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Government to build over 1,000 flood schemes across the country

ended 31. March 2025

Over 1,000 flood schemes will be built or repaired to protect thousands of homes and businesses from the dangers of flooding at a cost of £2.65 billion, the Government and Environment Agency has announced today. Flagship schemes to receive funding this year are based in Derbyshire, Hampshire, Lancashire, Dorset, Yorkshire and Suffolk. Newspage asked brokers how big an issue flooding is for the UK's homeowners. What's their advice to people considering buying in areas prone to flooding and how do lenders tend to approach properties in high-risk areas? Their views can be found below.

  • Derby Flood Risk Management Scheme in Derbyshire, which will receive £34.6 million and protect 673 homes. 
  • North Portsea Island Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management Scheme in Hampshire, which will receive £13.8 million and protect 1,081 homes.
  • Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme in Lancashire, which will receive £10.4 million and protect 1,537 homes.
  • Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill Flood Defences in Dorset, which will receive £12.2 million and protect 135 homes. 
  • Benacre and Kessingland Flood Risk Management Scheme in Suffolk, which will receive £10.1 million and protect 86 homes. 
  • Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme in Yorkshire, which will receive £5 million and protect 414 homes.

4 responses from the Newspage community

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Editor
Pete Mugleston
Mortgage Advisor & Managing Director at onlinemortgageadvisor.co.uk
Flooding is a growing concern for UK homeowners, especially as extreme weather becomes more common. Government investment in defences is welcome, but buyers must still do their due diligence. If you're considering a home in a flood-prone area, check the flood risk via the Environment Agency and speak to your solicitor early. Lenders may be cautious with high-risk properties – some may limit borrowing or require specialist insurance. Mortgage approvals can take longer, and premiums may be higher, so factor that into your budget. Always ensure you can get adequate cover before committing, and consider long-term resale implications as well.
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Stephen Perkins
Managing Director at Yellow Brick Mortgages
Some of these projects look like great investments for the long-term collective benefit. However, the Suffolk scheme looks a lot of money to safeguard just 86 homes for the same cost others are safeguarding over 1,000. Meanwhile new build sites continue to be built on flood plains and reclaimed land, which will likely mean a net increase in the number of houses at risk of flooding by the end of this parliment despite these plans.
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Riz Malik
Independent Financial Adviser at R3 Wealth
Unfortunately, the government is not flooded with ideas at present because this is not the way forward. Before we build on land that is prone to flooding, let’s see how we get on with the 1.5m promised homes when they eventually appear.
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Editor
Mike Staton
Director at Staton Mortgages
At a time when costs are ever increasing, buying a property in a high flood risk area will come with increased outgoings. It is also likely that specialist or niche lenders with higher rates will be your best option, and with higher flood risk comes higher insurance costs. All of these costs will quickly erode away at your disposable income.