Various companies provide flood reports. You can check whether your property is subject to a flood risk on the Environment Agency website.

Although some flooding elements are covered within an environmental report, a flood report is more comprehensive.

The flood report/search is a risk screening report designed to provide an overview of whether a property lies within an area of potential or previous flood risk.

The report provides a risk rating for around 26 million properties. The data is normally provided by the Environment Agency and the insurance company Norwich Union, and provides an easily understood accuracy and risk ranking. The data also takes into account flood defences and historic claims.

Flood reports/searches will differ between companies but generally will include the following:

• an overview of the findings
• an expert assessment normally by an environmental consultant
• aerial photograph of property being searched
• detailed findings – surface water flooding and groundwater flooding
• flood risk and insurance

This report is designed to inform people of their flood risk and enables them to better prepare for flooding. Your solicitor or conveyancer will notify you should you need a search of this nature.