According to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), an estimated 27,000 homes and 5,000 businesses have been affected by the torrential rains that swept across the UK. Additionally, it is believed that the cost of damage to homes in the UK could be as high as £1bn.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown recently announced a £14m package of immediate support for the areas worst hit by flooding to help local authorities and communities aid recovery. However, there is still an acute shortage of homes available for rent for those who have been left homeless due to the recent torrential rain.

The areas reported to be worst hit by the flooding include Humberside, Sheffield, Leeds, Lincolnshire, Gloucester, Bideford, Ludlow in Shropshire and Lowdham in Nottingham.

Peter Bolton King, chief executive of NAEA, said: “The flooding has left a huge amount of devastation throughout the UK and individuals, couples, families and the elderly have been forced to leave their damaged homes and move to cramped hotel rooms due to the acute shortage of rental properties currently available.

“It is with this in mind that we are urging owners of vacant properties in the flooded areas and the surrounding locations to let their properties with the help of local authorities or reputable lettings agents. This will help ease the shortage and help victims of this recent torrent of flooding across the UK to start rebuilding their lives. Homeowners who would like to be of assistance can visit www.naea.co.uk to search for an NAEA approved lettings agent in their area.”