Discovery of Knotweed while buying

SouthLondonUser

Official information on the plant, and the penalties for not disposing of it properly
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-japanese-knotweed-from-spreading

GDB, I'd probably say I need to see the property information form before instructing a survey, as that will tell me if I need the surveyor to focus on anything in particular

narkymark

SouthLondonUser wrote: »

How do they dispose of the plant? Throwing it in the bin is an offence, it must be disposed of properly. If you have neighbours who are unwilling to pay for proper treatment then yes, I'd be very inclined to walk away.

It won't achieve anything, but I'd read the agent and the sellers the riot act for not disclosing this at the very beginning.

I think the catharsis of it would be useful right now :mad: I did ask the estate agent via an email if they knew it had JKW ... I wonder if they will be daft enough to admit they knew all along.

I don't know what the neighbours do with it but their front garden had recently been turned over and the owner kept pointing at it while talking (the JKW we know about is in the back garden). Also they have a new(ish) looking extension to the side which has a 6 foot tall JKW leaning against it from their neighbours to the side.

Thanks for all the responses on here - it's really helpful to get people's different experiences and opinions.

I suppose to summarise, it wouldn't be that big of a deal if there was a coordinated plan to deal with it from the neighbours but as there clearly isn't it could run out of control and I'm not prepared to take that risk.

elsien

If they are digging it up, then they are spreading it. That for me would put a whole new light on the situation. My neighbour (dodgy landlord type) successfully spread it around his garden and into the alleyway when he built an extension without any sort of treatment first.
Not worth it if they are being so irresponsible.

SouthLondonUser

Yes, I agree, if there were a coordinated plan I wouldn't see it as a huge issue, but with stingy uncooperative neighbours you'll never be able to tame the plant. Walk away. I feel for the seller but it's not your problem.