Ellenbrook Road, Worsley, Manchester
info@weedtec.co.uk
0800 195 8625 | 0161 799 1683
Mon – Fri: 8:00AM – 5:30PM

Mortgage lenders

Recently, many banks and building societies have refused mortgages on properties that have been affected by Japanese Knotweed. In many cases, this has included Japanese Knotweed plants located on nearby properties up to 30 metres away.
Because Japanese Knotweed is an invasive plant that isn’t easily removed, it can be cause for concern when found on a property, and financial providers prefer not to take the risk that can come with mortgaging infected properties.
However, guidance published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), has been able to change this. In addition to better assistancein existing legislation for surveyors undertaking mortgage valuations, the Council for Mortgage Lenders and the Building Societies Association advised the Japanese Knotweed treatment and removal industry that they should form a trade body.

This was carried out in April 2012, when the Invasive Weeds Control section of the Property Care Association (PCA) was formed. Through the RICS guidance and PCA trade body, surveyors and mortgage lenders now have a system in place to help them determine and understand the risks associated with Japanese Knotweed growing on or near a property. This should prevent many banks and building societies from refusing mortgages due to their previous difficulties in quantifying risks from Japanese Knotweed.

If need be, the lender may require the cost of any Japanese Knotweed treatment works to be taken off the value of the property affected. This includes both treatment and removal. In such cases, Weedtec can arrange for these costs to be fully secured and protected as a bond payment, through Bondpay. Other warranties and insurance packages can also be provided depending on the requirements of each individual project.

At Weedtec, we can correctly guide you through the purchase or sale of a property affected by Japanese knotweed, using our up-to-date knowledge of current legislation, and our own professional experiences.

If you suspect you have any invasive plants like Japanese Knotweed on your property, call Weedtec on 0800 195 8625. We can offer you a free survey on your property, and our team have absolutely no problem travelling from our base in Greater Manchester.

Category 1

Japanese knotweed was not seen on this property, but it can be seen on a neighbouring property or land where it was more than 7 metres away from the boundary.

Category 2

Japanese knotweed was not seen within the boundaries of this property, but it was seen on a neighbouring property or land. Here, it was within 7 metres of the boundary, but more than 7 metres away from habitable spaces, conservatory and/or garage of the subject property.

Category 3

Although Japanese knotweed is present within the boundaries of the property, it is more than 7 metres from a habitable space, conservatory, and/or garage. If there is damage to outbuildings, associated structures, paths and boundary walls and fences, it is minor.

Further investigations by an appropriately qualified and/or experienced person are required.

Category 4

Japanese knotweed is within 7 metres of a habitable space, conservatory and/or garage, either within the boundaries of this property or in a neighbouring property or space; and/or Japanese knotweed is causing serious damage to outbuildings, associated structures, drains, paths, boundary walls and fences and so on.

Further investigations by an appropriately qualified and/or experienced person are required.

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