Japanese knotweed and residential property UK 1st edition, March 2022

Question 1

What does the guidance note replace on Japanese Knotweed?

Answer 1

This guidance note replaces the RICS information paper Japanese Knotweed and residential property, 2012. It reflects an improved understanding of Japanese Knotweed.

Like its predecessor, its primary objective is to assist RICS members who encounter Japanese Knotweed while undertaking valuations or surveys of residential property in the UK.

Question 2

What are the typical scenarios where you may find Japanese Knotweed?

Answer 2

Gardens
Patios, paths and driveways
Boundary, garden and retaining walls
Outbuildings
Conservatories
Drains and other buried services
Multiple affected properties

Question 3

What should you do when you encounter Knotweed?

Answer 3

Not its location and details such as;

• proximity to built structures, hard-landscaped areas, possible lines of drain runs and any
  damage or disruption noted
• the location, height and area of all stands of Japanese knotweed
• whether stands are on- or off-site, or crossing boundaries
• any evidence (verbal, documentary or visual) of current or previous management, and
• photographic records should be taken for later reference, even if they are not required for
  inclusion in reports.

Question 4

Japanese Knotweed management decision tree

Answer 4

Question 5

How does Japanese Knotweed effect value?

Answer 5

• impact in the market prior to remediation
• restrictions on use of the property
• impact during remediation
• impact of infestation present on adjoining land
• post-remediation impact on future saleability.