Unfortunately, banks WILL refuse mortgages and loans against a property with Japanese Knotweed, preventing property sales, usually until an approved Japanese Knotweed Specialist has been instructed to conduct a treatment plan. A treatment plan typically consists of an injected type treatment of every stem at least once every 3 months for a period of 3 years followed by 2 years observation. A specialist treatment plan like this should always come with an Insurance Backed Guarantee.
Lenders need to know that a reputable & specialist Japanese Knotweed company has been instructed in order to protect their investment under the mortgage.
Other problems include:
- Economic loss, primarily associated with control costs in the construction sector
- A fragment of Rhizome (the size of half of your fingernail) can contaminate surrounding soil… on the bottom of a shoe, a lawn mower etc. This will result in MORE NEW GROWTH.
- Aesthetic damage to gardens and landscaping
- Damage to hard surfaces such as patios and driveways
- Damage to built structures such as walls, conservatories and outbuildings.
Selling a property which is affected by japanese Knotweed is also an issue and you will more than likely have to have a professional treatment plan in place and make a considerable reduction in the sale price to allow for the property devaluation because of Japanese Knotweed.