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. 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. Japanese Knotweed Claims Home > Services > Housing & Property > Japanese Knotweed Claims. 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 invasive plant Japanese knotweed. The committee pointed to other invasive plants which do not have the same “chilling effect” on property prices. Report Sightings – join the fight against Japanese knotweed. It is particularly hard to eradicate, requiring excavation or treatment with herbicide over several years, a process which can cost £5,000. Formally known as Fallopia japonica, Japanese knotweed is a fast-growing invasive plant with bamboo-like stems. He warned: “DIY attempts at treatment will usually only make things worse and can even hasten the spread of the plant.”. One thought on “ The ‘features’ which could devalue your property…and how to fix them ” Jo Mullett January 29, 2019 at 7:47 pm. 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. {{#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. 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There have been cases where homes have been almost completely devalued as a result of severe infestations, however, these are rare occurrences. It can push through concrete, meaning it can cause structural damage to your property that can devalue your property by 100 per cent. In the most dramatic instances, homes have been completely devalued as a result of severe infestations. Japanese Knotweed can devalue a property between 5 and 100%. 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The existing Open Comments threads will continue to exist for those who do not subscribe to Independent Premium. 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. 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. Independent Premium Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme, Independent Premium. The research also revealed a poor understanding of the legal and financial risks around knotweed. Although used for various applications, few clinical studies validate claims and guidance regarding dosing or safety is limited. Please continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates. Our journalists will try to respond by joining the threads when they can to create a true meeting of independent Premium. The spreading of the … How Much Does Japanese Knotweed Devalue a Property? The amount that a home is devalued by will depend on the severity of the infestation and its proximity to any buildings. 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.''. 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. “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. The authors acknowledged knotweed can worsen existing cracks in structures, but in general prefers to grow around obstacles rather than burrow through them. The sale collapsed and the value of the property fell to £80,000. “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.”. 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 most insightful comments on all subjects will be published daily in dedicated articles. 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. 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. 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. 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. It allows our most engaged readers to debate the big issues, share their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and more. There have been cases where homes have been completely devalued as a result of severe infestations, however, these are rare occurrences currently. Japanese knotweed can devalue a property between 5-15%. 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. This is much less than the 7 metres commonly cited as the risk zone. 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. 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. Environet estimates that Japanese knotweed now affects 4 – 5% of homes in the UK. Japanese knotweed knocks £20bn off value of UK property market, has knocked £20bn off the total value of the UK. For your essential rundown from The Telegraph, sign up to our free Front Page newsletter and new audio briefings on WhatsApp. We rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism. There have been cases where homes have been completely devalued as a result of severe infestations, however, these are rare occurrences currently. Tier 4 lockdown: What are rules and which areas are affected? Some mortgage lenders will refuse finance on a property with Japanese Knotweed in the garden, or even in neighbouring gardens. For information specific to the activity of resveratrol, see … Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? , according to new research, with many mortgage lenders refusing loans for properties affected by the weed. Are you sure you want to mark this comment as inappropriate? You could also be at risk of prosecution if is spreads to any neighbouring properties. 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. 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. 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. New Covid strain: how dangerous is it, and could it hamper a vaccine? This can be expensive to obtain - and even then buyers may be reluctant to take a property on with Knotweed. Covid-19 vaccine: Latest updates on Oxford, Moderna and Pfizer breakthroughs - and who will get it first? 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. When taken by mouth: Knotweed is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth short-term. Japanese knotweed is an ornamental plant that first came to the UK in the 1850s. 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. Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. Most recently, a property in Woolston Park in Cheshire claimed a potential £30,000 loss due to the presence of knotweed. It can even grow through concrete which can create cracks in brickwork, patios and … How much does Japanese Knotweed devalue property? It’s part of the standard conveyancing process. The research examined 68 homes where knotweed was found, as well as 81 additional sites. 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. If you have Japanese knotweed, it can devalue your property due to the risk it can pose to your house. 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. If you have two identical properties, but one is bright and airy while the other is … 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. Source: Royal Horticultural Society A 2017 survey by the Crop Protection Association suggests that among individuals affected by knotweed, 15 per cent had a … Japanese Knotweed can devalue a property between 5 and 100%. 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. Invasive Japanese Knotweed can damage the foundations of your home creating a risk of subsidence. This is due to the stigma attached to knotweed impacting its future sale price.”. 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 can survey the property and assess the risk. What damage can Japanese Knotweed do to my property? According to the latest Land Registry price index, the average UK house costs £228,000. Local people are being warned that the presence of Japanese Knotweed can seriously devalue a property. This isn’t to suggest that Japanese knotweed doesn’t damage buildings – it … The species can grow through tarmac, disrupt paving and exploit cracks in buildings. 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. “Japanese knotweed is the problem that just keeps growing. Japanese knotweed can devalue a property by 10% or more. You can find our Community Guidelines in full here. 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. 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 extent to which a property is devalued will depend on the severity of the infestation and the proximity of the Knotweed to … Mr Seal said that anyone affected by knotweed should try to resolve the problem as quickly as possible, with professional help. Japanese knotweed could decrease the value of a property from anywhere between 5 and 15 percent. Only one … Call in a specialist to remove it as … 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 advice to anyone with Japanese Knotweed is to have it treated by a professional company as soon as possible. The oriental plants were first introduced to the UK in the nineteenth century. Japanese knotweed | What is it and where did it come from? 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. This is because knotweed can decrease property property prices by up to 20%. 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. How much can you expect subsidence to devalue your property. UNLESS you have an expensive treatment plan - and a 10-year guarantee - in place. Want an ad-free experience?Subscribe to Independent Premium. “House value halved due to presence of Japanese knotweed”. Darkened rooms. 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. Local authorities across the country are starting to implement regulations to […] 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. 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. What damage can Japanese Knotweed do to my property? Need a better way to start your day? It can even grow through concrete which can create cracks in brickwork, patios and other parts of homes. 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. 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. 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. What exactly is the Pfizer vaccine, who will get it, and is it safe? 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. Three to four cups of tea per day, each prepared with 1.5 grams of knotweed powder, have been used with apparent safety. Japanese knotweed This invasive species spreads very quickly and can cause damage to roads and properties. 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. Selling a house with Japanese Knotweed in or around the property is going to cause you a serious headache. 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. 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. You can also choose to be emailed when someone replies to your comment. 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. Huzhang (Japanese Knotweed) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as well as in Japan and Korea for many years. Watch out for Japanese Knotweed. Chief Constable warns drivers considering flouting Scotland-England travel ban: 'Don't chance it'. 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. Call us now on 01925 351 350 to find out more. 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. How much does Japanese Knotweed devalue property? Are you sure you want to delete this comment? 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. We rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism find out more neighbouring properties and could hamper. 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