How much does Japanese Knotweed devalue property? Japanese knotweed has knocked £20bn off the total value of the UK property market, according to new research, with many mortgage lenders refusing loans for properties affected by the weed. For information specific to the activity of resveratrol, see … A recent survey by YouGov and Environet UK, which specialises in removing the weed, found that around 5 per cent of UK houses are currently affected by knotweed, either directly or indirectly (when a neighbouring property is affected). The oriental plants were first introduced to the UK in the nineteenth century. It is estimated that up to 900,000 UK households are affected by the weed, which the Environment Agency describes as one of the ‘most aggressive, destructive and invasive plants’, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. It is estimated that more than two per cent of development sites and 1.25 per cent of residential properties in Britain are affected by the plant, amounting to tens of thousands of sites in total. One thought on “ The ‘features’ which could devalue your property…and how to fix them ” Jo Mullett January 29, 2019 at 7:47 pm. Insurance backed guarantees can be provided to restore the property’s value. Invasive Japanese Knotweed can damage the foundations of your home creating a risk of subsidence. Japanese knotweed also appeared in several high profile legal cases this year, as landowners were successfully sued for allowing the plant to spread into neighbouring properties. Covid-19 vaccine: Latest updates on Oxford, Moderna and Pfizer breakthroughs - and who will get it first? Japanese Knotweed is an invasive plant and if someone else’s negligence has left your property infested, you may be able to claim £10,000 or more in compensation, often on a no win no fee basis. This is much less than the 7 metres commonly cited as the risk zone. He warned: “DIY attempts at treatment will usually only make things worse and can even hasten the spread of the plant.”. Sellers are now required to inform future buyers whether the property is or has been affected by Japanese knotweed even if it the plant has been removed. The research also revealed a poor understanding of the legal and financial risks around knotweed. We rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism. Environet estimates that Japanese knotweed now affects 4 – 5% of homes in the UK. The existing Open Comments threads will continue to exist for those who do not subscribe to Independent Premium. “House value halved due to presence of Japanese knotweed”. If you have two identical properties, but one is bright and airy while the other is … You could also be at risk of prosecution if is spreads to any neighbouring properties. Only one … Unfortunately, when it comes to Japanese Knotweed, you stand a serious risk of having to sell your house at a massively discounted price, or even not being able to sell it at all. {{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}, ‘New invasive species risk to UK economy’ after Brexit, Invasive species are the second biggest risk to global biodiversity, Middle Class Problems: When you complain about invasive species like Japanese knotweed, you start to sound a bit racist, Japanese knotweed: Tiny insect could finally tame Britain’s most, You may not agree with our views, or other users’, but please respond to them respectfully, Swearing, personal abuse, racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory or inciteful language is not acceptable, Do not impersonate other users or reveal private information about third parties, We reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts and ban offending users without notification. Please continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates. Some mortgage lenders will refuse finance on a property with Japanese Knotweed in the garden, or even in neighbouring gardens. US President-Elect Joe Biden gets the Covid-19 vaccine live on TV, Journalist says she fell in love with jailed Martin Shkreli while covering his story, Coroner considers whether to refer Highways England to prosecutors after grandmother's death, US attorney general will not appoint special counsels on Hunter Biden or election fraud, undercutting Trump, Police urge New Year's Eve roadblocks amid fears of London clashes, Walk-in Covid tests unavailable in half of Kent as system feels the strain, Dover chaos: lorry drivers left facing Christmas in the cab, Essex lorry deaths: How authorities missed chances to stop people-smuggling gang, The hospitals that will have the Covid-19 vaccine, and how it will be rolled out. The pair had only lived in the new build property for a month when they found the weed growing first into their garden, then up through the floorboards into their dining room. The nightmare weed can devalue a property between five and 15 percent, according to Knotweed Help. Report Sightings – join the fight against Japanese knotweed. The research examined 68 homes where knotweed was found, as well as 81 additional sites. According to the latest Land Registry price index, the average UK house costs £228,000. Are you sure you want to mark this comment as inappropriate? Japanese knotweed This invasive species spreads very quickly and can cause damage to roads and properties. The amount that a home is devalued by will depend on the severity of the infestation and its proximity to any buildings. The spreading of the … In the most dramatic instances, homes have been completely devalued as a result of severe infestations. Mr Seal said that anyone affected by knotweed should try to resolve the problem as quickly as possible, with professional help. A report by the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee said banks are adopting an “overly cautious” approach to the issue, leaving homeowners unable to sell, even in cases where the invasive plant poses no practical threat. It can even grow through concrete which can create cracks in brickwork, patios and … There have been cases where homes have been completely devalued as a result of severe infestations, however, these are rare occurrences currently. OUR AVERAGE COST FOR A DOMESTIC HOUSE FOR THE REMOVAL OF JAPANESE KNOTWEED WAS BETWEEN £1000 – £1500 IN 2019 TAKE A LOOK AT THE TABLE BELOW TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION: ‘HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TREAT JAPANESE KNOTWEED?’ JAPANESE KNOTWEED REMOVAL PRICING TABLE *The costs outlined above are for estimate purposes only. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? There have been cases where homes have been almost completely devalued as a result of severe infestations, however, these are rare occurrences. This is due to the stigma attached to knotweed impacting its future sale price.”. Local authorities across the country are starting to implement regulations to […] Our journalists will try to respond by joining the threads when they can to create a true meeting of independent Premium. A case in Hertfordshire hit the headlines a few years ago when the value of a couple’s home dropped by more than £250,000 because of a Japanese knotweed invasion. Furthermore, mortgage lenders will usually refuse to give out loans unless property owners have a knotweed management plan with an insurance-backed guarantee in place, which can usually be passed on to a buyer and their mortgage lender. “Japanese knotweed is the problem that just keeps growing. Want an ad-free experience?Subscribe to Independent Premium. The presence of Japanese knotweed has diminished the value of affected houses by 10 per cent, creating an average loss of £22,800 to property owners. It’s not against the law to have Japanese knotweed on your property, but inaction that allows it to spread to any surrounding land is an offence that could incur fines of up to £20,000 if you are a business. Local people are being warned that the presence of Japanese Knotweed can seriously devalue a property. “The current framework lacks a clear and comprehensive evidence base and yet is causing significant problems to some house vendors and purchasers,” said Mr Lamb. If you haven't heard about Japanese Knotweed before, you'll probably be concerned to learn that having this weed on, or nearby, your property can seriously devalue it, cost thousands of pounds to eradicate, stop you from being able to re-mortgage your property and can even get you an ASBO (anti social behaviour order) if you fail to stop it spreading onto neighbouring properties. It can even grow through concrete which can create cracks in brickwork, patios and other parts of homes. A 2017 survey by the Crop Protection Association suggests that among individuals affected by knotweed, 15 per cent had a property deal fall through, 20 per cent saw a drop in the value of their house, while 10 per cent had to compensate someone because of the plant. The report recommends that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, commission a study of international approaches to Japanese knotweed in the context of property sales. It’s part of the standard conveyancing process. Source: Royal Horticultural Society A 2017 survey by the Crop Protection Association suggests that among individuals affected by knotweed, 15 per cent had a … It is estimated that between 850,000 and 900,000 UK households are affected by the Japanese plant, wiping almost £20bn off UK house prices. That’s according to former President of the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute Eamon Flaherty, who says that the plant can undermine the structural integrity of roads and buildings. Three to four cups of tea per day, each prepared with 1.5 grams of knotweed powder, have been used with apparent safety. The authors acknowledged knotweed can worsen existing cracks in structures, but in general prefers to grow around obstacles rather than burrow through them. This can be expensive to obtain - and even then buyers may be reluctant to take a property on with Knotweed. This is because knotweed can decrease property property prices by up to 20%. Japanese knotweed can devalue a house between 5-15%, however, in some more extreme cases, the plant has been known to almost completely devalue properties. The report focuses particular criticism on the continued use of the “seven-metre” proximity rule, which was proposed in 2012 by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), but has since been ditched because it lacks a solid evidence base. UNLESS you have an expensive treatment plan - and a 10-year guarantee - in place. It was first introduced to the UK in the mid-nineteenth century as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens, but has since become a nuisance. This invasive plant is fast-growing and shockingly strong. Japanese knotweed | What is it and where did it come from? The most insightful comments on all subjects will be published daily in dedicated articles. What damage can Japanese Knotweed do to my property? The 2018 study also found that Japanese knotweed rhizomes rarely extend more than 4m from the visible plants, and usually spread less than 2.5m. Most recently, a property in Woolston Park in Cheshire claimed a potential £30,000 loss due to the presence of knotweed. Now it is one of “the UK’s most aggressive, destructive and invasive plants” according to the Environment Agency, due to its ability to spread through tarmac, concrete, driveways and drains. This isn’t to suggest that Japanese knotweed doesn’t damage buildings – it … It allows our most engaged readers to debate the big issues, share their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and more. What exactly is the Pfizer vaccine, who will get it, and is it safe? The sale collapsed and the value of the property fell to £80,000. The committee pointed to other invasive plants which do not have the same “chilling effect” on property prices. Formally known as Fallopia japonica, Japanese knotweed is a fast-growing invasive plant with bamboo-like stems. How much does Japanese Knotweed devalue property? Sturgeon admits she does not know when post-Christmas national lockdown will end, The priority list for the Pfizer vaccine - and how it will be rolled out, 'Professor Lockdown' makes a return to advise on the new coronavirus wave, SNP 'leaving parents, pupils and teachers in the dark' over when schools will return after Christmas. We can survey the property and assess the risk. There have been cases where homes have been completely devalued as a result of severe infestations, however, these are rare occurrences currently. Japanese knotweed is able to ‘spread like wildfire’, so it’s the responsibility of every individual to contain it within their property once its growth has been discovered. PROPERTY CLINIC: Japanese Knotweed has been found in our neighbour's hedge, does it mean I won't be able to sell my home? On discovering that the numerous, over powering weeds growing between my brick wall (built at the same time as my house in 1930's) and my neighbour's wooden fence are Japanese knotweed that could damage foundation etc and devalue my property, there is also one of them growing in my garden. The advice to anyone with Japanese Knotweed is to have it treated by a professional company as soon as possible. How much can you expect subsidence to devalue your property. Although used for various applications, few clinical studies validate claims and guidance regarding dosing or safety is limited. Japanese knotweed is an ornamental plant that first came to the UK in the 1850s. The presence of Japanese knotweed has diminished the value of affected houses by 10 per cent, creating an average loss of £22,800 to property owners. Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. It can push through concrete, meaning it can cause structural damage to your property that can devalue your property by 100 per cent. Japanese knotweed knocks £20bn off value of UK property market, has knocked £20bn off the total value of the UK. Last year a study by the University of Leeds with engineering firm Aecom argued that Japanese knotweed does not cause significant damage to buildings, even when growing in close proximity. You can find our Community Guidelines in full here. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. You can also choose to be emailed when someone replies to your comment. Call us now on 01925 351 350 to find out more. Independent Premium Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme, Independent Premium. For your essential rundown from The Telegraph, sign up to our free Front Page newsletter and new audio briefings on WhatsApp. The committee contrasts the stance of UK lenders with that of European counterparts, finding that mortgage companies on the continent are far less risk-averse. When taken by mouth: Knotweed is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth short-term. Huzhang (Japanese Knotweed) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as well as in Japan and Korea for many years. , according to new research, with many mortgage lenders refusing loans for properties affected by the weed. Japanese knotweed can devalue a property between 5-15%. Norman Lamb MP, Chair of the Science and Technology Committee, said: It is clear that the UK’s current approach to Japanese knotweed is more cautious than it needs to be, especially when comparing it to that of other countries. We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future. Need a better way to start your day? There are many stories in the press, with similar headlines, that state Japanese knotweed is causing house values to be slashed by as much as a half. Because of the costs associated with treating knotweed and the stigma attached to the plant it can impact property values, often by as much as 10-15 per cent. Chief Constable warns drivers considering flouting Scotland-England travel ban: 'Don't chance it'. What damage can Japanese Knotweed do to my property? Any hint of the virulent Asian plant is likely to put off buyers, as it can affect resale value and make it difficult to get a mortgage. If you have Japanese knotweed, it can devalue your property due to the risk it can pose to your house. The invasive plant Japanese knotweed. Read our full mailing list consent terms here, Marc Montaldo of Cobley’s Solicitors, who specialises in Japanese knotweed litigations, said: “In legal cases relating to diminution in value due to knotweed, we typically see claims for around 10 per cent of the property’s value. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? Whichever way you choose to deal with Japanese Knotweed, it’s important to bear in mind that lenders aren’t lending against property that has Japanese Knotweed (even if it is a few metres away). Create a commenting name to join the debate, There are no Independent Premium comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts, There are no comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts. Japanese knotweed can devalue a property by 10% or more. The species can grow through tarmac, disrupt paving and exploit cracks in buildings. Japanese knotweed is wrongly destroying the value of thousands of homes because mortgage lenders are relying on discredited scientific evidence, an investigation by MPs has found. “We need an evidence-based and nuanced approach to the issue, one that reassures owners and buyers that they will not be subject to disproportionate caution when trying to sell or buy a property.”. It also found that owners houses neighbouring land owned by Network Rail where there is a knotweed issue find it particularly challenging to secure insurance-backed guarantees for mortgage lenders. The extent to which a property is devalued will depend on the severity of the infestation and the proximity of the Knotweed to … Japanese Knotweed Claims Home > Services > Housing & Property > Japanese Knotweed Claims. Watch out for Japanese Knotweed. While acknowledging that Japanese knotweed can cause damage, the report noted recent evidence suggesting the effects on buildings “might not be as significant as previously believed.''. Japanese knotweed could decrease the value of a property from anywhere between 5 and 15 percent. The extent to which a property is devalued will depend on the severity of the infestation and the proximity of the knotweed to the home. It is particularly hard to eradicate, requiring excavation or treatment with herbicide over several years, a process which can cost £5,000. Japanese Knotweed can devalue a property between 5 and 100%. Call in a specialist to remove it as … For most people in the UK, their home is their biggest asset and often the ‘pot of gold’ they are relying on in retirement, but Japanese knotweed is having a serious impact on values by deterring buyers and making homes difficult to sell, even if the knotweed has been successfully treated,” said Nic Seal, founder and manager of Environet. Japanese Knotweed can devalue a property between 5 and 100%. Darkened rooms. Selling a house with Japanese Knotweed in or around the property is going to cause you a serious headache. Tier 4 lockdown: What are rules and which areas are affected? Unfortunately there is no real way of answering this question, a lot of people ask it, but it depends on numerous factors which include the extent of the damage and even the area that you live in, believe it or not. New Covid strain: how dangerous is it, and could it hamper a vaccine? Approximately 850,000 to 900,000 UK households are suffering an average reduction in value of around 10%, knocking almost £20 billion (£19.8 billion) off property values. According to Knotweed Help, Japanese knotweed can devalue a property between 5-15% or in some severe, but rare, cases properties have been almost completely devalued. Due to the sheer scale of this comment community, we are not able to give each post the same level of attention, but we have preserved this area in the interests of open debate. How Much Does Japanese Knotweed Devalue a Property? France 'could have helped UK tackle new Covid strain if not for Brexit', New Covid variant has already spread across the UK, Sir Patrick Vallance warns. 10 % or more on a property in Woolston Park in Cheshire claimed a potential £30,000 loss due to stigma. Attached to knotweed impacting its future sale price. ” between 850,000 and 900,000 UK households are?... 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