New data from insurer Aviva shows that one in nine new homes built in England between 2022 and 2024 are in areas with medium or high flood risk. Of the 396,602 new homes recorded, 43,937 fall in flood-prone zones. Over a quarter of new homes face some flood risk. This is an increase from 2013-2022 when one in 13 new homes were in such zones. Emma Howard Boyd, former chair of the Environment Agency, warned that "We don’t want to be building today’s houses in places where they will become ever more at risk of flooding." She added that government departments must collaborate to protect future and existing homes. Aviva predicts that by 2050, 15% of these homes will face medium or high flood risk, and nearly a third will face some risk due to climate-driven extreme rainfall. The highest share of at-risk new homes is in Greater London and Essex (32%), followed by Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire, west and north-west England at 13%. The east of England has the lowest risk at 2%. New homes built after 2009 are not covered by the government’s Flood Re insurance scheme, making it harder for owners to obtain flood insurance. Jason Storah of Aviva said, "Too many new homes have been built in higher risk areas. Importantly, these homes are not protected by the Flood Re scheme, which excludes homes built after 2009." He called for stronger planning rules to stop new developments in flood zones and mandatory flood resilience in building regulations. The government responded, saying the data "does not factor in flood defences in place" and assured it will build 1.5 million homes safely with improved flood protections and £10.5 billion investment in flood projects through 2036. The UK’s main insurance body reported a 38% rise in domestic flood claims in 2025, costing £312 million, with average payouts up 60% to £30,000 per home. Chris Bose from the Association of British Insurers called for urgent government action to improve planning and resilience to protect communities from extreme weather risks.