Key facts
- Paved gardens are increasing flood risks in the UK.
- This trend is making homes harder to insure.
- The UK's flood insurer of last resort has highlighted this issue.
- Extreme weather patterns, including heatwaves and heavy rain, are contributing to the problem.
As the United Kingdom navigates a period of extreme weather, transitioning from a record-hot May into an unseasonably wet June, a significant concern has emerged regarding home insurance. The country's flood insurer of last resort has identified a direct link between the increasing prevalence of paved gardens and the heightened risk of flooding. This trend, driven by a proliferation of impermeable surfaces in residential areas, is making it more challenging for homeowners to secure adequate insurance coverage.