Flood zones
Although flooding is a rare event, if the property you wish to buy is located in a flood zone, you may have difficulty obtaining finance. However, depending on where your property is and how strong your finances are, we may be able to help you obtain finance.
Will the banks lend?
This largely depends on the chance of a flood occurring.
Flood zoning has many possible time frames, for example 1 in every 100 year zoning means that on average the property is expected to flood once every 100 years. This would be expressed as 1:100 year flood zoning.
If your property is zoned to flood more often than 1:100 years then you are unlikely to be able to obtain finance.
In some cases you may be able to obtain finance for properties that flood up to 1:50 years if the maximum flood height is lower than the floor level.
How much can I borrow?
- First home buyer: 95% of the property value.
- Investor: 95% of the property value.
- Low doc: 80% of the property value.
- Greater than 1:100 year flooding: Case by case basis. Up to 1:50 year can possibly be accepted.
Discounts: Competitive professional package and basic loan discounts are available.
Note: Lenders are hesitant to lend to riskier flood affected properties. We may need to obtain additional records from council or a valuation report to be able to find a lender to approve your loan.
What do the lenders think?
There are many issues with a flood zoned property. The fact the property is susceptible to damage through flooding, means that there is a real risk involved for the lender. Most banks will not approve a home loan secured by that property.
Other difficulties involve getting insurance. Your local council will probably not approve new developments on that land and that you may be unable to obtain flood insurance.
Can I still borrow?
As a general rule 1:100 year zoned land is acceptable because this type of land can still be developed and buildings on the land can be insured. Because of this banks are willing to use them as security for a mortgage. Whereas up to 1 in 50 year flood zoned land may or may not be accepted.
However, where you have a good credit history and your finances are strong, you will be in a better position to borrow and the banks may consider lending to you. If you have be able to obtain flood insurance, this will also help your application. If you are looking to apply for a loan, please call us on 1300 889 743 or enquire online today and we can help you get approval.
What is a flood zone?
If your home is in an area that can be affected by floods then your property may have a flood zoning. Flooding in the area may be minor, moderate or major, depending on the climate and the region that you live in.
In many cities and rural areas across Australia, flooding is common. They are especially prone to occur in dry areas and are generally the result of heavy rain. Flash flooding is a type of flooding that occurs during heavy storms that produce a large amount of storm water which burdens the drainage system and results in a flood.
Flood Insurance Requirements
Whilst flooding is a natural event, beyond your control, there are still ways to minimise damage to your property. It is very important to ensure that you have an insurance policy that covers the risk of flooding. This is a factor that banks take into account when considering whether to approve your mortgage.
Insurance providers such as the NRMA offer flood cover for a variety of events including:
- High rainfall which causes nearby rivers to overflow, creating a flood which damages your home.
- High river and dam levels which cause flooding to your home.
- May cover flooding that occurs as a result of rising sea levels caused by severe storms.
However flood cover differs from storm damage and water damage so it is best to speak to your insurance provider to make sure that you are covered in the event of flooding.
Protecting your home
Properties built on stilts are also greater protected from flooding. It is also important to remain aware of a potential flood threat by monitoring websites such as the Bureau of Meteorology. This website provides up to date information on the risk of flooding in your area. Keeping informed about flood warnings and heavy rainfall will ensure that you are better prepared if a flood occurs.
Speak to us today!
We are the experts in getting loans approved:
- We know which banks will accept your home as security for a loan
- Our mortgage brokers are credit experts who know the lending policies of over 30 financial institutions
- We offer nationwide services
- Free financial services for most loan types
If you are looking to purchase a home in a flood zone and need finance, please call us on
1300 889 743 or enquire online today. We can help you apply with the right lender that will approve your mortgage, regardless of the potential risk involved. Give us a call today!
