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Real estate: houses in flood zones are cheaper but exposed
While Pas-de-Calais is once again plagued by flooding, owners find themselves confronted with the harsh reality of flood zones. Their property purchased at a lower cost may lose value. – (France 2)
While Pas-de-Calais is once again plagued by flooding, owners find themselves confronted with the harsh reality of flood zones. Their property purchased at a lower cost may lose value.
A woman dreamed of a pavilion on the banks of the Aa. She found herself underwater after two floods in just two months. Thirty years ago, this resident of Blendecques (Pas-de-Calais) invested all her savings in a house in a flood zone, but at a good price. The subdivision continues to grow. Around his house, other new houses or houses under construction can be observed. Some say that until recently, they were unaware of the risk.
Owners trapped
In other sectors, it is difficult to assess the real risk of flooding. Seven years ago, a couple invested 300,000 in a house in Montreuil-sur-Mer (Pas-de-Calais). Officially, it is classified in an area at risk of slow overflow. However, according to the couple, the dangers had been averted after work on the dikes. Today, many homeowners feel trapped. They know it will be difficult to sell their house.
