Study Predicts 7,000 Homes Worth £1bn to Fall into Sea in Next 100 Years
Living on the edge: The shocking reality of coastal erosion in England
A new study using Environmental Agency data has predicted the shocking speed of erosion on England’s coastline within the next century, with thousands of homes at risk of collapsing into the sea as the coastline fades away.
According to the study from price comparison site Confused.com, 7,000 homes, worth more than £1bn, are expected to fall into the sea over the next 100 years. This alarming prediction highlights the urgent need for action to protect coastal communities and properties.
The study also reveals that 520,000 properties are in areas with coastal flooding risk, and without further action, this figure could treble to 1.5 million in the next 60 years. These at-risk areas are not only facing the threat of erosion but also suffering from higher insurance premiums.
One of the most at-risk areas identified in the study is the town of Happisburgh in Norfolk, where the shoreline is predicted to erode 200 metres in the next 100 years. Already, 35 houses in this area have been claimed by land erosion. The average price for a property in Happisburgh is £295,182, which is significantly higher than the Norfolk average.
The study also highlights the financial implications of living in a high-risk coastal erosion area. The average home insurance premium for residents in Happisburgh is £170.02, with an average rebuild cost of £229,816. These figures reflect the increased cost of living in a high-risk area and the potential for insurance prices to rise further if erosion continues unchecked.
Tom Vaughan, head of home at Confused.com, emphasizes the growing concern among UK homeowners in seaside towns facing the threat of coastal erosion. He warns that some residents may be at risk of losing their homes within the next 20 years if action is not taken to address the issue.
Yorkshire and the Humber are identified as the regions suffering the highest rate of coastline erosion, with 56.2% of land disappearing along the county’s coastline. Towns such as Hornsea, Withernsea, and Filey are at risk of erosion and face soaring insurance prices as a result.
The east coast of England is particularly vulnerable to erosion, with 31% of coastline in the south eroding. Coastal areas in Norfolk, Suffolk, East Sussex, and West Sussex are all at risk, highlighting the widespread impact of coastal erosion in the region.
As the threat of erosion continues to grow, it is clear that urgent action is needed to protect coastal communities and properties from the devastating effects of land loss. The study serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing climate change and its impact on our coastlines before it’s too late.