Why Japanese Knotweed doesn’t need to be a deal-breaker
When it came to buying a home, Japanese Knotweed traditionally was a deal-breaker. In recent years, that’s been challenged, with new legislation brought in to make property exchanging much more straightforward.
This invasive plant from Japan grows rapidly. It can cost several thousand pounds to effectively treat and remove.
Here’s everything you need to know about buying a home with Japanese Knotweed and why even if you spot it, you don’t necessarily need to pull out.
Understanding Japanese Knotweed and its problems
Japanese Knotweed is similar to bamboo in several ways. It can grow up to three-metres tall each season.
It’s native to the unforgiving environment of Japan and South-East Asia, with plenty of natural predators. Here? Not so much.
When botanists first brought a plant to London in the 1800s, we didn’t think it could rapidly reproduce. They only imported one female.
However, it turned out that the plant could spread through rhizomes (roots) through the ground. When this novelty was discovered, Victorians embraced it, planting clippings everywhere.
It was only much later that we realised it damaged foundations and all other forms of infrastructure. Not only that but without chemical treatment, it’s almost impossible to eliminate. If only a trace of the rhizome remains in the soil, it’ll grow again.
That’s why it’s always been such a deal-breaker when Japanese Knotweed is found on a property. Not only could it impact your own structures, but you might be liable if it spreads and damages other people’s.
Fun fact: Almost all British Japanese Knotweed cases are thought to be clones of that one female plant that came across two centuries ago.
Legislation changes to selling a home with Japanese Knotweed
So, by now, it’s too late to completely eliminate the plant. We have to live with it.
Until recently, exchanging property with any trace of Japanese Knotweed has been almost impossible. Lenders would have refused mortgages, and sellers would have had to accept a much lower price, dropping the value by 5% to 15%.
However, nowadays, we have better solutions. RICS guidance has also changed to reflect this.
If Japanese Knotweed is detected, the seller (in most cases) or buyer is expected to take appropriate steps to deal with it. This will involve a professional removal and treatment company and an excavator in the most severe cases.
When the mortgage lender has some guarantee that the Knotweed problem is being taken care of, they’ll be much more open to supplying the loan. This makes it easier to exchange the property and means the home retains its real-life value more accurately.
Understanding what you need when buying or selling with Japanese Knotweed
A Home Survey is vital, whether you’re buying or selling.
As a buyer, the survey can help identify the presence of Japanese Knotweed, explain the risk and advise on the best next steps. If you notice the plant as a seller, you should also instruct one.
When it comes to Japanese Knotweed, the most important thing is transparency. If someone moves into your house and finds evidence that you covered up Japanese Knotweed (with a shed or paving stones, as people often do), you’ll be liable for the repair cost and potential legal fees.
Get a survey from GB Home Surveys
GB Home Surveys works in South Wales and England’s South-West and West Midlands, including Bristol and Cardiff (Japanese Knotweed hotspots).
We’ve seen how the presence of this plant has derailed home purchases for years and years. It’s delightful to see how things have changed and progressed recently.
However, being careful, trustworthy, and open is still essential. Japanese Knotweed isn’t a deal-breaker anymore, but it’s still invasive and expensive to treat and remove. This process also takes several years.
As a result, do your due diligence as a buyer, instructing a home survey if you notice any tell-tale signs of the plant’s presence.
Go ahead with a standard RICS home survey (Level 2). This allows a professional to pick up on the Japanese Knotweed if it’s visible.
A seller should also instruct a survey if they know the plant is growing in the grounds or nearby. Providing prospective buyers with this information shows transparency and a willingness to work with them, an invaluable asset in the property market.
We can be contacted via the form below for more information. Alternatively, give us a call on 03333 600 685. We’ll be delighted to have a commitment-free, friendly chat about your circumstances and how we can help.
