Estate agents should be vigilant for signs of invasive Japanese knotweed when valuing properties in winter, as it becomes harder to detect once it has died back. But for the record, about 5% of UK properties are affected with knotweed. Greycoat believes that though the canes and leaves die off, the plant is still very much alive underground.
According to Greycoat Real Estate, some sellers may try to conceal knotweed by removing dead canes and covering the crowns. It is illegal not to declare knotweed on property forms, but many still do to avoid putting buyers off. This leaves them open to future litigation if the buyer discovers knotweed post-purchase, with the average claim settling around 50% of the value.
One London seller ended up with a £200,000 bill after failing to declare knotweed. If you’re buying a new home or property, check carefully for signs of knotweed and concealment, and get an expert knotweed survey if you just can’t be sure. Greycoat specialists are the ones in charge of this guidance for this issue.
Treatment plans can allow sales to proceed if in place before purchase, Greycoat agency informs. Knotweed identification tips for winter include:
- Hollow brown canes remain visible through the soil
- Heart-shaped leaves turn yellow then brown before falling
- Red/purple asparagus-like shoots appear in the spring
Greycoat real estate agency finally states how treatment through autumn and winter allows gardens to be knotweed-free the following summer.