How Climate Risks Are Reshaping the Housing Market

As climate change intensifies, homebuyers and sellers are paying closer attention to how environmental risks affect property values.

Natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and rising temperatures are impacting decisions in the real estate market. Here’s how:

female homeowner sitting on curb with a background of a home site after a natural disaster

Homebuyer Behavior

Many buyers now consider flood-risk data before making offers. Research shows that buyers viewing high-risk homes are increasingly shifting their focus to safer properties, with some even abandoning purchases due to flood-risk concerns.

Insurance and Costs

Rising disaster frequency has led to increased home insurance premiums, particularly for flood and wildfire protection. This added expense can influence home affordability and appeal.

man and woman homeowners standing with back toward camera, looking on a home site after a natural disaster

Adaptation Investments

Homeowners are investing in climate-resilient upgrades, such as fireproofing, flood barriers, and durable roofing, to protect property value and safety.

Regional Variations

Coastal and disaster-prone areas like Florida and California are seeing the most significant impact. Meanwhile, regions with fewer natural disasters, like the Midwest, remain less affected.

Governments and policymakers are encouraged to use climate data for better zoning and disaster mitigation strategies. These measures could help safeguard at-risk communities while maintaining the stability of the housing market.

Questions? Contact Us

Providing title, escrow, closing and settlement services to clients throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire

LENDERS

BUYERS

SELLERS

REALTORS®

About Us

From Our Clients

“I would highly recommend David as a closing attorney. I have known David and have been using his office for many years. David’s professionalism when dealing with me, my closing department and most especially my clients has been always exemplary.”

DAVID BREMER

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SHAMROCK FINANCIAL SERVICES

“The Law Office of Attorney David R. Rocheford, Jr. is by far the most exceptional real estate law office that I have had the pleasure of working with. The professionalism is by far second to none.”

JACQUI KEOGH

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SALEM FIVE MORTGAGE SERVICES

“Attorney David Rocheford has provided settlement and title services for me and Greenpark Mortgage several years. He has assisted all of my clients, including my family and friends with mortgage closings. Always providing excellent service. Reliable and trustworthy!”

SANDRA MALDONADO

Recent News

Should You Hire Your Lender’s Closing Attorney in MA & NH?

by LODR | Jul 17, 2025

When you’re buying a home, there’s no shortage of decisions to make—fixed or adjustable rate? Move-in ready or fixer-upper? But here’s one question you might not have considered: Should you use the attorney your lender recommends for your closing? In Massachusetts and...

5 Hidden Title Defects That Can Delay Your MA or NH Home Closing

by LODR | Jul 17, 2025

You’ve found your dream home in Massachusetts or New Hampshire. The offer is in, the inspection went smoothly, and closing day is in sight. But then—bam!—a title defect surfaces, and suddenly your seamless transaction feels more like a nightmare. At The Law Office of...

How Does the Big Beautiful Bill Affect Home Buying in MA and NH?

by LODR | Jul 17, 2025

Ah, the "Big Beautiful Bill"—sounds like something out of a fairy tale, doesn't it? But this recent tax mega-bill, passed just last week, is very real and packs a punch for home buyers in high-tax havens like Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Let's break it down, shall...