Confronting Japanese Knotweed: an ftb guide

I have a fondness for countryside strolls. It's a splendid way to escape the rush, clear the mind, and get a bit of exercise while relishing nature's offerings. Just recently, while out for a walk with a close friend, we stumbled upon a small patch of Japanese Knotweed (JKW). It's an occurrence that crops up every now and then, unfortunately.

In the past, I would have simply taken a cautious step back from this invasive plant. We were taught, through countless cautionary tales, to dread the notorious JKW. And if it happened to be present near a property you loved, the advice was clear: consider it a red flag, never to entertain the thought of making an offer.

But times are changing, and there might just be an opportunity here, for those with a bit of nerve.

Let's take a swift peek at what Japanese Knotweed truly is and why it strikes fear into the hearts of the property industry. It's a non-native guest in the UK that spreads like wildfire. Its growth rate is astounding, yet that's not even the most alarming aspect.

What truly unnerves most people about JKW is its development of a substantial subterranean root system, or rhizomes. These create a horizontal network beneath the soil, infiltrating building foundations and potentially compromising their structural integrity. And this can occur swiftly due to the speed at which they propagate.

Historically, getting rid of JKW proved to be quite a challenge. The rhizomes makes pulling the plants from the earth ineffective, as even a minuscule piece left behind can spawn a new plant. Furthermore, digging it up is no small feat, the roots can burow up to three meters deep. The road and rail networks were infamous spreaders for JKW, a tiny fragment hitching a ride on a vehicle or train can travel miles before finding a new home. Dealing with JKW requires the expertise of a removal specialist and a 3-year treatment plan.

JKW became such a prevalent issue that it was designated one of the most invasive weeds in the UK, rendering it illegal to plant anywhere. It's also categorised as "Controlled Waste," so disposing of it correctly is imperative. If JKW on your land encroaches on neighbouring properties, they can potentially make a legal claim against you.

For years, mortgage lenders shied away from granting mortgages on properties where JKW was found within a 7-meter radius. Insurers were equally reticent to provide coverage. The fear of JKW became so pronounced that it even found its way into the sales documentation pack which is reviewed by solicitors. Property valuers also received specific guidance on how to assess properties near JKW, inevitably impacting their value. In essence, JKW rendered properties un-insurable, un-mortgageable, and unsellable.

However, the tide is turning. As of March 2022, RICS has eased its stance on JKW. After a decade of treating homes near JKW as tainted assets, they've come to realise that their valuers and surveyors haven't actually encountered significant structural concerns arising from JKW, as previously feared. Yes, it does damage garden walls and light structures, but no significant damage has been recorded on any homes. Consequently, they have changed their guidance around JKW which means mortgage lenders are becoming more amenable to providing mortgages against properties where it's present (although it's advisable to consult with a whole-of-market mortgage broker to identify which ones do), and some insurers are following suit.

And so, here lies an opportunity where others might shy away. Because buyers who haven't caught wind of this shift in mindset might still be put off by the presence of JKW. This means that as an FTB armed with knowledge (and insight of a JKW specialist), if you're keen on a particular property, you could face less competition if it happens to have JKW. In fact, due to the scarcity of such knowledge among buyers, you might even find yourself a bargain. This is precisely the kind of knowledge we're here to equip you with, so that you can stand out from the crowd and secure the keys to your first home.

Empowering you with knowledge, weeding out the challenges, one at a time.