Weed killer for homeowners
THE phrase “Japanese knotweed” strikes fear into the hearts of homeowners as its presence can threaten their property’s foundations and make it almost impossible to sell or remortgage.
This fast-growing invasive weed, brought to the UK in the 1820s as an ornamental plant, chokes out other greenery and is said to force its way through concrete, pipes and walls.
Standard household insurance policies refuse to cover the damage, while eradicating the bamboo-like plant, which can grow a metre every three weeks, is a knotty problem.
If a homebuyer’s survey finds Japanese knotweed within seven metres, lenders usually insist on a treatment programme, at significant expense for sellers. It can cost homeowners an average of £1,880, while one in 10 lost more than £4,000, according to the Crop Protection Association.
Even then you can never be sure you are rid of the stuff because its underground shoots or “rhizomes” burrow deep and can regrow from stem residue as small as a fingernail.
Many potential buyers pull out even if you have taken action to control it, with one in five affected homeowners saying they saw the value of their home plummet.
TIED IN KNOTS
Last month the Court of Appeal ruled that two homeowners whose properties had been invaded were entitled to damages, in a case that could have implications for property owners across England and Wales.
However, this was followed by new research from global infrastructure services firm Aecom and the University of Leeds, which found no evidence that Japanese knotweed causes significant structural damage, even when growing in close proximity.
Aecom principal ecologist Dr Mark Fennell said: “It certainly causes no more damage than other species that are not subject to such strict lending policies.”
Many trees, climbers and shrubs can inflict greater damage, he added.
The research said it causes problems only where a property already has existing structural faults.
GREEN PERIL
Joe Arnold, managing director of Arnold & Baldwin Chartered Surveyors, said: “Japanese knotweed has an inflated status, it should more realistically be likened to a property having damp or being next to a very large tree.”
He added this does not change the way homeowners should deal with it. They should be proactive, calling in a licensed contractor, backed by an indemnity policy.
WIPE IT OUT
Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, said some mortgage lenders are taking a more lenient approach to Japanese knotweed: “Attitudes depend on its proximity to you and your neighbours’ properties and whether there is a planned eradication programme.”
Buyers should confirm work has been carried out, ideally by a PCA or INNSA-registered contractor. “It must have an insurance-backed guarantee that will transfer with the ownership of the property. This should run for at least 10 years,” added Harris. “Anyone who owns land with knotweed has a duty to ensure it does not encroach on adjoining land or they could be pursued for damages.”
BIG IN JAPAN
David Hollingworth, associate director at broker London & Country Mortgages, said despite the new research it will take time for lenders to adjust their criteria.
Hollingworth recommended that vendors tackle any knotweed problem before marketing their home: “Often the mere mention of it sees buyers run screaming for the hills. By being proactive, sellers can improve the chances of a sale and soothe nervous buyers.”
The threat posed by this noxious weed may have been overstated, but many buyers will still be reluctant to buy a property that could end up blighted by this menace.