The continuous spread of Japanese Knotweed

Japanese knotweed arrived in the UK in the nineteenth century from Japan and ever since has rapidly spread causing countless issues for homeowners and the conveyancing process alike.

The vigorous strength of the hollow stemmed bamboo-like plant means that it can push through tarmac, brick, concrete and drains, causing so much damage that it is in fact one of two terrestrial plants listed by the Wildlife and Countryside Act as being illegal to allow it to grow in the wild.

Usually found by riverbeds, railways, roadside and redevelopment sights. Japanese Knotweed can grow up to seven metres in height and up to three metres in width, it can be identified by its red tainted shoots, shovel shaped leaves and off-white flowering. Once it encroaches into garden land and properties it exploits any cracks and structural weaknesses within the foundations.

A recent environmental study has highlighted that Japanese Knotweed is currently on the rise. There have been approximately 29,000 cases detected so far, with a 28% increase in cases seen over the past five years. It is now believed that Knotweed is present in nearly every 10 square km of the UK.

Further studies have also found that around one in twelve had never even heard of Japanese Knotweed, with nearly 50% of people being unable to recognise it or know of the issues it poses. This goes on to highlight the importance of having surveys carried out when purchasing a property, as qualified surveyors are trained to look out for such things, especially if your property abuts, or is close to a river, canal or stream.

Mortgage lenders can also be reluctant to lend on affected properties and are frequently known to request further information before deciding whether to grant the mortgage loan to the purchaser, usually looking for evidence of a knotweed removal guarantee before the sale can proceed.

It is never advisable to ignore a potential infestation as this will only lead onto become a much larger issue with much higher costs involved. Once detected one of several multi-stage protracted treatment plans must be adopted by the homeowner to help eradicate the problem.

However, if the right treatment plan is put in place to ensure the knotweed is successfully removed, this need not be a deal breaker for a house sale and you may not have to walk away from your dream house.

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