Buying a House that HAD Japanese Knotweed

Marvel1

Less than £20:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scotts-Miracle-Gro-Roundup-Concentrate-Weedkiller/dp/B001DYQ286/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1544289811&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=roundup+tree+stump+and+root+killer&dpPl=1&dpID=51xjwAnQwZL&ref=plSrch

I used it 3 months ago so will see the results next year (note it was about 5 stems not a jungle and fear factor as some make out).

franklee

I would be asking where the knotweed came from and has that source been eradicated? If for example it's still on neighbouring land then it'll be back. It needs to have been tacked at all the nearby sources.

If it spreads from your land to a neighbour's will you be liable?

Also what if anything does your proposed mortgage and insurance have to say on the issue?

DottieDam

I've treated Japanese knotweed for much much less than £500. Found it early, got the strong stuff, no return within two years. It really wasn't a big deal in terms of time and resources. I think the problems are if left for a long time.

If you send a surveyor now they will won't find it, unless any dead stalks remain.

If I liked the house it woildnt put me off as I know how to tackle it plus I'd appreciate the honesty so I was aware as opposed to a property where it wasn't declared and I was caught unawares.

Davesnave

It's very like underpinning, in the sense that perfectly good houses are blighted by something the general public doesn't really understand. It isn't helped by the mainstream media exploiting this misunderstanding and fear for their own dubious purposes.

The latest research indicates that JK has been hyped into something it's not, but that won't enter the perception of the average person for some time, if ever. There's also the problem of neighbours retaining it, even when you yourself have controlled it, and that's also true of other unwanted weeds.

So, would I buy a house with knotweed? Yes, in the right circumstances, just the same as an underpinned property. However, knowing what the public understand about either scenario, if it wasn't a forever place and a rare find, I'd expect to buy with an appropriate reduction to reflect the perceived risk involved. i.e. 5-10% below book price.

BethanyD

There are (at least) two issues that you will face:-


1. It has not been eradicated and you have been made aware of the issue before purchasing


2. It comes back and spreads to your neighbouring properties - yo can be sued.


You could also have the issue of obtaining building insurance if found and some mortgage companies do not lend on such blighted properties, so future sales are limited.


Eradication can be inexpensive, but it can also be very expensive, so why take the risk


PS

I work in this sector and provide Expert Reports for people needing advice

Davesnave

BethanyD wrote: »

I work in this sector and provide Expert Reports for people needing advice

Well, here's another one:


http://www.exeter.ac.uk/news/featurednews/title_526885_en.html

BethanyD

I agree Davesnave


I too find it surprising how many unqualified people give advice online

aussie_in_wales

I'd personally pull out and have done on a house I was close to completing on before buying my eventual property.

As Bethany D has said it's now an offence under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act to allow Japanese Knotweed to spread from your land onto neighbouring land. This legislation already been used and resulted in a prosecution in Bristol.

daveyjp

Davesnave wrote: »

Well, here's another one:


http://www.exeter.ac.uk/news/featurednews/title_526885_en.html

Very sound conclusion:

"The authors stress that Japanese knotweed needs to be dealt with on a case by case basis. Whilst professional assistance may be required in some cases, small-scale occurrences of the plant in domestic gardens may not require professional attention to be effectively controlled and the overemphasis of risks may result in unnecessary anxiety and expenditure."

Car1980

A relative bought a house in winter 2017 and loads of knotweed appeared in the spring. The TA6 form had a big 'no' tick in the Knotweed section. Ho hum.

I sprayed it all in July 2018 using Roundup Provantage 480, which cost £50 + sprayer + mask and gloves.
Any canes left over were injected with neat Roundup using a specialist injector gun in late September (£70).

I've just been to survey the site and 85% has gone. The biggest stand has literally one shoot popping up.

Repeat this year and I'd be surprised to see any more than a couple of shoots in 2020, and it should be gone in year 3.

All for about £150. Get the right weed killer, stick to the schedule and it goes.