Japanese Knotweed sold sign.
Selling A Property with Japanese Knotweed
Selling a property with Japanese knotweed can be challenging due to its invasive nature and impact on its value. To ensure a smooth sale process, engage a professional specialist company for removal and disposal, provide a certificate of treatment, be transparent about the plant’s presence, and monitor for new growth.
Selling a property with Japanese knotweed
It can be a complicated and challenging process due to the plant’s invasive nature and potential to damage buildings, structures, and infrastructure. Addressing the presence of Japanese knotweed before attempting to sell a property is essential to avoid potential legal and financial liabilities.
❓ Not Sure If You Have Japanese Knotweed? Here’s What to Do
Suppose your garden is overgrown or you’re unsure whether Japanese Knotweed is on your property. In that case, it’s important to be honest and cautious, especially when completing the TA6 Property Information Form (a legal requirement when selling a home in the UK).
On the TA6 form, a specific question asks whether the property is affected by Japanese Knotweed. You’ll have three options:
✔️ Yes
❌ No
❓ Don’t Know
Why You Should Tick “Don’t Know” If You’re Unsure
If you’re not 100% certain, the best and safest option is to tick “Don’t know.” Ticking “No” without a proper inspection could later be considered misrepresentation, potentially leading to costly legal claims or even delays in the sale.
Instead, ticking “Don’t know” gives you the opportunity to have a professional Japanese Knotweed survey carried out by a PCA-accredited specialist, like me. This independent inspection provides peace of mind for you and the buyer.
Why Use a PCA-Accredited Surveyor?
As a Property Care Association (PCA) accredited surveyor, I offer:
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✅ A thorough inspection of your land and garden
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📄 A professional report identifying whether knotweed is present
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📋 A treatment plan and management strategy, if required
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🛡️ Insurance-backed guarantees that satisfy mortgage lenders
A proper survey will strengthen buyer confidence, keep your sales on track, and avoid surprises further down the line.
💬 If you’re unsure and would like a free identification or full survey, contact me today — I’ll help you move forward confidently.
The T6 form is legal.
In the United Kingdom, it is used to notify a potential buyer or tenant about the presence of Japanese knotweed on or near a property. Japanese knotweed is a highly invasive plant species that can damage buildings and structures, leading to potential legal and financial implications for property owners.
The T6 form, officially known as the “TA6: Property Information Form” as part of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Protocol, requires the seller or landlord to disclose information about various aspects of the property, including its boundaries, disputes, alterations, and environmental matters such as the presence of Japanese knotweed.
Suppose Japanese knotweed is identified or suspected to be present. In that case, the seller or landlord must provide details about the location, any treatment undertaken, and whether a Japanese knotweed management plan is in place. This information is crucial for potential buyers or tenants to make informed decisions about the property, including assessing the risks and costs associated with Japanese knotweed management.
The T6 form plays a significant role in property transactions in the UK by ensuring transparency and disclosure regarding Japanese knotweed and other relevant matters that may affect the property’s value and use.
The first step in selling a property with Japanese knotweed is identifying the extent of the infestation. This can be done by engaging a professional specialist company to assess the site and provide a management plan that includes containment, isolation, and plant removal recommendations. The management plan should be based on the size and location of the infestation and the type of property being sold.
It is important to note that Japanese knotweed is classified as controlled waste.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, it must be disposed of at a licensed landfill site. Before disposing of the plant material, it should be bagged and securely tied to prevent the release of rhizomes or the spreading of the plant during transportation.
In some cases, the presence of Japanese knotweed may affect the property’s value and make it difficult to sell. Buyers and lenders may be concerned about the potential damage and cost of removing the plant and the long-term implications of owning a property affected by this invasive species.
Addressing the infestation
Prompt and effective action is essential to minimise the impact of Japanese knotweed on the property’s value. This may involve engaging a professional specialist company to carry out a treatment program that includes containment, isolation, and plant removal. In some cases, remediation work may also be necessary to repair any damage caused by the plant to the property.
When selling a property, it is essential to be transparent about the presence of Japanese knotweed. This can be done by including a disclosure statement in the sale contract that describes the extent of the infestation and any steps taken to address it. The disclosure statement should also include details of any guarantees or warranties provided by the specialist company managing the infestation.
In addition, it is advisable to provide potential buyers and lenders with a management plan that outlines the steps taken to address the infestation and the long-term strategy for managing the plant. This will help reassure buyers and lenders and reduce the impact of Japanese knotweed on the property’s value.
Selling a property with Japanese knotweed can also be challenging,
But it is possible with the right approach. It is essential to identify the extent of the infestation, engage a professional specialist company to provide a management plan and be transparent about the plant’s presence when selling the property. By addressing the infestation promptly and effectively, it is possible to minimise the impact of Japanese knotweed on the property’s value and increase the chances of a successful sale.
When purchasing a property with Japanese Knotweed (JKW), mortgage companies generally have strict requirements before approving lending due to the potential risks associated with the plant. These risks include structural damage to the property and the possibility of the Knotweed spreading to neighbouring properties. The specific requirements can vary between lenders, but here are the typical steps and conditions they may ask for:
1. Japanese Knotweed Survey
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Professional Survey: You will likely need to commission a professional Japanese Knotweed survey from a qualified specialist. This survey will assess the extent of the infestation, including the plant’s root system (rhizomes), and estimate how much damage it might cause to the property.
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The survey will also recommend a treatment plan to manage or eradicate the plant.
2. Treatment Plan
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Action Plan: Mortgage lenders typically require a treatment plan from a certified Japanese knotweed treatment company that outlines how the Weed will be controlled or eradicated.
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The plan often includes methods such as herbicide application or physical removal of the plant and its roots and timeframes for the treatment’s duration.
3. 10-Year Guarantee
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Guarantee of Treatment: Lenders usually want a 10-year guarantee from the treatment company. This guarantee ensures that the Knotweed will be eradicated and that any reemergence of the plant will be treated at no additional cost to you.
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The guarantee is typically transferable if you sell the property in the future, which can be important for resale value.
4. Monitoring and Reporting
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Some mortgage companies may require ongoing site monitoring after treatment (usually up to 5 or 10 years). Reports may need to be submitted to the lender to show that the Knotweed has been controlled and is not regrowing.
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You might need to provide regular updates or inspections by the treatment company during the first few years.
5. Property Devaluation
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You may be asked to provide evidence of how the presence of Japanese Knotweed has affected the property value. Lenders typically want to ensure that the infestation has not caused significant structural damage or is unlikely to do so in the future.
6. Additional Costs
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Costs and Documentation: Be prepared for additional expenses related to the treatment, removal, and ongoing monitoring of the Knotweed. Some lenders may require you to pay for the treatment upfront or demonstrate that the property will be treated before the mortgage is approved.
7. Lender’s Specific Criteria
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Individual Lender Requirements: Each lender has its own criteria for properties with Japanese Knotweed. Some lenders may be more lenient, while others may refuse to lend if Japanese Knotweed is present. It’s essential to discuss these conditions with the lender before proceeding to ensure you meet their conditions.
To get a mortgage on a property with Japanese Knotweed, you’ll need to:
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Provide a Japanese Knotweed survey.
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Implement a treatment plan from a certified company.
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Provide a 10-year guarantee for the treatment.
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Possibly submit ongoing reports about the condition of the Knotweed.
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Be prepared for additional costs for treatment and monitoring.
It’s best to check with the specific lender beforehand to confirm their exact requirements, as some might have stricter policies than others regarding properties affected by Japanese Knotweed.