RICS has released a new practice information paper, ‘Flooding and its implications for property professionals’.
The paper was written by Charles Cowap from Harper Adams University, with contributions from Michael Chichester, James Ginley and Ben Sharp, as well as a working group of experts.
The report covers the types and sources of flooding, from rivers, the coast, surface water, groundwater and infrastructure.
It looks at the economic, environmental and social impacts, with flood damage and management costing around £2.2bn each year.
Additionally, the paper sets out that climate trends mean the number of UK properties at high flood risk could double by 2050 if nothing changes.
The research included planning, design and construction standards, such as BS 85500:2025, and talks about the need for more use of sustainable drainage systems.
It goes through property flood resilience, setting out practical steps for resistance and recoverability in homes, commercial buildings and rural areas.
The paper also highlights the professional implications for surveyors.
It covers flood risk assessments, advice on drainage and adaptation, assessing flood risk in valuation, and helping clients with recovery, insurance and reinstatement.
There is a focus on surveyors working with engineers, planners and insurers.
Fiona Mannix, senior specialist (land & development) at RICS, said: “Flooding affects every part of the property lifecycle, and surveyors are uniquely placed to interpret its implications for value, safety, design and long-term resilience.
“This paper equips members with a broad understanding of the issues and encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration to meet this growing professional challenge.”
