Fire and flood damage hit two things at once - whether a buyer can get a mortgage, and whether they can insure the home - but damaged houses still sell. This guide explains selling a fire- or flood-damaged house in the UK in 2026: what you must disclose, how it affects lending and insurance, and the routes to move on quickly.
Disclose the damage and any flood history
You must disclose fire or flood damage, and any history of flooding, on the TA6 Property Information Form - and buyers will check flood-risk data for the area regardless. As with other property problems, documented honesty sells far better than concealment, which risks a misrepresentation claim down the line.
How it affects mortgages and insurance
Significant damage can block a mainstream mortgage until the home is restored, and flood risk in particular complicates buildings insurance - the sticking point is often whether affordable cover is available, not the damage itself. Evidence of professional restoration and, for flooding, of mitigation measures, is what reopens normal lending and reassures buyers.
Your routes to sell
Three routes. Restore and document - complete certified repairs (and flood mitigation where relevant), which reopens mainstream lending and lifts the price. Sell with full documentation to a buyer using specialist lending and insurance. Or sell to a cash buyer or investor who prices the risk and completes fast - often the cleanest exit for a repeatedly flooded home where insurance is the obstacle. Keep all loss-adjuster, restoration and insurance records. See cash house buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to tell buyers about fire or flood damage?
Yes. You must disclose fire or flood damage and any flooding history on the TA6 Property Information Form. Buyers will also check area flood-risk data themselves.
Can you get a mortgage on a flood-damaged house?
It depends on restoration and insurability. Significant damage can block a mortgage until repaired; flood risk mainly complicates insurance. Documented restoration and flood mitigation reopen mainstream lending.
How do I sell a fire-damaged house quickly?
Sell to a cash buyer or investor who prices the risk and completes without a lender, typically in a few weeks - or restore and document the repairs first to reach mortgage buyers.
Is it hard to sell a house that has flooded?
Harder on the open market, mainly because of insurance, but very doable. Evidence of mitigation helps reach mortgage buyers; a cash sale is often the cleanest route for a repeatedly flooded home.