Selling your home can be stressful enough but discovering Japanese Knotweed on or near your property can turn it into a real nightmare.

In this post, I’ll explain what Japanese Knotweed is, why it causes such serious problems when selling a property, and what you can do to get your sale back on track including how Jeffries Property Buyers can help if you need a fast, guaranteed sale.

‍

What Is Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia Japonica)?

Japanese Knotweed was first introduced to the UK in the1850s by German botanist Philip von Siebold, who brought it over as an ornamental plant. It was even displayed at Kew Gardens, where it became a popular garden choice. Unfortunately, this decorative import soon escaped into the wild and it’s been causing havoc ever since.

‍

Why Japanese Knotweed Is Such a Big Problem

Japanese Knotweed grows rapidly both above and below ground.While its bamboo-like stems can reach over 2–3 metres in height, the real problem lies beneath the surface. Its rhizome root system can spread up to 7 metres horizontally and 3 metres deep, producing new shoots capable of breaking through concrete, drains, patios, and even building foundations.

This invasive nature makes it incredibly difficult (and expensive) to remove, and because of its destructive potential, it’s classed as a controlled plant under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

It’s not illegal to have Knotweed on your property but it is illegal to allow it to spread to someone else’s land.

‍

Your Legal Responsibilities

If you discover Japanese Knotweed, you’re not automatically breaking the law but you do have a legal duty to manage it properly.Several pieces of UK legislation apply, including:

• Wildlife  and Countryside Act 1981
• Environmental  Protection Act 1990
• Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
• Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994
• Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014

‍

Failure to control the spread could result in fines or enforcement action, especially if it invades neighbouring land.

‍

Selling a House with Japanese Knotweed

When selling your home, you’re legally required to complete a TA6 Property Information Form. This includes a direct question about Japanese Knotweed.

You must answer truthfully.

In 2020, one UK seller was successfully sued for nearly £200,000 after failing to disclose that the property had previously been treated for Knotweed, even though they believed it was gone. So, whether you’ve just discovered it or it’s been professionally treated, you must disclose it on your TA6 form.

‍

Mortgage Lenders and Japanese Knotweed

Mortgage lenders are understandably cautious. Knotweed can reduce property value, damage structures, and make homes harder to sell.

Although the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors(RICS) updated its guidance in 2022 to promote a more balanced, evidence-based approach, many lenders still:

• Refuse     to lend if Knotweed is close to the main building.
• Require     a PCA-accredited treatment plan with an insurance-backed guarantee before approving the mortgage.

‍

This means your pool of potential buyers may shrink significantly.

‍

Your Options

Option 1: Professional Treatment

If you want to achieve the highest price, it’s essential to act fast.
Hire a PCA-accredited Knotweed specialist to survey and treat the property.

‍
The three main treatment methods are:

1. Herbicide Treatment – Spraying or injecting over 2–5 years.
2. Excavation – Fast but costly and disruptive.
3. Root Barrier Installation – Helps prevent future regrowth.

‍

Always ensure the contractor provides a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee. This will reassure future buyers and help them secure lending.

‍

Option 2: Sell to a Cash Buyer

If you need to move quickly, or you’ve already found your next property, professional treatment may not be realistic. In this case,selling to a cash property buyer can be a smart solution.

Because cash buyers don’t rely on mortgages, they can take a more pragmatic view of the problem, factor in the cost of treatment, and move forward without delay.

At JeffriesPropertyBuyers.co.uk, we regularly purchase homes affected by Japanese Knotweed.

‍

Here’s how we help:

• No need for a mortgage or lengthy lender checks
• We assess your property within 48 hours
• You receive a firm cash offer no hidden fees
• Completion in a timeframe that suits you (as little as 48 hours)

‍

We handle the treatment, resale, or rental so you can move on with confidence.

‍

The Bottom Line

Whether you decide to treat the Knotweed or sell to a cash buyer, transparency and speed are key.

Japanese Knotweed doesn’t have to stop your property sale but ignoring it will.

If you want to avoid the stress, uncertainty, and potential legal risks, speak to the team at Jeffries Property Buyers today. We’ll provide a free, no-obligation assessment and give you a guaranteed cash offe rto get your sale back on track.

‍

Visit JeffriesPropertyBuyers.co.uk or contact us to learn how we can help you move forward fast.

‍