Urban areas host 80% of England’s homes at high risk of flooding, study finds
A study by the National Housing Federation reveals that 80% of homes at high risk of flooding in England are located in urban areas, with 839,000 homes now threatened by surface-water flooding—a threefold increase since 2018. Social housing tenants, who are more likely to live in these high-risk zones, face disproportionate financial and physical impacts due to inadequate insurance and repeated flooding. Aging infrastructure, climate change, and rapid urbanization are exacerbating the issue, particularly in constituencies like Thurrock, Basildon, and parts of London. Experts warn of a growing crisis requiring coordinated national action to manage urban water systems and protect vulnerable residents.
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Flooding in York city centre. Areas such as Thurrock, Basildon, Bootle and Sefton ranked top for having the highest proportion of at-risk homes. Photograph: Lindsey Parnaby/EPAView image in fullscreenFlooding in York city centre. Areas such as Thurrock, Basildon, Bootle and Sefton ranked top for having the highest proportion of at-risk homes. Photograph: Lindsey Parnaby/EPAFloodingUrban areas host 80% of England’s homes at high risk of flooding, study findsExclusive: 839,000 homes in urban areas face threat of surface-water flooding, with social housing tenants most vulnerable to costsJessica Murray Social affairs correspondentWed 29 Apr 2026 01.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleEight in 10 of the homes that are at high risk of flooding in England are now in towns and cities,…
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