Buying a flat with Japanese Knotweed

star88

Hi

The estate agent has adviced that the garden has Japanese Knotweed. Is this easy to treat and will it affect the re-sale vaule if left untreated.

The estate agent says it's dormant and no treatment is needed, is this possible? what checks can I make to ensure there will be no ongoing problems before purchase, will this be covered by the house buyers survey?

Any advice greatful!

Kind Regards,

da_rule

This is what the Environment Agency says about controlling Knotweed: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/wildlife/130079.aspx

There have been stories of lenders withdrawing mortgage offers based on the presence of Knotweed. Are you buying the flat leasehold? What ownership do you have over the garden?

Jenniefour

Japanese knotweed is serious stuff. As useful link provided above demonstrates. Takes years to get rid of. Would it make a difference if you knew - and had firm evidence - that the freeholders are effectively dealing with it? And neighbours, if it's encroaching boundaries.

Worth thinking hard about this possible purchase unless there is a serious, consistent plan to get rid of it.

Mojisola

star88 wrote: »

The estate agent says it's dormant and no treatment is needed

It's dormant because it's the end of winter! Your EA either knows nothing about JKW or is lying to get the sale, hoping it will go through before you realise what you're taking on.

topdaddy_2

Ignore the EA

Jenniefour

Mojisola wrote: »

It's dormant because it's the end of winter! Your EA either knows nothing about JKW or is lying to get the sale, hoping it will go through before you realise what you're taking on.

Spot on. EA is trying to play down the problem.

bluebeary

if you read up online about japanese knotweed that will help you make the right decision

CH27

I would run a mile.

bigadaj

Any property can be a good deal, it depends what you pay.

This is quiet a serious issue and will be costly and time consuming to treat, though there have been big leaps in treatment over the last few years, so I'd walk away unless it's on at a very attractive price.

star88

da_rule wrote: »

This is what the Environment Agency says about controlling Knotweed:

There have been stories of lenders withdrawing mortgage offers based on the presence of Knotweed. Are you buying the flat leasehold? What ownership do you have over the garden?

Yes, leasehold and ownership of the garden. I would also be interested on your throughs if the garden was not part of the purchase, I understand the weed can damage the building works. So I guess if owned or not it will still be a problem, right?

Kayalana99

star88 wrote: »

da_rule wrote: »

This is what the Environment Agency says about controlling Knotweed:

There have been stories of lenders withdrawing mortgage offers based on the presence of Knotweed. Are you buying the flat leasehold? What ownership do you have over the garden?

Yes, leasehold and ownership of the garden. I would also be interested on your throughs if the garden was not part of the purchase, I understand the weed can damage the building works. So I guess if owned or not it will still be a problem, right?

It would still be a problem, it can cause damage to buildings and is in the £5000-£10000 margin to get rid of it - in fact it could make it more of a problem as you haven't got the authority to get rid of it even if you had the money as it wouldn't be your garden!!