Discover how RICS guidance changes in March 2022 have opened doors for property buyers, even when Japanese knotweed is present.
Don’t Let Japanese Knotweed Stop Your Property Dreams
Finding Japanese knotweed on a property you want to buy doesn’t have to end your homeownership plans. With 4-5% of UK homes affected by this invasive plant species, mortgage lenders have adapted their lending criteria to reflect new scientific evidence and updated industry guidance. The old “seven metre rule” that automatically blocked mortgage applications has been scrapped, replaced by a more practical risk-based assessment approach that makes getting a mortgage with Japanese knotweed significantly more achievable.
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Why You Can Still Get a Mortgage with Japanese Knotweed
Modern mortgage providers understand that Japanese knotweed, when properly managed, doesn’t pose the catastrophic risk once believed. Here’s why your mortgage application can succeed:
- RICS Updated Guidance (March 2022) – The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors scrapped the rigid seven-meter rule, encouraging lenders to assess each property with Japanese knotweed on a case by case basis
- Multiple Lender Options – Many mortgage lenders, including high street lenders and specialist providers, now approve mortgages for properties affected by this invasive plant
- Risk-Based Assessment – Properties are categorized A-D based on knotweed severity and proximity, with most falling into acceptable categories that satisfy lending criteria
- Professional Treatment Solutions – Insurance backed guarantee schemes from Property Care Association accredited companies provide the security most lenders require
- Property Value Protection – Proper management prevents the significant resale value reduction often associated with untreated knotweed infestations
How to Get a Mortgage with Japanese Knotweed
The mortgage application process for a property with Japanese knotweed follows a clear pathway that addresses lender concerns systematically.
Step 1: Get a Specialist Survey
Commission a RICS-qualified surveyor experienced with invasive plant species to assess the knotweed problem and categorise the risk level. This specialist report forms the foundation of your mortgage application and helps lenders assess the true impact on the property’s boundary and structural integrity.
Step 2: Obtain Professional Treatment Plan
Hire a Property Care Association accredited specialist company to create a comprehensive plan for controlling Japanese knotweed. This management plan must include an insurance backed guarantee covering effective control measures, whether through Japanese knotweed removal or ongoing management strategies.
Step 3: Find the Right Lender
Work with Fox Davidson as we understand which mortgage providers accept different knotweed risk categories. Many lenders now approve mortgages for properties where Japanese knotweed is present, but their specific requirements vary significantly.
Step 4: Submit Complete Documentation
We provide the mortgage lender with the specialist survey, professional management plan and any insurance guarantees. Complete documentation demonstrates responsible property ownership and satisfies most lending criteria.
What Makes Certain Lenders Different?
Understanding lender attitudes toward the presence of Japanese knotweed helps you target your application effectively:
- Risk Appetite Variation – Progressive lenders follow new RICS guidance, while others including maintain stricter policies requiring complete Japanese knotweed removal before considering mortgage offers
- Category-Specific Lending – Specialist mortgage providers often accept Category B and C properties (knotweed within 3-7 meters of property boundaries) that high street lenders might refuse outright
- Experience with Environmental Issues – Using mortgage lenders familiar with knotweed problems offer more realistic property value assessments and faster mortgage application decisions
- Structural Damage Assessment – Lenders who understand that Japanese knotweed rarely causes major structural damage to robust buildings with substantial foundations are more likely to approve mortgages
The RICS categorisation system rates properties from A (no knotweed within 7 meters) to D (knotweed causing actual structural damage), with many mortgage lenders now accepting Categories A, B, and C when proper treatment plans are in place.
Costs and Requirements You Need to Know
Understanding the financial implications helps you budget effectively for a property with Japanese knotweed:
Treatment Costs:
- Herbicide treatment for small areas: £950-£2,500
- Excavation and removal for moderate infestations: £4,000-£8,000
- Comprehensive management for severe cases: £10,000-£20,000+
- Ongoing monitoring and maintenance: £300-£500 annually
Additional Requirements:
- Specialist knotweed surveys: £300-£800
- Insurance backed guarantee (5-10 years): Included in treatment costs
- Higher deposit requirements: Some lenders require 10-15% additional deposit for higher risk categories
Many mortgage lenders require treatment plans from companies that are legally obligated to provide insurance coverage, protecting both the property owner and mortgage provider against future knotweed problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, current RICS guidance only requires reporting knotweed within 3 meters of your property boundaries. Knotweed on neighbouring land doesn’t automatically affect your mortgage application unless it encroaches onto your property.
No, many mortgage lenders accept effective control rather than complete eradication. A professional management plan demonstrating ongoing control often satisfies lending criteria under current guidance.
Some high street banks and several specialist providers actively approve mortgages for properties with managed knotweed. Our brokers at Fox Davidson can identify the best options for your specific risk category.
Typically 2-4 weeks longer than standard applications due to specialist surveys and documentation requirements. However, lenders experienced with knotweed cases often process applications more efficiently.
Properties with untreated knotweed may see 10-15% value reduction, but proper management and insurance backed guarantees can restore normal property values. Many lenders assess the detrimental effect as minimal when comprehensive plans are implemented.
Property owners have legal action options under the Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Your local council and Environment Agency can provide guidance on enforcement against neighbors who fail to control knotweed on their land.
Get Your Knotweed Mortgage Approved Today
Don’t let Japanese knotweed derail your property purchase or remortgage plans. Fox Davidson mortgage brokers understand which lenders assess knotweed properties favorably and can guide you through the application process efficiently.
Contact our knotweed mortgage specialists for:
- Free initial consultation and risk assessment
- Access to lenders who approve mortgages for affected properties
- Complete application support from survey to mortgage offer
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Take the first step toward securing your mortgage despite Japanese knotweed. Our specialists have helped hundreds of buyers navigate the process successfully, turning potential property problems into manageable solutions.
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