Is it easy to sell a house with Japanese knotweed?
Selling a house with Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) can be more complex than selling a home without it.
Japanese knotweed is a highly invasive plant. That may cause damage to buildings if it grows too close to them. Moreover, it can be difficult and costly to remove. Many mortgage lenders and surveyors are aware of the risks associated with Japanese knotweed. Therefore, they may be reluctant to lend or value a property affected by it. I get asked if selling a house with Japanese knotweed is easy. 2023
Additionally, potential buyers are legally required to disclose any known knotweed infestation, which could be a deterrent. In the UK, it’s considered a “Schedule 9” invasive species by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This means that it is illegal to plant or cause it to grow in the wild.
If you want to sell your house in the UK and you have Japanese knotweed, you need to take certain measures to ensure that you comply with the regulations and laws surrounding the sale of a property with this invasive plant.
Always tell the buyers of your property that you have Japanese knotweed
Firstly, you need to disclose the presence of Japanese knotweed in your property to potential buyers. You must be honest and upfront about its presence, as failure to disclose it could result in legal action against you.
You should also seek professional advice from a specialist company like Japanese Knotweed Plus. We can provide you with a detailed report on the extent of the knotweed infestation and any remediation works needed to control and eradicate it. The report will provide the buyer with a clear understanding of the problem. Moreover, what measures have been taken to mitigate the knotweed’s impact?
It is also essential to have a treatment plan in place. This plan will outline how the Japanese knotweed will be managed and controlled after the property is sold. This plan will reassure the buyer that the knotweed will not continue to grow and spread once they have taken ownership of the property.
Japanese Knotweed Management Plan
You should obtain a Japanese Knotweed Management Plan (JKMP) from a qualified professional. This will detail the specific measures to control the infestation and prevent its spread. A JKMP can also be a valuable tool in negotiations with potential buyers. Demonstrating that you have taken the issue seriously and have a plan to manage the knotweed infestation.
A Japanese Knotweed Management Plan (JKMP) is a detailed document that outlines the measures to be taken to control and eradicate Japanese knotweed on your property.
A qualified professional with experience in Japanese knotweed should prepare a JKMP. The plan will typically include a site survey to determine the extent of the knotweed infestation, a risk assessment, and a detailed treatment plan outlining the specific measures that will be taken to manage and control the knotweed.
Having a JKMP in place demonstrates to potential buyers that you have taken the issue of Japanese knotweed seriously and that you have a plan to manage and control the infestation. This can help reassure buyers that the knotweed will not continue to spread and cause damage to the property once they have taken ownership.
A JKMP can also be a valuable negotiating tool when selling a property with Japanese knotweed. It can provide a basis for discussions with potential buyers. Outlining the measures taken to control the knotweed and the costs involved.
The treatment plan for Japanese knotweed
Most treatment plans for Japanese knotweed involve five years of treatment. The process would begin with an initial treatment in June, followed by another treatment in September of the same year, and continue until the fifth year of treatment.
By the end of the fifth year, the Japanese knotweed is usually eradicated, with no further signs of growth. The process involves a gradual and sustained approach to ensure the effective control and eradication of the plant.
Ten Year insurance backed guarantee
Some mortgage lenders and surveyors may require a guarantee before granting a mortgage or approving the sale of a property.
An insurance-backed guarantee assures the buyer that any remediation works. Work carried out to control and eradicate the Japanese knotweed will be covered for up to ten years. This means that if the knotweed reappears within the guarantee period, the buyer can claim the policy for further treatment and remediation costs.
If you are selling a property with Japanese knotweed, it is recommended that you seek advice from our surveyor, who can guide you on whether a guarantee is necessary and discuss the most suitable options available. It is essential to ensure that any warranty offered is from a reputable and regulated provider and meets the needs of both the buyer and their mortgage lender.
If you follow the steps above, you will have no problem selling your property. You will reassure your buyer, and the sale should go through smoothly. We have never had any of our clients’ buyers refuse a mortgage.