Interesting new research has revealed that there is a high level of anxiety surrounding the troublesome Japanese Knotweed.
The survey, carried out by YouGov and Environet UK, showed that 78% of would-be homeowners would be deterred from buying a property if they knew that the weed was present in the garden.
Japanese Knotweed
Reasons for this concern included:
- Knowing it can’t always be removed – 69%
- Cost of removing- 56%
- Time involved- 57%
Responses to the report suggest that there is also a high level of myth and misinformation around the threat posed by the weed and the options to remove it.
First introduced to the UK during the 1850’s from Japan, Japanese Knotweed is now number one on the Environment Agency’s list of the UK’s most invasive plant. It is described as, ‘indisputably the UK’s most aggressive, destructive and invasive plant.’
Awareness
75% of Britons were found to be aware of the plant, but only 4% were aware of it actually being present in their property. People of Wales were particularly aware, with 95%, while 80% of people in the South East said they were.
However, those aware of the plant are mostly oblivious to their legal obligations surrounding the plant, should it be found on their land. Just 49% of homeowners are aware that it is their responsibility from preventing it spreading. 21% are aware that they could receive an ASBO should the weed be found on their land and subsequently spread.
Those looking for a comprehensive lowdown on the plant, how to remove it and their legal obligations can found out more in this guide.
Awareness and concern over Japanese Knotweed growing
Concern
Nic Seal, MD and Founder of Environet, said: ‘Homeowners are right to be concerned about the threat posed by Japanese knotweed. Attempting to deal with it by cutting it down repeatedly, burning it, burying it or using common weed killers simply won’t work as the plant can lie dormant beneath the ground, only to strike again when people least expect it.’
‘Yet for those wishing to buy or sell a property, it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. Japanese knotweed can be dealt with once and for all, within a matter of days from discovery, so there is hope for buyers who may have otherwise walked away from their dream home.’[1]
Philip Santo, Chartered Surveyor and Director at Philip Santo & Co, added: ‘RICS shares concerns that many people believe Japanese Knotweed poses a much greater risk than it really does.’
‘Since RICS issued guidance in 2012 the situation for buyers and sellers has greatly improved. For most affected properties there is now access to mortgage finance once an approved Japanese Knotweed Management Plan is in place. DIY remedies can make matters worse and should not be attempted.’[1]
[1] http://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/household/8-in-10-put-off-from-buying-a-property-over-japanese-knotweed-fears.html
View Comments (1)
Here in Swansea, known as the Japanese knotweed capital of the UK, it never fails to amazes me that people have no idea of the potential problems this invasive non-native plant can cause when buying or selling property until the very last stages of the conveyancing process!
I was very surprise therefore to read the statistics in the YouGov survey as it does not reflect my experience in the industry at all. If you believed half the information in the article it is a miracle any houses are sold here in Swansea at all!
This article is not particularly useful either as it just perpetuates many of the fears or myths built up around Japanese knotweed.
Excavation of Japanese knotweed and landfilling is not an easy option especially as it can cover large areas with multiple ownership being prohibitively expensive for most small domestic properties here in South Wales as it is classed as controlled waste.
Saying that professional help should always be sort as mortgage lenders often require any remediation works to be undertaken by members of a trade body, such as the Property Care Association and able to offer Insurance Backed Guarantees and it is always advisable to get it sorted sooner rather than later and if left it becomes increasingly time consuming and costly to treat.