Japanese knotweed is known for its invasive nature and the damage it causes to property. The plant is extremely difficult to remove completely and this can have a huge impact on the value of a property. Mortgage lenders are therefore very cautious about lending money for properties where the seller has knotweed present. This is why it is important to have a full survey done before selling your home with the help of a qualified Japanese Knotweed Surveyor.
What does a Japanese Knotweed Survey cost?
There are a number of factors that can affect the price of a Japanese Knotweed survey. These include how extensive the infestation is, how far the rhizomes have spread and the best method of removal. There are two main methods of removal – dig out or herbicide application. Herbicides are much cheaper than digging up but can take several years to be fully effective. For this reason, the most affordable option is a management plan from an expert contractor. Environet’s Resi Dig Out ™ method involves digging up and sifting the rhizomes from the ground then returning clean soil back to the area. This method has been recognised by the Property Care Association as a ‘Best Practice’ solution.
A surveyor will be able to determine the level of infestation japanese knotweed survey cost on your property and advise you on a treatment plan that is suitable. A Japanese knotweed survey will usually cost between PS140 to PS240 from a RICS accredited company.
Surveyors can sometimes miss knotweed when carrying out a survey of a property. This is because desktop surveys typically only look at documented environmental records and may not be able to pick up on the presence of an invasive species such as Japanese knotweed. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that a property isn’t a good purchase. If a buyer is aware of the knotweed before buying the property then they can request that the seller arranges a survey and treatment to be carried out ahead of completion to ensure that they have mortgageability.
If the knotweed has caused significant damage to a structure or if there is evidence that it has spread from one part of the property to another, then the RICS guidance notes recommend that mortgage retention should be recommended pending a specialist report. However, if there is no damage and the knotweed is not within 7 metres of a habitable space then it is unlikely to affect the saleability of the property.
In this case, it is likely that the surveyor will recommend a management plan instead of mortgage retention. The surveyor will also be able to provide you with the relevant information required to complete the TA6 form, which is needed for the mortgage application.
If you are planning on buying a property with Japanese knotweed present then it is very important to have a survey and management plan in place beforehand. This will avoid any potential problems and allow you to buy your new home with peace of mind. If you are thinking of purchasing a home with Japanese knotweed, then make sure you use a RICS accredited surveyor and ask for an invasive weed report. This will give you the best chance of ensuring that your mortgage is approved.