The aftermath of the recent weeks nationwide flooding can now be seen,  with an estimated 27,000 homes and 5,000 businesses* having been affected by the torrential rains that swept across the UK...

Additionally, it is believed that the cost of damage to homes in the UK could be as high as £1 billion*. It is with this devastating aftermath in mind that the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) is urging owners of vacant properties in the flood hit and surrounding areas to place suitable, undamaged properties available for letting onto the market, to help ease the plight of the thousands of homeless flood victims.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown recently announced a £14 million package of immediate support for the areas worst hit by flooding to help local authorities and communities aid recovery but this still does not disguise the fact that there is still an acute shortage of homes available for rent for those who have been left homeless due to the recent torrential rain.

The areas reported to be worst hit by the flooding include: Humberside, Sheffield, Leeds, Lincolnshire, Gloucester, Bideford, Ludlow in Shropshire and Lowdham in Nottingham.

Huge devastation

Peter Bolton King, Chief Executive at the NAEA, comments: “The flooding has left a huge amount of devastation throughout the UK and individuals, couples, families and the elderly have been forced to leave their damaged homes and move to cramped hotel rooms due to the acute shortage of rental properties currently available.

“It is with this in mind that we are urging owners of vacant properties in the flooded areas and the surrounding locations to place their properties available for rent with the help of local authorities or reputable lettings agents. This will help ease the shortage and help victims of this recent torrent of flooding across the UK to start rebuilding their lives. Homeowners who would like to be of assistance can visit www.naea.co.uk to search for an NAEA approved lettings agent in their area.”

*According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI)