Selling a House with Japanese Knotweed

Selling a property that has been infested with Japanese knotweed may prove more difficult than you previously anticipated. Japanese knotweed is a very fast-growing weed and its invasive roots are capable of damaging the walls, foundations and drainage systems of houses. All that it takes is a crack or chip in any hard surface, and the plant will exploit the weak spot in its relentless search for light and water.

Japanese knotweed can also interfere with the natural eco-system of your land by blocking light from plants in the surrounding area, causing them to die. Although it is not illegal to grow Japanese knotweed on your property, you could be liable for fines of up to £20,000 if it is not properly contained and spreads to the surrounding properties. This is why surveyors and estate agents are wary about even the slightest sign of Japanese knotweed growth.

It is possible to eradicate Japanese knotweed from your property with the help of a professional. There are, however, several key factors that you should consider once you have found a willing buyer.

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How Does Japanese knotweed Affect the Property?

Japanese knotweed can cause damage to your property, potentially impacting on its overall value. Japanese knotweed poses a serious threat to the biodiversity of the flora and fauna in the immediate area. Many birds and insects rely on vegetation native to Britain, which means that they are also under threat from knotweed invasion.

When it comes to your home, Japanese knotweed can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to its structure. Even if there’s not much of a visible threat to the surface of the soil, the roots of the Japanese knotweed could have already done a lot of damage to nearby concrete or tarmac surfaces. The weed can take years to fully eradicate, which poses a huge drain on your annual budget or that of the buyers. The home buyers are entitled to ask for a reduction in price, or if the damage is too costly to amend then they may choose not to buy the house altogether.

If you’re planning on investing in a home extension, the local authorities have the right to put a halt to granting of planning permissions if there is Japanese knotweed present on the property due to its significant impacts on the walls, foundations and drainage of homes. Another common occurrence includes refused mortgages for the properties containing Japanese knotweed. It is safe to conclude that selling a property that has Japanese knotweed in the vicinity is potentially going to be difficult, unless you instruct a professional company to carry out treatment and provide and insurance backed guarantee.

What Can I Do to Fix the Issue?

Whether you are looking at selling a house with Japanese knotweed, or simply avoiding any unnecessary damage to your current home, it is essential to identify Japanese knotweed as soon as possible. First of all, you should make sure that you have correctly identified the plant and that it is in fact Japanese knotweed. This is important because you have to know where your property stands and that is why it is essential to consult with a professional service.

Here at JKSL, we have a team of experts and have been working for over 15 years in identifying, controlling and completely eradicating Japanese knotweed. We’ll come to your location and identify the plant, before advising you on the right course of treatment to completely eliminate it.

Our aim is to help you get the true value back for your home, or perhaps even an increased value since the curb appeal will significantly change and all the potential dangers will be nipped in the bud. We offer a 100% success guarantee, so if you are looking at selling a house with Japanese knotweed and need it gone, get in touch today by calling 0161 723 2000 or visiting our Contact page to find out more.

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