Home Buyers and Sellers

So... You've Got Japanese Knotweed on Your Property?

Whether You're Selling or Buying - Here's What You Need to Know!

If you've discovered Japanese Knotweed on your property - or you're buying or selling a home where it's present - understanding your legal responsibilities and next steps is essential.

At Cork Japanese Knotweed, we work with homeowners, buyers, sellers, and property professionals every day to identify, manage, and remove Japanese Knotweed in full compliance with legal and mortgage requirements.

Selling a Property with Japanese Knotweed

When selling your home, you are legally required to declare whether Japanese Knotweed is present. The Law Society's Property Information Form (TA6) specifically asks this question, and sellers must answer:

• Yes - Knotweed is present
• No - Knotweed is not present
• Don't know - You're unsure

Failure to disclose the presence of Japanese Knotweed can result in misrepresentation claims if the buyer later discovers it after contracts have been exchanged. These claims can lead to costly legal action and compensation payments.

How Surveys Identify Japanese Knotweed

For most residential properties, a HomeBuyer Report is recommended. This type of survey provides an overview of the property's condition and highlights any issues that could affect its value or safety - including Japanese Knotweed.

Surveyors are trained to spot visible signs of the plant in gardens, boundaries, and nearby properties. If they suspect its presence, they will recommend a specialist survey by a qualified invasive species contractor, such as Cork Japanese Knotweed.

The RICS Japanese Knotweed Risk Assessment

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has created a standardised assessment framework to evaluate the risk level Japanese Knotweed poses to a property.

The framework categorises infestations from Category 0 to 4, with 0 being the lowest risk and 4 being the most severe.

CategoryDescription4 - High RiskJapanese Knotweed is within 7 metres of a habitable space (e.g. house, conservatory, garage) and/or causing serious damage to structures, drains, paths, or boundary walls. Further investigation by a qualified expert (such as Cork Japanese Knotweed) is essential.3 - Moderate RiskKnotweed is within the property boundary but more than 7 metres from any habitable structure. Any structural damage is minor. A professional management plan is still required.2 - Adjacent Property RiskKnotweed is not on your land, but is present within 7 metres of your boundary on a neighbouring property. Monitoring and potential legal consideration are necessary.1 - Low RiskKnotweed is visible on neighbouring land but is more than 7 metres from your boundary. Periodic monitoring recommended.0 - No Knotweed FoundNo visible evidence of Japanese Knotweed within or near the property.

How Mortgage Lenders View Japanese Knotweed

Banks, building societies, and mortgage lenders take Japanese Knotweed very seriously.

Most lenders follow the RICS assessment framework and will not approve a mortgage on a property affected by Knotweed unless strict conditions are met.

Although requirements differ slightly between lenders, one consistent rule applies - you must have a Japanese Knotweed Management Plan (KMP) in place, created by a PCA-approved contractor such as Cork Japanese Knotweed.

The Role of Cork Japanese Knotweed in the Property Process

When Japanese Knotweed is identified, the property owner or vendor is typically responsible for commissioning and paying for the specialist treatment plan.

At Cork Japanese Knotweed, we provide a comprehensive Knotweed Management Plan (KMP) that includes:

• A full site inspection and survey
• A detailed treatment and remediation schedule
• A minimum 5-year management programme including a 2-year monitoring period
• A 10-year insurance-backed guarantee (where required by lenders)

Once the KMP is in place, it can be transferred to the buyer and submitted to the mortgage lender as proof of professional management.

Meeting Lender Requirements

Different lenders may have specific conditions, such as:

• The first treatment must be completed before loan approval
• The buyer's name must be added to the management plan
• An insurance-backed guarantee must be issued

At Cork Japanese Knotweed, we handle all of this on your behalf - liaising directly with surveyors, solicitors, and lenders to ensure all requirements are met swiftly and correctly. Our goal is to make the process as stress-free as possible for both vendor and purchaser.

Supporting Buyers, Sellers, and Property Professionals

Whether you're selling a property affected by Japanese Knotweed or purchasing a new home, Cork Japanese Knotweed ensures compliance with legal, mortgage, and environmental standards.

We help:

• Vendors disclose and manage Knotweed correctly to avoid legal risk.
• Purchasers secure their mortgage approval quickly.
• Estate agents, conveyancers, and surveyors by providing professional documentation, reports, and guarantees.

Why Choose Cork Japanese Knotweed?

✅ PCA-approved specialists in Japanese Knotweed management and removal.

✅ Fully insured with long-term guarantees accepted by mortgage lenders.

✅ Accurate surveys and treatment plans designed to meet lender and legal requirements.

✅ Comprehensive support from initial inspection through to certification and aftercare.

In Summary

Discovering Japanese Knotweed doesn't have to derail your property sale or purchase.

With expert help from Cork Japanese Knotweed, you can:

• Protect your property's value,
• Meet all legal disclosure requirements, and
• Keep your sale or purchase on track.

If you've found Japanese Knotweed on your property - or suspect it may be present - contact Cork Japanese Knotweed today for professional advice, surveys, and treatment plans that satisfy both legal and lender requirements.

For any enquiries or questions, do not hesitate to contact us!

Email. corklandscaper@gmail.com

Tel. 0870018636