#Mid-Week Top Tip – How to Spot Japanese Knotweed In Your Rental Property!!

#MID-WEEK TOP TIP

HOW TO SPOT JAPANESE KNOTWEED

My thoughts for this week was to go discuss the problems of Japanese knotweed as this can have extreme consequences on your finances.

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Noticing Knotweed

Japanese knotweed looks quite different at the various stages throughout the year. The best time to spot knotweed is during the spring, when red or purple shoots appear from the ground and grown rapidly (up to 2cms a day) growing stems that look similar to bamboo.

Is this a big problem?

Japanese knotweed may look small but do notestimate the scale of the potential problem. The plant has extensive rhizome system extending 2-3 metres laterally from the visible plant and up to 3 metres deep. If you are faced with the cost of eradicating the Japanese knotweed this can be negotiate it off the asking price.

Could this damage your property?

Yes. In the struggle for water and light Japanese knotweed can exploit any weaknesses in the fabric of a building – for example expansion joints in concrete, cavity walls, weaknesses in broken mortar between paving slabs or brick. It can also damage drains and sewers. Structural damage is rare however if the knotweed is not dealt with and infestation can cause damage.

Should you have a site survey?

A discussion with a Japanese Knotweed eradication expert should help clarify the extent of your problem and in most case photographs will help quote for works. For larger areas a good contractor would want to come out to quote.

Could this stop your purchase?

It is almost impossible to secure finance on land or property with Japanese Knotweed or adjacent to it. In most cases this means there’s no deal until the problem is dealt with. Most UK lenders will be happy to provide finances if an approved contractor was guarantee their treatment. It is in your interests to deal with the problem before it ruins your chance of purchasing.

ANOTHER #MIDWEEK TOP TIP…..

Please don’t hesitate to contact me on 0191 491 0344 option or email me mikebell@nguhomesales.com to discuss your Investment choice or to book you in for a 30 minute strategic phone call.

Yours sincerely,