Japanese Knotweed - A Guide to Selling and Buying

Japanese knotweed- A Selling and buying guide

If your selling or buying a property with Japanese knotweed then this information guide is for you…

Japanese Knotweed- What is it?

Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria Japonica) is an invasive weed that can cause damage to building structures by targeting weak points. This is why Japanese Knotweed is a real concern for home buyers and sellers.

All landowners are legally responsible for controlling and removing Japanese Knotweed from their property. This is in order to prevent its spread, regardless of whether this is a domestic homeowner or a commercial entity.

If you have recently bought a home and discovered Japanese Knotweed on your property, you may also have a legal case. During a property sale, your surveyor should flag any evidence of Japanese Knotweed.

If you discover Japanese Knotweed on your property, you will have to obtain a specialist report. As well as this, a Specialist Remediation contractor will need to advise on appropriate action for removal. Similarly, you may also be able to make a claim against the property seller. However, only if you believe that they knew about the existence of Japanese Knotweed on their property but failed to disclose it.

If you are selling your home, you must disclose that there is Japanese Knotweed on the property. This will be on your TA6 conveyancing form.

Sellers are advised to use ‘not known’ unless they are certain that there are no roots on their grounds. There must be no roots within three metres of their property boundary. If they select ‘no’ and Japanese Knotweed is later discovered, then they could be held liable. Acting and having a professional management plan put into place for a Japanese Knotweed infestation will give you the optimal chance of selling your property at full value.

TOP TIPS:

1. Understand the liabilities and threats that Japanese Knotweed can present.
2. Establish the scale of Japanese Knotweed infestation and make sure that a specialist remediation contractor and both the surveyor have been informed.
3. Always declare if your property is affected by Japanese Knotweed on your TA6 from.
4. Make sure that you choose a PCA approved Japanese Knotweed removal company to take appropriate action.
5. Act sooner rather than later in order to prevent the infestation from expanding and causing further structural damages.

Contact Us!

Whether you need some advice or would like to arrange your site survey, we will be happy to help in eradicating this invasive plant.

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