FMB backs FloodReady plan to boost property flood resilience

​​​​​​​FMB welcomes the FloodReady Review, urging collaboration and higher standards to make flood resilience a core part of building and protecting homes from rising flood risks

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has hailed the publication of the FloodReady Review, an independent action plan led by Professor Peter Bonfield OBE FREng and commissioned by the Environment Agency.

The report sets out practical steps to make property flood resilience (PFR) a mainstream part of homebuilding and renovation as climate change increases flood risk across the country.

With 6.3 million properties already at risk of flooding, and projections showing this could rise to one in four homes by 2050, the Review calls for urgent collaboration between government, insurers, lenders, and the construction industry.

It highlights the role of small and medium-sized builders in delivering trusted, high-quality resilience measures such as flood doors, raised electrics, and permeable paving.

The FMB supports the Review’s emphasis on skills, standards, and accessible products to help builders integrate flood resilience into everyday work.

This will ensure better protection of homes and faster recovery of communities after flooding.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB and a member of the Property Flood Resilience Task Force, said: “Flooding is one of the most pressing climate challenges facing our homes and communities, and the FloodReady Review sets out a clear roadmap for action.

“Making property flood resilience as routine as insulation or fire safety will require strong standards, accessible products, and a skilled workforce.”

He argues that SME builders are central to this effort. They have the expertise and local knowledge to deliver practical measures like flood doors, raised electrics, and permeable paving that protect homes and help families recover faster.

Berry added: “The FMB welcomes the review’s emphasis on collaboration across government, insurers, and industry, and we believe licensing builders is key to raising standards and consumer confidence. By improving training, embedding clear standards, and ensuring homeowners can access trusted products and services, we can make flood resilience a normal part of building and retrofit work. This is an opportunity to future-proof homes, support communities, and create new business opportunities for local builders.”