Got a Property with Japanese Knotweed? We’ll Still Buy It
Selling a house in the UK can be daunting at the best of times, but if your property has Japanese knotweed, the challenge becomes even greater.
Mortgage lenders often react in the opposite direction, buyers pull out of sales, and property values plummet. But here’s the good news: we buy properties with Japanese knotweed—no matter the condition or risk.
In this guide, we explain why Japanese knotweed is such a concern, how it affects traditional house sales, and why cash buyers like us provide a practical, stress-free alternative when estate agents and mortgage lenders say “no.”
What Is Japanese Knotweed and Why Is It a Problem?
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is a fast-growing, invasive plant introduced to the UK in the 19th century. While its bamboo-like stems and pretty heart-shaped leaves may seem harmless, it is anything but.
This plant is notorious for:
Breaking through concrete, tarmac, and brick walls
Damaging foundations, drains, and garden walls
Spreading rapidly underground through rhizomes
It is challenging and expensive to eradicate
As a result, Japanese knotweed is classified as a controlled plant under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If it’s found on your property, you are legally responsible for preventing its spread, and may face fines if it crosses boundaries into neighbouring land.
Can You Sell a Property with Japanese Knotweed?
Yes, you can sell a house with Japanese knotweed — but not easily through traditional channels.
Here’s what typically happens:
Estate agents may refuse to list the property or warn buyers of the risks.
Buyers often pull out once a survey reveals knotweed.
Mortgage lenders may decline to lend unless the plant is fully eradicated and backed by a 10-year insurance guarantee.
Depending on severity, removal costs can range from £2,500 to £20,000.
This makes selling your home a time-consuming, stressful, and expensive process—unless you take an alternative route.
We Buy Properties with Japanese Knotweed – Fast, No Hassle, No Repairs
If you’re thinking, “No one will buy my house with Japanese knotweed,” think again. We specialise in fast, guaranteed sales for properties in any condition, including those affected by invasive plants.
Whether you’ve just discovered the infestation or have been battling knotweed for years, we will buy your property as-is, without requiring you to pay for treatment or repairs.
Why Sell to Us?
✅ No surveys or mortgage delays
✅ No need for expensive knotweed treatment
✅ Cash offer within 24 hours
✅ CompletiCompletionays
✅ We handle all the legal work
✅ Discreet and confidential service
You avoid months of waiting, sales falling through, and financial uncertainty. Instead, you get speed, certainty, and peace of mind.
Real-World Impact of Japanese Knotweed on House Sales
If you’re unsure how serious this plant can be for property owners, here’s what sellers across the UK often experience:
Lower valuations: Even after treatment, properties with a history of knotweed may be valued 5–15% lower.
Survey issues: RICS Level 2 or 3 surveys flag knotweed as a significant defect, scaring buyers off.
Insurance complications: Insurers often exclude knotweed-related damage from buildings cover.
Buyer hesitation: Few buyers are willing to inherit the legal responsibilities and ongoing maintenance.
In many cases, properties affected by knotweed remain unsold for months or even years, costing owners thousands in mortgage repayments, maintenance, and worry.
Why Mortgage Lenders Often Refuse Knotweed-Affected Homes
When mortgage providers consider a loan application, they want certainty that the property retains long-term value. Japanese knotweed undermines that value.
A property with knotweed is considered higher risk for these reasons:
It can reappear even after removal
It may cause structural damage
Legal disputes may arise with neighbours
The costs of eradication are high and ongoing
Most banks require an insurance-backed treatment plan (IBG) and a report from a Property Care Association (PCA) approved specialist before approving a mortgage, all of which can delay or derail a sale.
That’s why selling to a cash buyer like us bypasses the red tape. We don’t need lender approval and can move quickly.
How Our Cash Property Buying Process Works
We’ve streamlined our process to make it as simple, fast, and straightforward for sellers facing knotweed issues:
Tell Us About the Property
Use our online form or give us a call. Provide basic details about the property, and be honest about the presence of Japanese knotweed.
Get a Cash Offer
We’ll assess the property’s market value and the extent of the knotweed issue, then provide a fair, no-obligation cash offer — usually within 24 hours.
Accept the Offer
There’s no pressure. If you decide to accept, we’ll send out our solicitors to handle the legal process at no cost.
Complete Quickly
We aim to complete it in 7 to 14 days or on a date that works for you. Funds are paid directly into your account—there are no hidden fees or deductions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will you buy my property even if the knotweed is severe?
Yes. We purchase properties affected by all severities of Japanese knotweed, from early-stage growth to spread infestations fully. We specialise in distressed and difficult-to-sell properties.
2. Do I need a survey or treatment before selling to you?
No. We buy the property as-is. You do not need to arrange surveys, pay for eradication, or commission a specialist report. We take care of everything after the sale.
3. How long does the sales process take?
We can complete in as little as 7 days. If you need more time to arrange your move, we can delay its completion.
4. Will you lower the price because of the knotweed?
We always offer a fair market value based on the property’s current condition and resale potential. We factor that in transparently and aim to provide a competitive cash offer.
5. Do I have to disclose the knotweed problem?
Yes. You are legally required to disclose the presence of Japanese knotweed on the TA6 property information form when selling. Failing to do so could result in legal action later.
The good news? You don’t need to worry about it with us. We’re not put off — we expect and deal with knotweed regularly.
Avoid the Financial and Legal Risks of Waiting
Many homeowners try to wait out the problem, hoping the knotweed will die off or become someone else’s issue. Unfortunately, this strategy often backfires.
Knotweed can spread further, increasing eradication costs
Delays could lead to structural damage, making the house unmortgageable
Local councils can issue enforcement notices if you allow it to spread
Legal disputes with neighbours may arise, especially in terraced homes
Why take that risk?
Selling your house fast for cash frees you from the knotweed burden and gives you the liquidity to move on with your life.
Sell Your Japanese Knotweed Property the Smart Way
When traditional buyers vanish at the sight of knotweed, we step in with a reliable, fast solution.
At a time when mortgage lending is tightening and knotweed concerns are rising, cash buyers like us have become the go-to solution for homeowners who want to sell without stress, risk, or delays.
You don’t need to wait months or spend thousands. We’ll buy your property—regardless of knotweed, tenants, structural issues, or legal problems—and close the deal confidentially.
Ready to close the deal
If you’re dealing with a property impacted by Japanese knotweed and want to sell fast, don’t let the plant control your financial future.
📞 Call +447702210159 our friendly team for a same-day offer
Read our top Blogs:
Sell My Property Fast For Cash In Wandsworth
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Let us take the problem off your hands — fast, fair, and fuss-free.
Key Takeaways
Japanese knotweed severely impacts property value, mortgage eligibility, and buyer interest.
Selling through estate agents can be slow, costly, and uncertain.
Cash buyers provide a guaranteed alternative — no surveys, treatment, or stress.
We buy any property, including those with Japanese knotweed, for a fair cash price.
Completion can happen in just 7 to 14 days.
🔗 Useful External Links
- GOV.UK – Selling your home
https://www.gov.uk/selling-your-home
Official UK government guidance on legal steps and responsibilities when selling property. - Citizens Advice – If you’re selling your home
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/owning-a-home/selling-your-home/
Explains your rights, what to consider, and financial implications of selling. - The Property Ombudsman (TPO)
https://www.tpos.co.uk
Check if a cash buying company is a member of this redress scheme. Adds trust and transparency. - MoneyHelper – Problems paying your mortgage
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/homes/buying-a-home/struggling-to-pay-your-mortgage
Government-backed advice service for homeowners dealing with financial hardship. - National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB)
https://www.napb.co.uk
A professional body for reputable cash house buying companies in the UK.
