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Homebuyers and sellers in the UK are being warned about the presence of Japanese knotweed, an invasive plant that can cause significant damage to properties if left untreated. Mortgage lenders are often hesitant to approve loans for properties with knotweed, requiring a treatment plan and insurance-backed guarantee. Sellers are legally obligated to disclose the presence of knotweed on property information forms, but a survey revealed that some sellers would attempt to deal with it themselves without informing buyers. Failure to disclose knotweed can result in legal action and financial consequences, as demonstrated by a case in Raynes Park where a seller was ordered to pay £200,000 in costs and damages. [Extracted from the article]

The article reflects on the views of Stuart Snape, managing partner of Graham Coffey & Co Solicitors to tackle Japanese knotweed outbreak. It mentions where Japanese knotweed can be shown to have encroached onto your property, even if that encroachment is only minimal, then you may be entitled to seek compensation for the loss of value to your property in addition to an order compelling the owner of the adjoining land to remove the invasive plant.

The article reports on the discovery made by Adam Brindle of Japanese Knotweed Specialists which suggested signs of early growth of Japanese knotweed in the South East region of the United Kingdom. Topics discussed include the potential impact of the early emergence of this invasive plant on property owners, the estimated number of homes affected by knotweed infestations in the region, and the environmental factors which may contribute to the early growth of knotweed.

The article focuses on the use of detection dogs to identify, locate and treat rhizomes in Japanese knotweed by professional landscapers in Great Britain in 2021. The weeds are capable of damaging properties such as concrete foundations. Among the advantages of using detection dogs are their agility, efficiency, and ability to assess a property for the weeds without extensive excavation. Also noted is the cost-effectiveness of training dogs to detect the Japanese knotweed.

The article reports that legal claims against property sellers relating to Japanese knotweed have spiked in the 2020 as a result of the rush to complete home sales before the stamp duty holiday deadline. It mentions increase in misrepresentation cases – where property sellers have failed to declare the presence of the invasive plant on their property. It also mentions number of transactions which have been rushed through to ensure buyers meet the stamp duty deadlines.

The article reports on an online tool created by pest management services provider, Environet, which will make a quick assessment on the likely impact Japanese knotweed on the value of a property. Topics covered include data showing that Japanese knotweed affects between 4 and 5 percent of homes in Great Britain as of 2019, the weed's potential to cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to a property, and its likely impact on a mortgage decision because lenders consider it a risk.

The article reports on a warning issued by Environet, a pest management services provider, for house hunters to be extra vigilant for signs of Japanese knotweed when house hunting during autumn or winter months. Topics covered include the effect of this weed on properties and on mortgage applications, a legal requirement for homeowners to declare if their property is affected by Japanese knotweed, and the fact that many homeowners conceal the existence of this weed during property transactions.

The article focuses on common problems homeowners face during the selling process. It mentions house selling process, which are probably going to end up interacting closely with chosen estate agent and fresh paint on front door, flowers and plants, de-weeding garden, or even some simple cleaning and de-cluttering. It also mentions appearance of Japanese knotweed is something many homeowners fear when it comes to selling their house.

The article reports on the call for British homeowners to be vigilant about the presence of the invasive plant Bohemian knotweed in October 2020. The plant is said to be capable of causing devastation to homes and negatively affect mortgage applications. The breed is a result of a cross fertilisation between Japanese and Giant knotweed. The need for the plant to be treated or removed immediately is emphasized.

The article reports on the call of Graham Coffey & Co. solicitors for house buyers to be vigilant of Japanese knotweed when commissioning their survey of a new build home in Great Britain in 2020. It mentions the exemption of property developers from disclosing the presence of the invasive weed to potential owners. Also noted is lack of rules for a specialist survey to detect the knotweed. Solicitor Stuart Snape cites that there were instances when developers insufficiently treated the weed.

The article focuses on the use of dogs trained by experts RFA Security for Environet in detecting the invasive plant Japanese Knotweed rhizomes in home gardens or lands in Great Britain. Topics discussed include the accuracy and speed of these dogs in detecting the invasive plant compared to humans, the widespread of the invasive plant in the country, and the requirement for home sellers to declare if their property is affected by the invasive plant under the law.

The article reports on the emergence of South Wales, Bristol, Bolton and London, England as the top Japanese knotweed hotspots in Great Britain in March 2020 based on a live heatmap. A heatmap enables a buyer to make informed decisions about a property. It mentions the potential damage of the presence of Japanese knotweed to properties which may affect mortgage applications. The benefit of conducting a Japanese knotweed survey of the affected property is explained.

The article reports on the revised form and guidance issued by the government in Great Britain in February 2020, which shifted the responsibility of investigating the presence of Japanese knotweed on homes for sale to the buyers from the sellers during the conveyancing process. According to Environet, the changes will improve the legal process in misrepresentation cases.

The article reports on the costs and damages awarded to London, England homeowner Paul Ryb after suing his chartered surveyor for negligence due to failed discovery of Japanese knotweed in his property. The invasive weed could cause damage to property and considered a huge risk by many mortgage lenders. Other topics include the possible cost of removing the plant.

The article focuses on the role of the increase in spring temperatures in the growth of the invasive plant Japanese knotweed, which is considered a threat to properties and mortgage applications in Great Britain. Topics discussed include the impact of the invasive plant on house prices, the increase in enquiries from homeowners about the invasive plant, and the physical characteristics of the invasive plant.

The article reports on a study by Japanese knotweed removal firm Environet UK that the problem of the invasive weed in the housing market will be under control by 2040 if the turnover of properties in Great Britain maintains a rate of 4.5%. The knotweed costs homeowners and businesses about 166 million pounds per year due to treatment costs and devaluation of their properties. Also cited is the position of mortgage lenders on knotweeds.

The article discusses the factors that could result in the devaluation of properties in Great Britain and how to address them. According to NAEA Propertymarket, among the factors are swimming pools, poor presentation, over-personalisation, and the invasive plant called Japanese Knotweed. Also cited are some recommended strategies to increase home value like maintaining its cleanliness and good smell.

The article informs that according to a research the scourge of Japanese Knotweed has caused a reduction in value of Great Britain households affected by this plant species. It mentions mortgage lenders will typically refuse loans against properties affected unless there is a professional knotweed management plan in place with an insurance-backed guarantee, making it hard to sell the houses.

The article focuses on mortgage on homes where invasive weeds such as Japanese knotweed are present could be a problem if the weeds are not properly treated. It mentions Japanese knotweed is, in fact, one of the fastest growers in the plant world and sale fell through when buyer's mortgage provider would not approve the application because of the weed nearby. It also mentions Mortgage lenders will normally require evidence of treatment that will eradicate the plant as a condition of lending.