Following the heavy rain and subsequent flooding that has affected many homes and businesses across the UK, NAEA are asking those who own vacant property in areas surrounding the greatest damage to help ease the troubles faced by flood victims.

There are now an estimated 27,000 homes and 5,000 businesses that have been affected by the torrential rain which has swept across the UK in recent weeks - the cost of damage to homes is now estimated to be as high as £1 billion. It is with this in mind that the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) is asking owners of vacant, undamaged properties in flood-hit areas and surrounding places to place these properties onto the letting market - thus creating a source of housing for thousands of the flood homeless.

The Prime Minister Gordon Brown recently announced a package of support for the areas worst hit totalling around £14 million to be used to help local authorities and communities but has made mention of the severe lack of homes available to rent for those who have lot their own properties due to the rain storms. The worst hit areas include: Lincolnshire, Leeds Gloucester, Humberside, Sheffield and Bideford.

The Chief Executive of the NAEA, Peter Bolton King commented:

"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 place their properties available for rent 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."

Find property to rent across the UK with www.lettingweb.com