If you’re in the market for a new property, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of Japanese knotweed and what to do if you discover it during a potential purchase.
Discovering Japanese knotweed on a property is not the end of the world.
If you’re lucky enough to spot this weed before buying a property, take action immediately. There are steps you can take to mitigate the damage, but it’s best to consult with an expert who can help assess the situation and create a plan of action.
Is Japanese knotweed a problem when buying a house?
Japanese knotweed is a fast-growing, invasive plant that can cause extensive damage to buildings and hard landscaping. If you discover knotweed on a property you wish to buy, it’s important to take action quickly. knotweed can spread rapidly, so it’s important to engage the services of a professional knotweed removal company as soon as possible.
They will be able to carry out a thorough assessment of the problem and put in place a treatment plan to eradicate the knotweed. Once the knotweed has been removed, it’s important to monitor the area closely and take action immediately if any new growth appears.
Japanese knotweed on a property is a difficult plant to get rid of, but with professional help, it’s possible to control its spread and prevent extensive damage to your property.

What do you do if you find Japanese knotweed?
If you’re thinking of buying a property, and you spot Japanese knotweed nearby, it’s important to know what to do. Japanese knotweed is an invasive weed that can cause a lot of damage, so it’s important to be aware of the risks before making any decisions.
If you’re set on buying the property, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the risk of Japanese knotweed.
First, you could have a professional surveyor check for the plant and map out its location. This way, you’ll be aware of where it is and can take steps to avoid any damage.
Second, you could get a professional opinion on the best way to remove the Japanese knotweed. This is important, as trying to remove it yourself could do more harm than good.
Finally, you could purchase Knotweed Insurance, which would protect you financially in the event that the plant does cause damage to your property.
Of course, there’s always the option to walk away from the property if you’re not comfortable taking on the risk. It’s important to remember that Japanese knotweed is a very real threat, and it’s not worth taking the chance if you’re not prepared to deal with it.
What happens if I buy a house with Japanese knotweed?
If you’re considering buying a house, it’s important to do your research first. One thing you should be aware of is Japanese knotweed – an invasive species that can cause significant damage to property. If you purchase a home with Japanese knotweed on the premises, you may find yourself facing expensive repairs down the road.
Japanese knotweed is a fast-growing plant that can quickly take over an area. It can grow up to three feet in a single season, and its roots can extend up to 20 feet underground. The plant is extremely hardy and difficult to kill, making it a serious problem for homeowners.
If you suspect that Japanese knotweed is present on a property you’re considering purchasing, it’s important to have the area inspected by a professional.
Most professional contractors provide free surveys unless your bank requires a verified one, then you’ll pay in the region of £280 in order to ascertain the extent of the Japanese knotweed infestation.
Once a survey is carried out, then you have a better idea of the action and costs to be undertaken.
Alternatively, if the plant is found, you may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price for the home. However, you’ll also be responsible for dealing with the knotweed problem, which can be costly and time-consuming.
If you’re not sure whether you can handle the responsibility of owning a home with Japanese knotweed, it’s best to steer clear. There are plenty of other properties out there that don’t come with this type of risk.

Will Japanese knotweed stop me from getting a mortgage?
In short, no.
It is now well known that Japanese knotweed can cause significant problems when trying to obtain a mortgage. This invasive plant was once thought to be nothing more than a pesky weed, but it has now been shown that it can cause severe damage to property and even stop someone from getting a mortgage altogether.
One of the main reasons why Japanese knotweed can cause problems when trying to get a mortgage is because it is classified as controlled waste. This means that if the plant is found on your property, you may be required to have it removed by a professional before you can proceed with your mortgage application.
If you are worried that Japanese knotweed may stop you from getting a mortgage, it is important to speak to a professional who can assess the situation and advise you on the best course of action. There are a number of companies that offer Japanese knotweed removal services, so you should be able to find one that is suitably qualified to deal with your problem.
In most cases, Japanese knotweed removal will not be covered by your mortgage lender. This means that you will need to pay for the costs of having the plant removed yourself. However, there are some lenders who may be willing to offer a limited amount of financial assistance towards the cost of removal.
If you are worried about the potential cost of removing Japanese knotweed from your property, you may want to consider taking out insurance. There are a number of companies that offer specialist insurance policies for properties affected by this plant. This type of insurance can provide you with peace of mind and financial protection in the event that you need to have the plant removed.
At the end of the day, it is important to remember that Japanese knotweed is a serious problem and it can have a major impact on your ability to get a mortgage. If you think that the plant may be present on your property, it is important to speak to a professional as soon as possible so that they can assess the situation and advise you on the best course of action.
Should you buy a property with Japanese knotweed nearby?
Only you can decide whether the property you wish to buy is worth the hassle or not. However, with the extent of Japanese knotweed across the UK, it is becoming more commonplace for mortgage lenders to offer mortgages with Japanese knotweed on them but with conditions.
One of those conditions is to engage the services of professional contractors and undertake a survey. After that, you’ll have a better idea of the next course of action, what is involved, costs that may be incurred, and more importantly, whether you should go ahead with the purchase or not.
On conclusion
What to do if You Discover Japanese Knotweed on a Property You Wish to Buy?
If you are in the market for a new property, it is important to be aware of the dangers of Japanese knotweed on a property. This plant can quickly take over an area, damaging homes and businesses in the process.
If you do discover Japanese knotweed on a property you are interested in buying, it is important to take action immediately. Contacting a qualified professional who can remove the weed is essential to protect your investment.
Want to know more about property purchases involving knotweed?
Knotweed Removal aims to provide the most up-to-date information, help, and advice for YOU to make informed decisions. If you are unsure or uncertain about how to proceed, please reach out to us and we will gladly come back and advise you as best we can.
Governmental advice can be found here and the UK law covering the removal of Japanese Knotweed as stated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 can be found here.
The best means to contact us is via our email – hello@knotweedremoval.tips
Do not forget we have a library of blogs covering many areas relevant to Japanese Knotweed, our free downloadable How-to Guides, and Product Reviews on the latest methods being employed to eradicate or remove Japanese Knotweed.
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