Japanese Knotweed Mortgages

Japanese Knotweed Mortgages The mortgage experts for those looking to buy a house or flat with Japanese knotweed near the property

Japanese Knotweed and Mortgage Risks: A Case in LancashireReferred to us by a Japanese Knotweed survey & treatment speci...
13/05/2026

Japanese Knotweed and Mortgage Risks: A Case in Lancashire

Referred to us by a Japanese Knotweed survey & treatment specialist who found us online, a couple living in the Bolton area in Lancashire were trying to buy a house. They were using a different mortgage adviser, but the mortgage lender declined the application due to the presence of Japanese Knotweed in the garden. I was asked if I could help.

The house they were looking to buy a house that had an infestation is in the front garden, within a hedgerow. The seller had indicated that the hedge had been periodically cut back & had (infrequently) been treated in the past with Roundup, as part of general garden maintenance although there was significant regrowth.

A 5-year plan was put in place for a herbicide treatment/monitoring plan consisting of up to 2 visits per year over a 3-year period for the purpose of treating the affected areas with the appropriate herbicide and monitoring progress. On completion of the treatment/monitoring plan the area will be inspected annually for a further 2 years with any regrowth subsequently retreated.

The application was not straight forward because in addition to their being Japanese knotweed in the front garden, the house was a few yards from a disused coal mine shaft and the clients’ credit history was not great either.

We did manage to find a lender who could help, and the couple moved in 2 months later.

Mortgage Approved Despite Japanese Knotweed: A Real Story from SouthbourneRebecca from Southbourne called me after her m...
11/03/2026

Mortgage Approved Despite Japanese Knotweed: A Real Story from Southbourne

Rebecca from Southbourne called me after her mortgage was declined at the last minute—just before exchanging contracts on a bungalow. The issue? Japanese knotweed had previously been present on the property.

The knotweed had already been treated and was close to the house. Rebecca had been advised that full removal via excavation was required, so they paid for the work, believing it would satisfy the lender. Unfortunately, even with a professional report, treatment plan, and insurance-backed guarantee, the lender still refused to proceed.

In truth, the excavation wasn’t necessary. Herbicidal treatment by a qualified specialist would have been enough in many cases—saving time and money.

Luckily, Rebecca’s mum had heard me speak on Radio Dorset and told her to contact me. I found a specialist mortgage lender who accepted the treatment plan in place and agreed to lend. The purchase went through, and the family are now happily moved in.
If you're dealing with mortgage issues because of Japanese knotweed, you’re not alone—and you do have options.

Get in touch today for expert advice and access to lenders who understand these situations.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Got Knotweed Next Door? Here's What RICS Category D Mean We’ve talked about Categories A to C—now let’s look at RICS Cat...
15/12/2025

Got Knotweed Next Door? Here's What RICS Category D Mean

We’ve talked about Categories A to C—now let’s look at RICS Category D, which covers Japanese Knotweed growing on neighbouring land, not on your property.

Even if knotweed isn’t inside your boundary, lenders and surveyors still pay attention. That’s because there’s a chance it could spread—especially if it’s close by and not being managed.

The good news? Category D is considered low risk. In most cases, the impact on your property’s value is small. But if the knotweed next door is extensive or unmanaged, it could raise questions—maybe even legal concerns. Some lenders might hesitate if the infestation looks severe.

You can’t force your neighbour to remove or treat it, which can be frustrating. But since it’s out of your hands, most lenders won’t expect you to fix it.

If you’re in this situation, don’t panic. It’s usually manageable. Just keep an eye on the growth and, if needed, speak to a knotweed specialist for advice. Being informed is your best defence—and can save a lot of stress during a sale or mortgage application.

Mortgage for a Property with Japanese Knotweed – Case StudySecuring a mortgage on a house affected by Japanese knotweed ...
01/12/2025

Mortgage for a Property with Japanese Knotweed – Case Study

Securing a mortgage on a house affected by Japanese knotweed is tricky—but not impossible. I recently helped a client buying a property in Haslemere where knotweed was found 10m from the house, within the boundary.

Neither the client nor I knew of its presence when applying. It only surfaced during a structural survey. The case was already complex due to self-employed income and finding a lender offering sufficient funds.

A treatment plan was in place, but the lender wanted proof of treatment already started. Since knotweed is dormant in winter, spraying in November (when it was arranged) is ineffective. However, I noticed the report mentioned past treatment and no new growth.

After investigating, I uncovered that the local council had treated the area previously. A surveyor confirmed this and kindly provided a written report, which I submitted to the lender. Thanks to this evidence, an exception was made.

I specialise in mortgages for properties with Japanese knotweed and complex lending situations. If you’re buying or selling such a property, I can help secure the mortgage you need.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Address

10 Milton Gate 114-116 Old Milton Road
New Milton
BH256EB

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