North West properties are a hot spot for Japanese Knotweed
Gardens and land in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Derbyshire and Merseyside have been identified as Japanese knotweed hot spots in a recent survey and as such there could be consequences in property value and resale.
With the annual Twixtmas house search imminent, our property solicitors are reminding sellers of their legal responsibilities concerning Japanese Knotweed or risk an unexpected fine, court case or a run-in with the local council in 2025.
A failure to control the invasive knotweed can result in prosecution and fines of up to £2,500, not a great start to the year.
Reported Japanese Knotweed
Environet are a specialist invasive plant company and their recent survey highlights the spread of the plant per square km, identifying the worst affected areas and taking into account the different sizes of each county or unitary authority.
- Greater Manchester has reported 2,846 incidences,
- Lancashire 4,556,
- Derbyshire 2,651,
- Merseyside 1,611 incidences,
Whilst in Greater London there were 3,592 reported incidences in 2024.
Selling a house with Japanese Knotweed
Knotweed is a perennial plant and so in winter it dies back and is dormant so it is harder to spot, however the danger lurks below the soil and it can devalue a property, advises Residental Conveyancing solicitor, Michelle Ong.
“It is a case of buyer and seller beware,” says Michelle. “Whilst it not illegal to have it growing on your land, legal disputes can come about if it spreads to a neighbour, or if sellers fail to declare it to potential buyers.”
“If your property is affected by Japanese Knotweed as a seller you have to declare it when completing the Law Society’s TA6 form, this is a matter of due diligence on all parts as it can affect property prices or resale, known as diminution of value,” adds Michelle.
Buying a house with Japanese Knotweed
If you buy a house and later discover knotweed in the garden and can prove the seller did not declare it you can pursue a claim of misrepresentation.
Similarly, a claim may also be made against any surveyor used in the buying process under ‘professional negligence’ if it is found they should have noticed the knotweed.
If you’re buying a property with a garden this winter, do check what’s hidden underground, remember the garden is a big part of the property and so it pays to instruct a good surveyor.
However don’t worry, if you do find knotweed on your property it’s not the end of the world, if you act immediately to professionally treat or remove it before it has the chance to spread further the value of your property can be restored.
How can we help?
For legal advice on all aspects of buying and selling property call our team on 0161 785 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk
Subscribe to our newsletterPlease note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.
