Property flood resilience (PFR) means changes to a building that reduce the damage a flood causes and help you get back home faster. There are two approaches, and most homes at risk benefit from a mix of both.
Resistance: keeping water out
- Flood doors – purpose-made doors that seal when closed. Always in place, so nobody has to fit anything in an emergency.
- Removable door barriers – boards that fit across doorways. Cheaper, but someone has to be there to put them up in time.
- Airbrick covers – automatic or manual covers for ventilation bricks, which are a common way in for water.
- Non-return valves – fitted to drains and sewer pipes to stop water and sewage backing up into the house. Often one of the most cost-effective measures.
- Sealing – filling gaps where pipes and cables pass through walls, and sealing walls and floors.
- Sump and pump – to remove water coming up through floors.
Resistance works best for shallow floods. In deep floods, holding water out can put dangerous pressure on walls, so specialists usually advise letting water in above a certain depth.
Recovery: limiting the damage
If water does get in, these choices make cleaning up quicker and cheaper:
- tiled or sealed concrete floors instead of carpets and timber;
- lime plaster or water-resistant boards on lower walls;
- electrical sockets, wiring and boilers raised above likely flood levels;
- solid wood, plastic or stainless steel kitchen units;
- shelving and storage high enough to keep valuables dry.
The best time to do this is when you’re renovating or repairing anyway – including after a flood.
What’s worth the money?
It depends on how your home would flood. A house at risk from shallow surface water might be well protected by a non-return valve, airbrick covers and a door barrier. A home that could see deep river flooding may get more benefit from recovery measures. That’s why the first step should be an independent PFR survey by someone who doesn’t also sell the products.
When you buy products, look for ones tested and certified to the British flood protection standard (often shown with a BSI Kitemark), and use an installer who will fit them properly. The industry Code of Practice for property flood resilience sets out what good work looks like.
Paying for it
Some insurers offer ‘Build Back Better’ through Flood Re, which can contribute towards resilience measures as part of a flood claim. After major floods, the government has sometimes funded grants for affected homes – your council will publicise these if they’re available. Keep certificates and invoices: they help at insurance renewal and when you sell.
Don’t forget the basics
Sign up for flood warnings, keep removable barriers somewhere you can reach quickly, practise fitting them, and make a simple flood plan for your household.
Measures only work if they’re in place in time. If nobody will be home, prioritise protection that’s always on, like flood doors and automatic airbrick covers.
Last reviewed November 2026. This guide is general information about England, not legal, financial or insurance advice. Check the Environment Agency’s own services and speak to a professional before making decisions about a specific property.
