Released on: November 19, 2007, 6:53 am

Press Release Author: Charlotte Burrows

Industry: Real Estate

Press Release Summary: The government has been warned that homeowners in some parts
of the UK risk losing their properties because cash intended to improve flood
defences will not be received in time.


Press Release Body: The government has pledged to increase spending on flood
defences from £600 million per year to £800 million by 2010/11 but the Local
Government Association (LGA) says that action is needed now.


In a submission to the Pitt Review, which is looking at flooding in Yorkshire and
Humberside, the organisation said \"three years is simply too long to wait\".


Paul Bettison, chairman of the LGA environment board said that people living in
these areas are at risk of having their properties submerged.



\"There is no guarantee we will not see a repeat of the heavy rainfall which led to
that flooding, and so it is vital we start improving our systems and defences as
soon as possible,\" he warned.


\"The government provided additional funding to deal with the clean-up operation over
the summer.

\"The prime minister\'s decision to invest more in flood defences was also a positive
move, but three years is simply too long to wait,\" added Mr Bettison.



Fast property sale expert Julian King adds, \"The recent media coverage and the
introduction of Hips has made people more aware of the risk of flooding. In some
cases, this has made people overly cautious.



\"Eitherway, we are now seeing a distinct change in the average property value
because buyers are conditioned to look more carefully at nearby flood plains,
leading to a reduction in property prices.


\"With research now highlighting that 20 per cent of property sellers have had
difficulty because of the risk of flood, homeowners can take solace in a company
like National Homebuyers, as we guarantee to make an offer on any property in the
UK\".



National Homebuyers are the UK\'s leading fast property purchase firm. They also
arrange a Sell and Rent back Solution where the homeowner can sell their property,
but remain living there as a tenant for as long as desired.

Abbey recently revealed that one in five people have had difficulty selling their
property due to the house being in a flood risk zone.

Web Site: http://www.nationalhomebuyers.co.uk

Contact Details:
Sterling House
20 Victoria Way
Burgess Hill
West Sussex
RH15 9NF
0870 979 8118
Fax: 01444 257333
info@nationalhomebuyers.co.uk