Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Property Search Screening reports — what they are, what they cover, and when you need something more.
Is a Property Search Screening a Flood Risk Assessment?
No. It is an automated compilation of open data, generated without individual human review. It is not a planning Flood Risk Assessment (FRA), and not a regulated conveyancing flood search. It is a fast, low-cost first look that tells you whether flood risk is likely to be a non-issue or something to investigate further. If you need a formal FRA, we can prepare one.
Can I use it for my mortgage or conveyancing?
Not as a substitute for the regulated search. If you are buying with a mortgage, your solicitor will normally obtain a conveyancing flood search that carries professional liability. A screening is a useful early heads-up alongside that process, not a replacement for it.
How fast is it, and how is it delivered?
The report is generated automatically from open data and delivered as an instant PDF. There is no waiting and no appointment.
What areas do you cover?
Residential addresses in England, where the underlying Environment Agency, British Geological Survey, Natural England and other open datasets are published. Some sources have partial coverage in Wales; contact us if you are unsure.
How accurate is it?
It faithfully reports official open data, but that data is area-based and point-in-time. The Environment Agency itself states area-based mapping is not sufficient, on its own, to confirm the risk to an individual property. Treat a screening as guidance for where to look more closely, not a definitive verdict.
What’s the difference between the flood sources?
Rivers & sea (fluvial/tidal) is water overtopping a watercourse or coast; surface water (pluvial) is rainfall running overland; groundwater is a rising water table; reservoir flooding is the residual risk of a reservoir failing. Each behaves differently, so we screen and explain them separately.
Why isn’t groundwater given a rating?
There is no free national groundwater-flooding likelihood map. Definitive susceptibility data is a licensed commercial product. Rather than invent a score, we flag groundwater and point you to the definitive source if you need certainty — for example before building a basement.
Do you store or sell my data?
We use the property address only to generate your report. We do not sell personal data. See our privacy policy for details.
Can you also do a full Flood Risk Assessment or drainage design?
Yes. Our screening was developed by a flood-risk engineer, and we prepare full FRAs, drainage strategies and SuDS designs for planning. If a screening flags a concern, we can carry out the formal work. Get in touch for a quote.
How much does it cost?
A single Property Search Screening is £20, delivered instantly. There are no subscriptions or account fees. Full assessments are quoted individually.
Still have a question? Email us at thepropertysearch.2x4b@gmail.com — we’re happy to help.
Know the risks before you commit
An instant, plain-English flood & environmental screen for any address in England — a fast, low-cost first look before you spend on surveys or searches.