How is Climate Change and Flood Risk impacting the property market?

Over the weekend, parts of Kent experienced catastrophic flash flooding following an intense overnight thunderstorm with more than 30,000 lightening strikes recorded across the UK. In Dover, homes and businesses were impacted by a sudden increase in surface water, causing intense localised flooding. Emergency services were deployed throughout the night, the local hospital urged patients to stay away, and over 20 people were moved to temporary accommodation. While Kent is not classified as having areas of significant flood risk, it does face a high overall risk from surface water, river, and coastal flooding, particularly during the autumn and winter months. As climate change continues to have an impact on typical weather patterns, the likelihood and intensity of such localised flooding events are expected to increase.

It is not just at home where climate change is causing increased flood risk, threatening people’s homes. On 28^th May, 2025, a massive glacier collapsed in the Swiss Alps, obliterating the local village of Blatten. It now lies under millions of tonnes of rock and mud, themselves invisible under millions of gallons of water. The collapse of the glacier occurred due to increased temperatures and minor earthquakes which affected the structural integrity of the glacier. Luckily, the 300 residents of the village had been evacuated days prior. But with current trends, glaciologists are predicting that by the end of 2100, there will be no more glaciers in Switzerland.  

Both recent flooding events serve as a stark reminder of the escalating risks posed by climate change to properties and conveyancing. As the producer of the CON29DW for the Anglian Water region and the official ordering and delivery partner for the Southern Water CON29DW, we understand the growing importance of understanding flood risk in the conveyancing process in these areas. Both regions include extensive stretches of coastline, making them particularly vulnerable to increased flood risk from rising sea levels, storm surges, and coastal erosion, all of which are expected to intensify with ongoing climate shifts.

For conveyancers, this evolving landscape highlights the need to provide clients with accurate, up-to-date information on flood risk. Properties located in flood-prone or low-lying coastal areas are increasingly exposed to extreme weather events, and early identification of potential environmental liabilities is essential. Doing so not only protects clients’ interests but also aligns with professional responsibilities under the Law Society’s guidance on climate risk, helping ensure that transactions are both informed and resilient in the face of environmental change.

But how can Geodesys help you mitigate these risks and understand the impact?  

At Geodesys, we are here to help conveyancers navigate the growing complexities of environmental risk. As a trusted search provider, we offer more than just data, we provide insight. Geodesys clients can take full advantage of our dedicated Customer Service Team and experienced Account Managers who are on hand to support you throughout the search process. We offer a full suite of conveyancing searches, including comprehensive environmental reports and climate change reports that leverage accurate environmental data to help mitigate risks. Not only that,  if you’re a conveyancer based in the Anglian Water or Southern Water region, you’ll be ordering a CON29DW straight from the source. To learn more about the searches we offer, click here, or get in touch with us to speak with a member of our team. Let us help you deliver informed, resilient transactions in a changing climate.

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