A company that treats the invasive Japanese Knotweed plant claims that 1 in 20 homes in the UK are now affected by the plant. Environet goes on to claim that homes afflicted with the plant lose around 10% of their value.
Environet states that the tool “provides a sensible framework for price negotiation considering the unique facts of the case.” However, unless the plant wasn’t identified at the time of inspection, a reputable estate agent should factor this into their initial valuation. Thankfully, Environet only has a handful of records relating to the weed in and around Greenwich.
Japanese Knotweed is particularly prevalent in areas with old rail lines, as it was introduced by the railways to reinforce embankments. At the time it was not know how fast the plant could spread, and the significant damage it can cause to man-made structures.