New Build Japanese Knotweed found during valuation survey

robox09

Hi

After any advice! We had offered on a completed New build property and when the mortgage survey was carried out the valuation came back £10,000 less due to Japanese knot weed found on the development site not on the actual property we want to buy though.

Apparently is grade 1 knotweed and it is further away than the 7 metres.

We have gone back to the developer Bellway to say why they haven't told us that there was Japanese knot weed on the site when apparently they will probably been aware of this and also to see they can take the £10,000 off the price of the property. They are discussing it with the management team. There are a few houses that have been completed and have people living in some houses but there is still quite a bit the development to be finished.

Any advice please?

Thanks!

chanz4

Run dont touch

jbainbridge

They WILL have known about ... don't worry.

So long as it isn't growing under the house it is fixable. I'd worry the whole site could be riddled with it.

Talk to the surveyor and ask their advice.

robox09

Thanks but really run that bad even though it's not on the property itself?

Surely a building company so big would have researched the area before starting a development?

BobQ

It might be worth knocking on doors of the occupied property and see if it is an isolated issue or rife

This may be of interest:

https://www.warners-solicitors.co.uk/article/195/japanese-knotweed---legal-implications.html

Presumably the Council Planning Authority is aware of the matter?

I would not just be focussing on getting a discount but asking them to treat the land on the development and giving me a longer term guarantee that if it caused a nuisance they would take responsibility for solving it.

I would also be asking myself if a reputable builder has allowed controlled material to contaminate the site, what other substances might be in the soil.

robox09

Thanks for your replies.

I've emailed the developers with a copy of the valuation report and asked for information with regards to the JK and the site. Also what plans they have for eradicating the problem and guarantees for any future issues before we'd even consider negotiation on the price.

It's the onward sale that worries me as we only plan to stay there 2/3 years.

Davesnave

A recent ruling against Network Rail is significant in this context and sets a precedent for the future:

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/neighbours-whose-house-prices-tumbled-12559831

No doubt Network Rail will appeal, but if the judgement is upheld and enforced, instead of the usual out-of-court settlement, this could be a game changer.

waamo

If it's likely you won't be there very long I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole.

Future buyers will be put off and resale may be difficult until it is definitely eradicated.

BobQ

robox09 wrote: »

Thanks but really run that bad even though it's not on the property itself?

Surely a building company so big would have researched the area before starting a development?

I think the question you need to ask yourself is if you go ahead with this what will it cost you if and when it spreads to your plot. You say its not within 7m? How do you know? Do you know where on the site it was found?

I would be concerned that if it did appear on my land it was going to cost a lot to deal with. If it grows, the cutting of it creates controlled waste. How much does that cost to dispose of? How much will it cost you to fix if it grows up through your patio or you have to spray herbiside on your garden?

Then you have the potential impact of it growing elsewhere on the development on your property re-sale value. Getting £10K off now is great but it may be you knocking £25K off in 10 years time.

Have you told your mortgage provider about this? Some insist on an insurance indemnity to cover the cost of the mortgage.

Do think about the longer term. JK can damage the foundations of a house. Unless your development has been affected by neighbouring land, it means the developer has used contaminated soil. Its roots can spread out as far as 7m and extend 2m underground, how you can be sure it is not already under the foundations of a house I do not know.

https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/154142/onsite_mangaement_of_-japanese_knotweed_associated_soils.pdf


This is frightening.......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qch-Bqc_-I

robox09

Thanks.
It was the mortgage company who sent the valuation survey out to the property. they stated the distance, which I have emailed to query how they knew it was 7 m and also they're the ones who came back with the offer of the mortgage at 10 grand less so they said they would mortgage the property.

It's a real shame because I really like the property and the area but it might be a nonstarter if it's all over the site

Mossfarr

Phew, that youtube vid really puts it in perspective.
If that doesn't put you off you're a much braver person than me!