Japanese Knotweed and Mortgages in Liverpool

Why does knotweed affect mortgages?

Lenders care about the value and saleability of the property they are lending against. Knotweed can damage paving, drains and lightweight structures, it is hard to get rid of without specialist work, and buyers can be wary of it. For years many lenders relied on a simple distance test, often called the "7-metre rule". That has changed.

How do surveyors assess knotweed now?

In 2022 RICS (the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) issued updated guidance for surveyors and valuers. Instead of a single distance, it uses a category-based approach. In general terms, the surveyor considers:

• Whether the knotweed is on the property itself or on neighbouring land.
• How close it is to habitable spaces, such as the house and attached structures, and to boundaries.
• Whether it is causing damage, for example to paving, outbuildings, walls or drains.
• Whether it is affecting the use and enjoyment of the garden or other amenity space.

The category then guides what the surveyor recommends, such as further investigation by a specialist or a professional management plan. We do not assign RICS categories ourselves, as that is the surveyor's role, but our survey report gives the measurements and photos they need to make that judgement accurately.

The TA6 knotweed question

If you are selling a home in England, the TA6 property information form asks whether the property is affected by Japanese knotweed. The answer options are broadly yes, no or not known, and if yes, whether there is a management plan in place. A seller's answer needs to be accurate. Saying "no" when you know it is there, or clearing it away before viewings, can lead to serious problems after the sale. We cannot advise you on how to answer the form, which is a matter for your solicitor or conveyancer, but a survey and plan give you accurate information to work from.

Common scenarios we help with

• Buying, and the valuation mentions knotweedThe lender has put the application on hold pending a specialist report. We survey, report and, if needed, prepare a management plan the seller or buyer can put in place.
• Selling, and you know it is thereGetting a survey and plan before listing means you can answer the TA6 question with paperwork behind it and buyers' lenders have what they need.
• Selling, and the buyer's surveyor found itThe sale has stalled. A prompt survey and plan can help get things moving again, subject to the buyer's lender.
• RemortgagingA new valuation has spotted knotweed for the first time. We provide the information your lender asks for.
• Knotweed next doorIt is on neighbouring land but close to your boundary. A survey records its position and what can be done from your side.

How we help, step by step

1. Send us the details. Share the valuation or survey extract that mentions knotweed, photos, and your timescale for exchange or completion.
2. Check what the lender wants. Ask your lender or broker exactly what they require. If it includes something we do not provide, such as an insurance-backed guarantee, it is better to know at the start.
3. Survey and report. We visit, confirm identification, map each stand and measure distances to the house and boundaries.
4. Management plan and quote. We set out the method, timetable and records in a written plan with a written quote for the work.
5. Start work and keep records. Treatment or excavation begins, and every visit is logged so the paperwork can follow the property.

Knotweed and property sales in Merseyside

With so many homes in Merseyside backing onto railway embankments, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, entries and former industrial land, knotweed comes up in sales and remortgages here regularly. We help buyers and sellers in places such as Anfield, West Derby and Southport, often working to tight timescales set by a chain. If you want to see the full range of knotweed services for Liverpool homeowners, start at our homepage.

What affects the cost?

For a sale or mortgage, the main costs are the survey and report, the management plan, and the work it sets out. The work depends on the size and spread of the knotweed, its distance to buildings, whether herbicide treatment or excavation is needed and for how many seasons, access and disposal. Sometimes buyer and seller agree between them who pays; that is a matter for your solicitors. Our knotweed cost guide explains each factor without guesswork.

When to call us

As soon as knotweed is mentioned in a valuation, homebuyer report or by a neighbour, or before you put a property on the market if you know it is there. Chains move quickly, and a survey and plan take time to arrange. Speak to our knotweed advisers in Liverpool early and tell us your deadlines.