Home Sellers & Japanese Knotweed

Is your house affected by Japanese knotweed?

TA6 Form

What you need to know!

When completing the Property Information Form (TA6), it is essential that all answers are accurate and truthful. Failing to disclose the presence of Japanese knotweed can result in a claim for misrepresentation, with the average claim in the UK reported to be around £32,000.

One of the key questions on the TA6 form asks whether the property has been affected by Japanese knotweed. How you answer this question is critical and can directly impact the sale of your property.

Answering “Yes”

Answering “Yes” confirms that Japanese knotweed is present on the property, or has been found within 3 metres of the boundary. In this situation, you should provide supporting documentation to the buyer, including a professional Japanese knotweed survey, a management or treatment plan, proof of full payment for the works, and a 10 year insurance backed guarantee.

Providing this information demonstrates that the issue is being professionally managed, which can help maintain buyer confidence and may allow you to achieve your asking price, or limit any reduction during negotiations.

Answering “No”

If you answer “No”, you must be certain that there is no Japanese knotweed within your garden or within 3 metres of the property boundary. This includes any underground rhizomes, which can remain dormant but still present a risk.

Incorrectly answering “No” when Japanese knotweed is present could lead to serious legal and financial consequences after the sale has completed.

Answering “Unknown”

Selecting “Unknown” may delay the sales process, as buyers or their solicitors will typically request further investigation. In most cases, you will be asked to arrange a professional Japanese knotweed survey to confirm whether the property is affected.

Obtaining a survey at this stage allows you to provide a definitive answer and helps prevent delays later in the transaction.

Site Survey & Report

A Japanese knotweed site survey & report is crucial when selling a property, particularly if there is a suspicious weed present on the property.

If Japanese knotweed is suspected to be on site, potential buyers may struggle to raise a mortage on the property resulting in you losing the sale.

By having a survey carried out, this will either confirm that your property is free of Japanese knotweed or allow you to put a management plan in place so that the sale will be able to continue interrupted.

Cost of a Site Survey

We strongly recommend arranging a professional Japanese knotweed site survey, with prices starting from £260 + VAT, depending on the location and size of the garden. A survey provides clarity and confidence when completing the TA6 form, ensuring your answers are accurate and reducing the risk of future legal disputes.

By commissioning an expert report for Japanese knotweed, you are supported by professional advice backed by £5 million Professional Indemnity insurance. This gives both you and prospective buyers reassurance that the information provided is reliable and defensible.

If the survey identifies Japanese knotweed within the property or nearby boundaries, we can prepare a detailed management plan and provide a clear quotation for treatment. We will also ensure that all necessary documentation is in place, including arranging a 10 year insurance backed guarantee, helping to keep the sale process smooth and uninterrupted.

In addition, we are happy to liaise directly with prospective buyers, surveyors and solicitors on your behalf. This helps to maintain momentum in the transaction and removes unnecessary stress during what can often be a challenging stage of the property sale.

Site Surveys for Properties

PCA Accredited

Our Surveyors are Certified & Accredited Surveyors of Japanese knotweed.

Mortgage Lender Approved

Having this management plan in place illustrates that you are being proactive in reducing the risk of Knotweed affecting the property value, and so should be sufficient evidence for a mortgage lender to release funds against the property.