Should I buy a house with Japanese knotweed

louisebushrodLgvgjmMz

Hi, 
I have recently viewed a property which has Japanese knotweed in two different areas,one very close to the property (one shoot)  the seller has informed me that they have a 10 plan in place, is it worth the risk or should I avoid?
all thoughts and experiences appreciated.

Simone_in_Wiltshire

@louisebushrodLgvgjmMz No! You will not be able to sell it again and no mortgage lender will look at your request in case you rely on a mortgage. 

When I bought our flat, I was asked by the mortgage lawyer if the garden had JKW and learned that if the garden had it, it’s not possible to sell it again here in the UK. 

Obelixx

Have a read of this info - https://www.environetuk.com/japanese-knotweed/property#:~:text=You must declare Japanese knotweed,affected where knotweed is present.

fidgetbones

I wouldn't go anywhere near it. You are unlikely to get a mortgage in any case on it.

rowlandscastle444

. . . and you would probably struggle to sell it in the future.

B3

Ageed. Walk away. There's a better home out there waiting for you 😊

WhereAreMySecateurs

I feel so sorry for the current owner. But you have no need to make this your problem.

Busy-Lizzie

Don't touch it! You'll find somewhere you like better, keep looking.

wild edges

The latest information given to surveyors is that JKW isn't as bad as previously assumed and as long as a control package with insurance etc is in place then many mortgage lenders will now consider lending on the property. The old days of mortgage lenders buying longer bargepoles seems to be over now. Having said that you will have to put up with some pretty toxic chemicals being used in your future garden and you never know if a neighbour won't bother treating some on their property which can give you endless problems treating it when it jumps the fence.

Fairygirl

I agree with @wild edges. It can be controlled, but you'd have to be sure all the proper procedures were in place, and you were happy with them.
If it's in a neighbouring property, that's the biggest problem. 

Dovefromabove

Also, if there's a contract or insurance plan to eradicate it, do make sure that it's with a reputable company ... I've heard of folk being left with worthless contracts to deal with their JKW because the company they have the contract with has gone into liquidation, quite often starting up under another name.