In its latest progress report, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) warns that the UK is underprepared for the climate-related risks threatening its housing stock, calling national efforts "inadequate," "piecemeal," and "disjointed."

The report comes just days before the Law Society is set to publish its long-awaited climate risk guidance on 12 May. This follows a consultation in September 2024, which drew significant backlash, with critics claiming the Society “has got this whole topic very wrong.”

Among the report’s starkest predictions: 25% of all UK properties could face flooding risks from rivers, coastal surges, or surface water by 2050. While many conveyancers have expressed concern over the profession's role in climate risk reporting, the CCC argues that "monitoring, evaluation and learning must be implemented across all sectors,” and should be driven by government leadership.

The report highlights:

“Steadily rising sea levels at the UK’s coasts will increase the risk of coastal flooding and exacerbate coastal erosion. Between 5,000 to 45,000 properties could be in areas at risk of coastal erosion by 2050, depending on how coastlines are managed. Towns and cities will become increasingly hot, with a large fraction of current buildings at risk of reaching uncomfortable and potentially dangerous temperatures in summer heatwaves.”

“Adequate monitoring and evaluation, underpinned by regular data collection and reporting, is essential to track climate impacts and the effect of adaptation measures at a national level.”

Meanwhile, The Times reported last week that the government is preparing to introduce mandatory rooftop solar panels on all new build homes in England. A government spokesperson described solar as “a vital technology” to help achieve net zero, though some developers have warned it could slow housing delivery.

Roger Mortlock, Chief Executive of CPRE, responded positively:

“CPRE has long campaigned for rooftop solar panels to be made compulsory on all new-build homes. The UK’s millions of roofs have the potential to generate huge amounts of cheap and sustainable energy, slash people’s bills and ensure we make the best use of our finite supply of land."

“Net zero is non-negotiable, with solar power a key part of our energy mix. We urge the government to set a target for generating at least 60% of the UK’s solar energy from rooftops.”

The Law Society’s updated guidance aims to clarify how climate risk affects conveyancing practices. An online launch event will take place on 14 May to introduce the document and provide professionals with actionable insights. 

Source: Juliet Shaw, Today's Conveyancer