LOCATION

AB44 1AE - Flood, Heat, Air & Subsidence Risk - Macduff

Aberdeenshire, Macduff

Flood: HigherHeat: LowerAir quality: LowGround: Low

Climate risk summary for AB44 1AE

Flood risk is the primary consideration for this postcode in Aberdeenshire. SEPA maps show higher flood risk locally, though plot-to-plot differences in threshold height, gradients, and flow routes matter. Ground movement risk is lower on national screening maps. PM2.5 is 4.0 µg/m³, within the WHO annual guideline (5 µg/m³). Across 2021-2040, hot days (>25°C) could average 3 days per year (below the projected UK average).

Practical check: inspect lower-ground areas for past water marks and confirm whether the entrance sits above the street fall. These are postcode-level indicators; conditions vary between properties.

How does AB44 1AE compare with the rest of the UK?

  • Air pollution: cleaner than 95% of councils
  • Heat risk: cooler than 95% of councils
  • Subsidence risk: lower risk than 58% of postcodes

What is the flood risk in AB44 1AE?

Flood risk at AB44 1AE is rated Higher, based on SEPA flood mapping.

SEPA flood zone data places AB44 1AE in the higher flood risk band. The band reflects the highest flood risk within the postcode; some properties within this postcode may face little or no direct flood risk. A formal flood risk search and review of buildings insurance availability is recommended before any property transaction in this area.

How is the air quality in AB44 1AE?

Air quality at AB44 1AE is rated Low, based on Defra UK-AIR annual mean PM2.5 data. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) comes primarily from road traffic, industry, and domestic burning. Long-term exposure above the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³ is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health risks. Buyers and renters in higher air quality risk areas may wish to consider whether the property is near busy roads or industrial sources.

Is subsidence a risk at AB44 1AE?

British Geological Survey data classes the underlying soil at AB44 1AE as Glacial Till, with shrink-swell hazard rated improbable (subsidence risk band: Low). A structural survey is the reliable way to assess ground conditions for a specific property.

Is AB44 1AE at risk of coastal erosion?

The nearest projected coastal erosion zone to AB44 1AE is 137 m away (NatureScot Dynamic Coast - eroded area by 2050 (high emissions) mapping) and the postcode is in the very high coastal erosion risk band. Coastal erosion risk varies along the shoreline depending on local geology, sea defences and Shoreline Management Plan policy. Check the Shoreline Management Plan for this stretch for the projections that apply to a specific property.

Where does this data come from?

This LocalRisk report for AB44 1AE draws on four official UK open data sources: SEPA flood mapping, Met Office UKCP18 climate projections, Defra UK-AIR PM2.5 monitoring, and British Geological Survey GeoClimate subsidence mapping. Risk ratings are a screening tool, complementing - not replacing - the searches and surveys ordered as part of a property transaction. Data covers Aberdeenshire and is updated as new official datasets are published.

About the Aberdeenshire area

Aberdeenshire covers a large rural and coastal area and experiences cool, wet winters and mild summers, with noticeable variation between upland areas and river valleys.

What should buyers and renters check in AB44 1AE?

Practical check: In a coastal flood risk area - ask about tidal flooding history and check the property's elevation relative to sea level. The nearest projected erosion zone is 137m away - check the Shoreline Management Plan policy for this stretch and whether the property is within 100 years of the erosion line. These are postcode-level indicators - conditions vary between individual properties.

Climate risk can change street by street, so it is worth checking neighbouring postcodes too. The full risk report for AB44 1AA is at localrisk.co.uk/postcode/AB441AA, and you can compare AB44 1AE side by side with any UK postcode at localrisk.co.uk/compare.