Flooding is one of the most common natural hazards in the UK, affecting thousands of properties every year. Whether you're buying a home, renting, or just curious about your area, knowing the flood risk is essential. Our Flood Risk Checker gives you instant access to official Environment Agency data for any UK postcode.
How It Works
Using the tool is simple:
- Enter a UK postcode — Start typing and select from suggestions
- Click Check — Get instant results
- Review the risk level — See a clear colour-coded assessment
The tool shows the flood risk level, explains what it means, and displays nearby postcodes that also have flood risk data. You can share results via a link or copy them for your records.
Understanding Flood Risk Levels
The Environment Agency classifies flood risk into four levels:
🔴 High Risk
Greater than a 1 in 30 (3.3%) chance of flooding each year. Over a 25-year mortgage, that's roughly a 57% chance of experiencing at least one flood. Properties in high-risk areas often face higher insurance premiums and may have difficulty getting standard home insurance.
🟠 Medium Risk
Between 1 in 30 and 1 in 100 annual chance (1-3.3%). Still a significant risk over time — a 1 in 100 annual risk means a 22% chance over 25 years. Most insurers will cover these properties, though premiums may be elevated.
🟡 Low Risk
Between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 annual chance (0.1-1%). Flooding is unlikely in any given year but can still occur during severe weather events. Insurance is generally available at standard rates.
🟢 Very Low Risk
Less than 1 in 1000 (0.1%) annual chance. While no location is completely flood-proof, these areas have minimal identified risk from rivers and the sea.
No Data
If your postcode doesn't appear in the flood risk database, it typically means no significant flood risk has been identified for that location. This is generally good news, but remember that surface water flooding (from overwhelmed drains) isn't fully captured in this dataset.
Why Check Flood Risk?
Buying a Property
Flood risk should be part of your due diligence when purchasing a home. It affects:
- Property value and resale potential
- Insurance availability and costs
- Mortgage lending decisions
- Quality of life and peace of mind
Solicitors typically include flood risk in property searches, but checking yourself gives you early insight before you're emotionally (and financially) invested.
Insurance Purposes
Home insurance premiums are heavily influenced by flood risk. Knowing your risk level before getting quotes helps you understand why premiums might be higher and whether specialist flood insurance might be needed.
The government's Flood Re scheme helps make insurance affordable for high-risk properties, but it's worth understanding your risk level regardless.
Planning and Development
If you're planning an extension, renovation, or new build, flood risk affects planning permission. The Environment Agency is a statutory consultee for developments in flood zones, and you may need a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) for your application.
General Awareness
Even if you're not buying or selling, knowing your flood risk helps you prepare. You might consider flood barriers, moving valuables upstairs, or signing up for flood warnings.
What This Data Covers
Our tool uses the Environment Agency's "Risk of Flooding from Rivers and Sea" dataset. This covers:
- River flooding — When rivers overflow their banks
- Coastal flooding — From the sea, including tidal surges
The data takes into account existing flood defences and their condition, giving a realistic picture of residual risk.
What It Doesn't Cover
This dataset doesn't fully capture:
- Surface water flooding — From heavy rain overwhelming drains
- Groundwater flooding — From rising water tables
- Sewer flooding — From overloaded sewage systems
For a complete picture, we recommend also checking the official GOV.UK service, which covers all flood types. Our tool links directly to the relevant GOV.UK page for each postcode.
Nearby Flood Risk
The tool doesn't just show your postcode — it also displays nearby postcodes with flood risk data. This helps you understand:
- Whether flood risk is localised or affects a wider area
- If nearby areas have higher or lower risk
- The general flood risk pattern in your neighbourhood
Click any nearby postcode to see it highlighted on the map.
Data Source and Updates
The flood risk data comes from the Environment Agency and is published under the Open Government Licence. The Environment Agency updates this dataset quarterly, incorporating new flood modelling, updated defence information, and lessons from recent flood events.
For the most current flood warnings and alerts (floods happening now or expected soon), visit the GOV.UK flood warning service.
Privacy
All flood risk lookups happen in your browser. We don't track which postcodes you search, store your queries, or collect any personal information. The flood risk data is loaded once and processed entirely on your device.
Try It Now
Ready to check the flood risk for a postcode? Enter it in the tool and get instant results — no sign-up required.
Got questions or feedback? Get in touch — we'd love to hear from you.