Japanese Knotweed Disclosed

MrsT.C

Just viewed a house which is lovely (and I'm getting desperate!) but the owners have disclosed JK which they had treated. it is also mentioned, as an update, in the Home Report. It was in an area about 30ft from the back of the house. Advice anyone?

maninthestreet

How long ago was it last treated? Is there any sign of it still growing on the property?/

MrsT.C

Thanks for your reply. This is what the HR says:

UPDATE 13/10/2016 - Since the original inspection, we have been provided with an invoice from Messrs Allan Blair Weed Control, indicating that Japanese Knotweed is currently under treatment. This was not visible on the date of inspection, and further investigation is required to ascertain the extent of treatment and the length of treatment plan in place. Further, it should be fully appreciated that some lenders will not provide mortgage finance where eradication of Japanese Knotweed is carried out by a non-PCA (Property Care Association) member.

davidmcn

Ok, that sounds relatively self-explanatory as some starters for you i.e. what's the treatment plan, are these guys PCA members and (if you're buying with a mortgage) what does your lender need?

MrsT.C

Thanks. That's what I was thinking but have never experienced this before. Was wondering if I should stay clear..

[Deleted User]

Japanese knotweed has come up a few times on this forum.., try searching 'knotweed' in the forum search tab above (third from right, above your title). Hopefully will show how issues can be deal with and their importance. However, the advice given in your survey does seem fairly clear. You could contact the firm treating the knotweed perhaps.

davidmcn

MrsT.C wrote: »

Was wondering if I should stay clear..

I would, but you did say you were desperate...if your lender says no then that's the decision made for you.

Davesnave

MrsT.C wrote: »

Thanks. That's what I was thinking but have never experienced this before. Was wondering if I should stay clear..

There's no reason to drop the house automatically because of this, any more than there would be if you found that the drains were faulty or it needed a re-wire. It's something to be investigated further and maybe brought into the negotiations if it hasn't already been allowed-for.

Rest assured, it's entirely possible to eradicate JK from a property, but what isn't so easy, is making sure that neighbours do likewise. For that reason, each case needs assessment, taking the local geography, history and the likely attitude of neighbours into account.

You were going to speak to potential neighbours anyway, weren't you?

MrsT.C

When I say 'desperate' I mean that we sold within a week and have to be out by January. It's not the end of the world.

MrsT.C

Thank you Davesnave. You have hit the nail on the head for me. I was wondering if I should just drop it. I will leave it with my solicitor tomorrow. She's very thorough.