Getting a mortgage with Japanese Knotweed

Having Japanese knotweed on a property can make selling or securing a mortgage more challenging. This is largely due to lender concerns around structural risk, legal liability, and the potential for the plant to spread, all of which are influenced by current UK guidance and case law.

Many mortgage lenders will take a cautious approach when Japanese knotweed is identified during a valuation survey. In some cases, lending may be restricted or declined altogether unless there is a professional Japanese knotweed management plan in place.

However, obtaining a mortgage on a property affected by Japanese knotweed is entirely possible. With the right support, including a specialist survey, a lender-approved treatment plan, and an insurance-backed guarantee, buyers and homeowners can successfully secure finance.

With over 25 years of experience in Japanese knotweed identification, control and legal reporting, we regularly support clients, surveyors and lenders in navigating the mortgage process where invasive plants are present.

How to get a mortgage with japanese Knotweed?

Securing a mortgage on a property affected by Japanese knotweed is entirely achievable with the right documentation and professional support. At Japanese Knotweed Expert, we regularly assist homeowners, buyers and lenders across the UK in navigating this process.

Many UK mortgage lenders will consider lending on properties where Japanese knotweed is present, provided the risk is properly managed. To meet lending criteria, you will usually need to provide a professional Japanese knotweed survey, alongside a clear and structured treatment or management plan. Lenders will also expect confirmation that the works are being carried out by a contractor accredited by the Property Care Association (PCA), as well as an insurance-backed guarantee to demonstrate long term protection.

In some cases, lenders may apply additional conditions, such as requiring a higher deposit or offering a mortgage with a slightly increased interest rate to reflect the perceived risk. While this can affect borrowing terms, it can also place you in a stronger position when negotiating the purchase price of the property.

With the correct evidence in place and guidance from an experienced specialist, it is entirely possible to secure a mortgage on a property affected by Japanese knotweed.

knotweed in leeds

Mortgage Lenders Policies

We have compiled a list of UK mortgage lenders we have worked with over the years, along with their individual approach to properties affected by Japanese knotweed. Lender policies can vary significantly, with each organisation applying its own criteria when assessing risk, treatment requirements and lending suitability.

It is important to note that mortgage lender policies on Japanese knotweed are subject to change and may be updated without notice. For this reason, the information provided should be used as a general guide only. We always recommend contacting the mortgage lender directly, or speaking with your broker, to obtain the most accurate and up to date guidance based on your specific circumstances.

By understanding lender requirements early in the process, you can ensure the correct documentation is in place and avoid unnecessary delays when buying or selling a property affected by Japanese knotweed.

Nationwide
Nationwide requires a specialist report for properties with Japanese Knotweed within 7 meters of the boundary. This must include an insurance-backed treatment and management plan with a 5-year warranty against regrowth.
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HSBC
HSBC follows the ‘RICS’ 7-meter rule for Japanese Knotweed. They will lend only with a treatment schedule, completion certificate confirming eradication, and a minimum 10-year guarantee, which we provide to industry standards.
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TSB
TSB will not lend if Japanese Knotweed on neighbouring land threatens the property. Category 1 infestations require no action unless the valuer advises. Category 2 is reviewed case by case. For Category 3 or 4, a full PCA-accredited report and treatment plan with a property-specific 10-year transferable guarantee is required.
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Santander
If Japanese Knotweed is spotted during the valuation, a specialist survey must be undertaken by a PCA-accredited specialist. If the plant is within 7 meters of the property then they require the plant to be completely removed by a professional that can offer an insurance backed policy against its return. At Japanese Knotweed Expert we offer a 10-year insurance backed guarantee along with a 10-year company back guarantee as per industry standard. 
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Lloyds
Lloyds Banking Group (Halifax/Ulster Bank) require treatment report outlining the costs of remediation, these findings will impact the valuers decision on the amount of money that can be lent. If the Japanese Knotweed poses as a structural threat to the property then a mortgage will not be raised on the property. 
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Royal Bank of Scotland
RBS valuers take a number of factors into account when assessing how Japanese Knotweed will affect a property. Their policies are base on the current RICS guidance. 
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Metro
You can get a mortgage with Japanese Knotweed growing on the property if it falls within catergory 1 or 2. However if it falls within 3 and 4 Metro Bank requires an insurance backed Japanese Knotweed treatment and management plan to be in place by a firm that is approved by the Property Care Association (PCA). The bank will not release the funds until the plan has been paid for in full and guaranteed for 5 years.   
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Bath Building Society
This building society operates in line with the RICS’ 7-metre rule. Therefore, if the Japanese knotweed is within 7-metres of the building itself then they require a specialist report. Along with proof that the remedial works are being undertaken by a PCA-accredited company.  
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Yorkshire Building Society
YBS treat each property on a case by case basis. However, in cases we have dealt with they often ask you to obtain a specialist report to find out more about the infestation. Depending on the result/extent of the infestation they may choose not to lend. They strongly recommend that anyone borrowing on a home with Japanese knotweed to get an insurance-backed treatment plan in place.
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Leeds Building Society
Leeds Building Society requires an ‘environmental search’ to be obtained if Japanese knotweed is found on the land. They will refuse to lend if the infestation is considered to a risk to ‘the property or future saleability. They base their policies on recommendations made by environmental specialists and current legal and insurance advice.
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First Direct
Use the 7-meter rule as per the guidance from RICS and will only lend if a treatment schedule has been obtained along with a completion certificate to confirm that the Japanese Knotweed has been eradicated. They also require a guarantee of at least 10-year, which we provide as per industry standard.
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Coventry Building Society
If the infestation falls between category 1 or 2 on the RICS risk assessment you do not need to inform Coventry Building Society. However if the property falls within Category 3 or 4 then lending will most likely be refused.
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Bank of Ireland
Decisions are made based on the RICS guidance. If the Japanese knotweed is deemed to less than a ‘safe distance’ from the property then they will ask for proof of either remedial work having been completed, or that a Japanese knotweed treatment plan is in place. They also take into consideration the valuers’ opinion on the ‘marketability’ of the property, therefore they could still choose to decline mortgages if properties are considered to be unsellable because of the infestation.
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Newcastle Building Society
If the property is deemed to be in Category 3 or 4 further investigations need to take place. These must be carried out by a PCA-accredited firm, like ourselves. Following this, any remedial works must have an insurance backed guarantee in place for 10 years, as well as be ‘property specific and transferable to subsequent owners and mortgagees in possession’.
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Loughborough Building Society
Use the RICS guidance in reference to their policy-making decisions. In cases where the Japanese knotweed is within the property boundaries (Categories 3 and 4) they require a treatment and management plan from a PCA-accredited firm as well as a guarantee on all remedial works. They may also decline a mortgage even if the property is in Category 1 or 2. If the plant is seen to be a significant threat to the property by the valuer, no money will be lent.
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The Cambridge Building Society
Have zero-tolerance on lending to properties with Japanese Knotweed. This includes if Japanese Knotweed is present on the neighbouring land. 
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getting a mortgage with Japanese Knotweed - Contact us today!

 

If you are unable to get a mortgage or remortgage your home due to Japanese knotweed then you may need to remove the infestation first. Please note it is always best to consult a PCA-accredited removal firm to deal with your Japanese knotweed, as most mortgage lenders will still not approve your mortgage unless you have an insurance-backed guarantee of at least 5 years.

Japanese knotweed removal can cost thousands of pounds, depending on the severity of the infestation. However this is a price that must be paid in order to deal with mortgage lenders. Despite the guidelines provided by RICS, surveyors have been known to miss Japanese knotweed, in these cases it has led to buyers being refused mortgages or being faced with costly removal fees.

Therefore If you’ve discovered Japanese knotweed on your land, or have found that you have been missold a property that is infested with the plant, then we may be able to help you claim for the cost of removing it. Get in touch using our contact form or call 01782 479 444 where our friendly office team will be happy to assist you. 

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