Japanese Knotweed Reports, Surveys and Certificates

Reports

We have personal experience of situations whereby property exchange has suffered considerable delay and upon occasions, the prospective purchaser withdrawing an offer purely due to a surveyor or estate agent, whilst having the best intentions have incorrectly identified a plant as Japanese Knotweed.

The simple truth is that some professionals will recognise Japanese Knotweed instantly whilst others have little or no real knowledge of plant features. Japanese Knotweed can be notoriously difficult to spot during the winter months, especially if the dead canes from previous season’s growth have been cut or the infestation is not as yet, well-established. Having liaised with numerous surveyors & estate agents over the last few years, it is apparent that just like the UK mortgage lenders, a ‘no-risk’ stance has been adopted. Understandably, to avoid the prospect of future litigation, on occasions where there is uncertainty that Japanese Knotweed does or does not exist on a property, the professionals involved in the process, consider it is far more prudent in the long-term to stipulate it ‘may exist’ as opposed to omitting any declaration of the plant on a Homebuyers Survey Report. In following this course of action, the surveyor / organisation avoids legal action down the line which results in the burden of responsibility being passed to another, usually a company / contractor experienced in dealing with Japanese Knotweed!

Types Of Report

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