Home Buyers and Sellers

So... You've Got Japanese Knotweed on Your Property?

Whether you're buying or selling - here's what you need to know!

If you've discovered Japanese Knotweed on your property - or you're purchasing or selling a home where it's present - it's important to understand your legal responsibilities and the steps you must take to manage it correctly.

At Cork Japanese Knotweed, we work closely with homeowners, buyers, sellers, and property professionals to identify, control, and remove Japanese Knotweed - all in full compliance with legal and mortgage requirements.

Selling a Property with Japanese Knotweed

When selling your property, you are legally required to declare whether Japanese Knotweed is present.

The Law Society's Property Information Form (TA6) includes a specific question about this, and you must answer:

• ✅ Yes - Japanese Knotweed is present
• ❌ No - Japanese Knotweed is not present
• ❓ Don't know - You're unsure

Failing to disclose its presence can lead to misrepresentation claims if the buyer later discovers knotweed after contracts have been exchanged - resulting in legal action and compensation costs.

How Surveys Identify Japanese Knotweed

Most residential properties are assessed through a HomeBuyer Report, which highlights any condition issues that might affect property value or safety - including Japanese Knotweed.

Surveyors are trained to identify visible signs of the plant in gardens, along boundaries, and even on neighbouring properties.

If knotweed is suspected, they will recommend a specialist survey by a qualified invasive plant expert such as Cork Japanese Knotweed.

The RICS Japanese Knotweed Risk Assessment

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) provides a standardised framework for assessing Japanese Knotweed risk. Infestations are graded from Category 0 (no risk) to Category 4 (severe risk):

4 - High Risk Knotweed is within 7 metres of a habitable space (house, garage, conservatory, etc.) and/or causing serious damage. A specialist inspection from Cork Japanese Knotweed is essential.

3 - Moderate RiskKnotweed is within the property boundary but more than 7 metres from any habitable space. Minor damage may be present - a professional management plan is still required.

2 - Adjacent Property RiskKnotweed is not on your land but within 7 metres of your boundary. Monitoring and potential legal action may be necessary.

1 - Low RiskKnotweed is visible on nearby land but more than 7 metres from your boundary. Occasional monitoring is advised.

0 - No Knotweed FoundNo visible evidence of Japanese Knotweed on or near the property.

How Mortgage Lenders View Japanese Knotweed

Mortgage lenders and banks take Japanese Knotweed very seriously.

Most lenders follow the RICS risk assessment framework and will not approve a mortgage on an affected property unless a professional management plan is in place.

Requirements vary, but almost all lenders insist on a Japanese Knotweed Management Plan (KMP) prepared by a PCA-approved contractor such as Cork Japanese Knotweed.

The Role of Cork Japanese Knotweed in the Property Process

When Japanese Knotweed is confirmed, the property owner or vendor is usually responsible for arranging and funding the treatment.

At Cork Japanese Knotweed, we provide a comprehensive Knotweed Management Plan (KMP) that includes:

• A full site inspection and detailed survey
• A treatment and remediation schedule tailored to your property
• A minimum 5-year management programme with a 2-year monitoring period
• A 10-year insurance-backed guarantee (where required by lenders)

Once the KMP is in place, it can be transferred to the buyer and submitted to the mortgage lender as proof of professional management - ensuring the sale or purchase can proceed smoothly.

Meeting Lender Requirements

Each lender may have slightly different conditions, such as:

• Completion of the first treatment before loan approval
• The buyer's name added to the management plan
• An insurance-backed guarantee issued by a PCA-accredited contractor

Cork Japanese Knotweed handles all of this for you - working directly with surveyors, solicitors, and lenders to ensure everything is completed quickly and correctly. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for both buyer and seller.

Supporting Buyers, Sellers, and Property Professionals

Whether you're selling a property affected by Japanese Knotweed or buying a new home, Cork Japanese Knotweedensures full compliance with all legal, mortgage, and environmental standards.

We help:

🏡 Vendors disclose and manage knotweed correctly to avoid legal risk.

🔑 Purchasers secure mortgage approval quickly and confidently.

📄 Estate agents, conveyancers, and surveyors by providing professional documentation, reports, and warranties.

Why Choose Cork Japanese Knotweed?

✅ PCA-approved specialists in Japanese Knotweed management and removal

✅ Fully insured, with long-term guarantees accepted by major lenders

✅ Accurate surveys and treatment plans designed to meet legal and mortgage conditions

✅ End-to-end service - from inspection and planning to certification and aftercare

In Summary

Discovering Japanese Knotweed doesn't have to delay or derail your property sale or purchase.

With expert help from Cork Japanese Knotweed, you can:

• Protect your property's value
• Meet all legal disclosure requirements
• Keep your transaction on schedule

If you've found or suspect Japanese Knotweed on your property, contact Cork Japanese Knotweed today for professional advice, surveys, and management plans that satisfy both legal and lender requirements.

For any enquiries or questions, do not hesitate to contact us!

Email. corklandscaper@gmail.com

Tel. 0870018636