Our Guide to Checking Home Climate Resilience Before You Buy

In an era where climate change is increasingly impacting the property market, potential homeowners must consider the climate resilience of their future homes. The property market is feeling the brunt of Climate change, with damages leading to devalued homes and soaring insurance costs. In response, US real estate platform Realtor.com has recently expanded its listings to include climate risks such as fire, flooding, heat, wind, and air quality.

Source: The Telegraph/YouTube

An alarming 40% of US homes are at severe or extreme risk from these environmental factors. Events from the past year, including wildfires and coastal erosion across Europe, highlight the immediate dangers facing property owners. With the average mortgage lasting around 25 years, and predictions of 800 million people living in cities threatened by sea level rise, the urgency for climate-resilient homes is clear.

To navigate this landscape, potential buyers should consider several Climate change risks:

1. Weather History and Heat Risks: Last year marked the world’s hottest year on record, underscoring the growing threat of extreme heat. High temperatures can lead to subsidence and wildfires, threatening the stability of homes and leading to higher cooling and maintenance costs.
2. Coastal Defenses Against Flooding and Erosion: With rising sea levels and intensified storms due to Global warming, coastal properties are at significant risk. Buyers should investigate the presence and condition of coastal defenses to assess the long-term safety and value of homes in these areas.
3. Flood Plains and Water Management: Properties near rivers or flood plains are vulnerable to the changing weather patterns that bring more intense rain and storms. Prospective homeowners should be wary of sewage flooding risks and potential sinkholes, indicative of subsidence.
4. Wind Damage Considerations: High winds, often accompanying storms and floods, can cause significant property damage. Checking a property’s exposure to high winds and potential for hurricane damage is essential.
5. Air Quality and Property Value: Poor air quality, while not directly damaging to structures, can affect residents’ health and reduce property attractiveness. Buyers should check the area’s average air quality and consider proximity to roads or areas prone to wildfires.

In an age where climate risks are increasingly pertinent, doing due diligence on a property’s resilience to climate factors is not just advisable—it’s essential for safeguarding one’s investment and well-being.

There’s Only One Green Planet Tee by Tiny Rescue: Climate Collection

Related Content:

• Protecting Manufactured Homes in the Climate Change Era
• Home Insurers Are Abandoning Vulnerable Communities Due to the Impact of Climate Change
• Millions in Asia Have Fled Their Homes Due to Climate Change
• Climate Change Starts at Home – Here’s How To Get Started
• Climate Change Has Already Caused 3 Million Americans to Relocate

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