housing targets 60% flood defences 60% aviva 50% england 50% affordable housing 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.60

Source Transparency

Source

The Guardian - World News

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

England

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis.

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flood risk new homes climate breakdown housing targets flood defences aviva england affordable housing

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