Flood Re pilots certificates for new homes
Flood Re has proposed plans for a new Flood Performance Certificate (FPC) for new-build developments, aiming to bring “transparency and clarity” to how flood resilience is tracked and valued.
A standard for as-built resilience
The initiative would create a formal record of post-construction flood mitigation measures, similar to the Energy Performance Certificate system currently used for energy efficiency. According to a report by Ardent Consulting Engineers on behalf of the reinsurance body, the planning system is delivering resilience in specified areas, but there is a gap in tracking whether those measures were actually built correctly.
Flood Re intends to launch a pilot of the scheme by the end of 2026, with a discounted premium structure related to the certificates planned for 2028. Brian Cafferkey, director at Ardent Consulting Engineers, noted that while flood resilience is taken into account during planning, the certificates would provide “that step change that ensures independent verification that flood mitigation and property flood resilience measures have been delivered as designed.”
Integrating post-construction records of flood mitigation would strengthen the transparency, confidence and recognition of flood resilience measures across new housing. The framework is designed to create a trusted, transferable record of as-built information for homeowners, insurers and lenders. New builds are not covered by Flood Re, but the certificates would complement the planning system by providing a clear, standardised record.
The proposal comes after case studies identified a significant gap in flood preparedness tracking. Without a mechanism to verify PFR measures, it is difficult to identify which properties have been built resiliently and which have not. Jonathan Kassian, head of flood resilience at Flood Re, said the organization is committed to the introduction of FPCs.
According to the filing, the lack of independent verification creates uncertainty for the insurance market. The report highlights that builders often struggle to retain the necessary documentation after a project is completed. Consequently, lenders and insurers lack the data required to accurately assess risk.
By implementing the new scheme, the reinsurance body hopes to address these data deficits. The system aims to streamline the process of assessing risk for new homes. This approach will help insurers determine premiums more accurately. [1]modern talent models in insurance could also benefit from clearer data standards.
Flood Re has emphasized that the pilot will focus on accuracy before a full rollout. The organization plans to consult with industry stakeholders to refine the process. The goal is to ensure that the certificates are practical and useful for all parties involved.
