Users' questions

Can you mortgage a house with knotweed?

Can you mortgage a house with knotweed?

Lenders are cautious with properties that are affected by Japanese knotweed, but it’s not impossible to get a mortgage. Lenders are concerned that a property with knotweed may not be good security for a mortgage, due to the risk of damage posed by the plant and problems it might cause with reselling.

Which plants are illegal in the UK?

We rounded up some of the worst offenders, most of which are so damaging to the environment they’re actually illegal to grow in the UK.

  • JAPANESE KNOTWEED. Status: Illegal to allow Japanese Knotweed to spread in the UK.
  • GIANT HOGWEED.
  • HIMALYAN BALSAM.
  • NEW ZEALAND PYGMYWEED.
  • THREE-CORNERED GARLIC.
  • RHODODENDRON PONTICUM.

Will Lenders lend with knotweed?

Mortgage lenders will decide whether to lend a mortgage on a property with Japanese Knotweed based on the RICS category of the property and the report of the surveyor. They are also likely to want evidence of treatment plans and confirmation that these are funded and have insurance backed guarantees.

What is Category 4 Japanese knotweed?

Category. Descriptors. 4. Japanese Knotweed is within 7 metres of a habitable space*, conservatory and/or garage, either within the boundaries of this property or in a neighbouring property or space; and/or.

Can Japanese knotweed come back?

The plant can die back over the winter after treatment and start to regrow when the weather improves, so it’s important to ensure it is professional treated to ensure it never returns.

Is gunnera illegal in UK?

Stricter rules apply in the whole of Europe and UK for Gunnera tinctoria – it is an offence to plant or cause these to grow in the wild. It is banned from sale and gardeners growing this plant should undertake measures to control its spread beyond their garden.

What is Japanese knotweed UK?

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is an aggressive weed that can grow up to 10cm a day. It is now the most invasive plant species in this country and across the UK. Japanese knotweed has been known to cause major damage to properties and in some cases, it can lead to mortgages being refused.

How do I get rid of Japanese knotweed?

Chemical controls of removing Japanese knotweed A glyphosate-based weedkiller is the best option here, though bear in mind it can take several applications, over up to four seasons, to completely eradicate Japanese knotweed. It’s best applied to cut canes so the weedkiller can thoroughly penetrate the plant and roots.

Where is Japanese knotweed found in the UK?

Most UK-Japanese knotweed is distributed across the North west, South West Wales and central london.

How did I get Japanese knotweed in my garden?

Japanese knotweed can easily be spread by transferring from shoes or clothes, this can happen when people walk through a contaminated area. One of the most common methods of Japanese knotweed spreading is when land is redeveloped or treated in some way, leading to increased human traffic.