Japanese Knotweed – Sellers Must be Vigilant for Invasive Plant
David Clayton posted on 10th February 2023
People selling homes with gardens are warned to be vigilant for Japanese knotweed – and to be accurate in the information they provide on their property information questionnaires for buyers.
The warning follows a case where a home buyer successfully sued their seller for failing to disclose the presence of the invasive plant, which was growing behind a garden shed. The case has left the seller with a potential court bill of £200,000.
Paul Offley of the Guild of Property Professionals, says Japanese knotweed can cause pricey structural damage to buildings and be difficult to eradicate. He warned estate agents to be vigilant for the presence of the plant and to ask vendors and landlords to confirm whether they are aware of it.
He said: “It is imperative that the seller or landlord is made aware of the fact that if they tick ‘no’, when they know the property is affected, it is possible for this to be proven by a buyer and they could be sued for misrepresentation.”
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Japanese knotweed is capable of pushing its way through joints, cavity walls and other structural weaknesses in a building.
According to Paul Offley, sellers and estate agents should familiarise themselves with the plant. “There are various images available via the internet, but leaves tend to be shovel shaped and turn yellow in November and have creamy white and small flowers from August to mid-September.”
He stressed the importance of answering questions on the property information questionnaire honestly, on this and other topics, to ensure accurate details are being provided to potential buyers.
Claytons blog was created to give light hearted but hopefully useful property related thoughts and advice.
David started his career at former family firm, Weller Hill Hubble aged 17. The company was later purchased by General Accident property services and David went on to become their youngest ever manager and Area Director. However, disenchanted with corporate life he decided to return to his old roots and start a personal, service driven Estate agency. In 1991 Claytons was born and has grown into one of Watfords most well known and successful businesses. Outside of work David , who still lives locally is married with 3 children and a cockapoo called Teddy.
