Buying a flat with Japanese Knotweed

Jenniefour

OP, so the garden belongs to the flat you are buying and is not shared by anyone else? At least, if you were to buy, it means you don't have to rely on anyone else in that property to get rid of it. However, that doesn't mean you should steam ahead and buy it. If you're still keen, find out exactly where this stuff is in the garden, how widespread it is and whether it has encroached (or come from) neighbouring gardens. And this would be very hard to determine at the moment, end of winter when it died back (but very much still alive underground!). Unless you get in an expert to take a look and give you an opinion. Getting neighbours to clear any that is in their garden(s) as well might be an uphill struggle. This would mean that if you cleared it out of your garden it can easily keep coming back.

Yes, knotweed can definitely damage buildings - do a google search on images where it can be seen popping up through floor boards, garage floors, embedded in walls and so on.

I'm guessing that vendor might be trying to sell the flat before the knotweed starts shooting up. I would be running a mile from this.

ConfusedofYorkshire

I'm quite surprised the estate agent brought it up!

Jenniefour

ConfusedofYorkshire wrote: »

I'm quite surprised the estate agent brought it up!

Same here. But I wonder if they're obliged to these days. Luckily for OP that EA did bring it up instead of OP getting a very nasty expensive surprise in a few weeks/months when it all starts shooting up.

star88

Thank you all!

So if you're buying flat without ownership of the garden, how would you know there is japanese knotweed or be able to find out?

Jenniefour

star88 wrote: »

Thank you all!

So if you're buying flat without ownership of the garden, how would you know there is japanese knotweed or be able to find out?

EA has already told you it's there. I can't imagine they've lied to you about this - they're giving you the heads up that there is a serious problem. If this is a communal garden then it depends on whether the other flat owners have a proper plan - and if it's in neighbouring gardens whether the neighbours are also determined to get rid of it and have a proper plan. If it's left untreated it will be getting into the fabric of the building at some point - and if that were to happen it becomes a serious headache for all the flat owners.

The timing of this sale means that someone who starts the buying process now won't be able to see the stuff - but it will be unmissable by completion.

PlymouthMaid

I have been watching the local Council's progress for several years in ridding several area of knotweed where I walk my dog and it doesn't seem to be going away very quickly at all. I would be quite worried by it.

star88

sorry my question was for future flats ..... how would you know if this information was not released by the estate agent and the garden was not under your ownership

Jenniefour

star88 wrote: »

Thank you all!

So if you're buying flat without ownership of the garden, how would you know there is japanese knotweed or be able to find out?

OP, on re-reading this I'm wondering if you're now asking a general question there. If so, apologies for misunderstanding.

Essentially, at this time of the year and in winter there may not be a way of knowing, other than asking the vendor and getting solicitor to ask in buying process. And some people will have it in their garden and not have a clue what it is. I imagine there have been one or two buyers who have got a nasty surprise in the past.

It's not something that will be in most gardens. So I wouldn't worry too much if you're considering other properties now - just remember to ask!!

Just seen your post - hope above helps!

star88

thank you so much for all the kind advice!

Jenniefour

All the best with your search!