JAPANESE KNOTWEED SURVEY COST
- Free survey if you go ahead with a Management Plan. Early detection through a professional survey is crucial to addressing Japanese Knotweed as a highly invasive species. This can help mitigate significant property damage, legal issues, and increased removal costs.
- Available to both Commercial and Residential clients.
Our Japanese knotweed surveys have helped over 5,300 property transactions proceed successfully since 2014
Call us on 0800 689 4146 and schedule your survey today!
A Japanese Knotweed Survey will accurately identify your infestation and its size. Our CSJK-qualified surveyors, who are experts in conducting thorough assessments, ensure that you receive a professional service. As we are a Property Care Association (PCA) member, we are approved by RICS (The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) to undertake and complete knotweed surveys.
Our detailed Japanese Knotweed Surveys will provide the following:
- We will identify whether or not your infestation is Japanese Knotweed.
- We will clearly outline all boundaries and property positions.
- Provide your mortgage lender, bank or building society the risk assessment that they require.
- Nationwide coverage. Our Knotweed surveys are available throughout the United Kingdom.
- We will detail the size of your infestation and highlight where Japanese Knotweed is present and what perimeters it breaches or threatens to breach.
- We will provide you with a list of Japanese Knotweed treatment methods that are suitable for your infestation.
Do You Need a Japanese Knotweed Survey?
Answer a few questions to find out the best next step for your property
Why Choose Knotweed Services?
- PCA-Qualified Surveyors
- We can identify all Schedule 9 Invasive Species
- RICS-Approved Knotweed assessments
- Thousands of successful treatments
- Free survey if you proceed with treatment
Save time and money with our surveys.
The earlier Japanese Knotweed is detected and treatment starts, the better. This will keep your Japanese Knotweed removal costs lower. If detection and treatment are delayed, the cost can be very heavy.
Properties affected by Japanese Knotweed face significant challenges, especially during property transactions. Obtaining a Knotweed Management Plan (KMP) is crucial for securing mortgage approval and ensuring compliance with legal and financial requirements.
A survey can safeguard a buyer who wishes to purchase a development site. Suppose the site is found to be infested with Japanese Knotweed. In that case, the costs of eradication should be considered in the purchase price.
Japanese Knotweed is an herbaceous plant, which means that its growth season is between March and October.
It is imperative that a Japanese knotweed survey be undertaken to determine the best method of treatment(s) for each individual site. Each site is unique, and each treatment plan is bespoke.
There are a number of reasons for each site being unique: site condition, available land, time scales, neighbours, etc.
Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd will provide a free survey and prepare a report & quotation. A charge of £250.00+VAT will be applied for customers who do not instruct Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd following the quotation.*
**Prices start at £250 and will vary based on the location of the infestation. We will clearly inform you of the exact cost based on your location.
NB. We can identify your Japanese Knotweed for free. Click here to upload your pictures for our free identification service.
Our Expert Team
Clive Brooker MD
- CSJK PCA Qualified Surveyor (Property Care Association)
- 16+ years experience in invasive plant management
- NPTC certified in herbicide application (PA1/PA6)
Lesley Vachre
- CSJK PCA Qualified Surveyor (Property Care Association)
- PCA Board Member
- NPTC certified in herbicide application (PA1/PA6)
Expert surveyors like Clive Brooker and Lesley Vachre ensure thorough assessments of properties for Japanese Knotweed, confirming its presence, assessing its extent, and recommending tailored treatment options. This expertise is also crucial for legal documentation in property disputes. Find out more about our team.
RICS JAPANESE KNOTWEED RISK CATEGORIES
Selecting the most appropriate treatment(s) will depend on various constraints, such as available space (e.g., for onsite burial methods), timescales, etc. We always provide our clients with the most cost-effective Japanese Knotweed removal options.
If you are looking to purchase land – you should always have the land properly surveyed before buying. As stated above, although you would not be responsible for any previous damage, you would be responsible and liable for the continuation of any damage. It is crucial to assess the proximity of Japanese Knotweed to the property boundary, as infestations within three meters can affect mortgage retentions and legal disputes.
It is also important to note that you could be liable as a seller for any damage caused prior to the date of sale. You could even be found guilty of misrepresenting to the buyer if you do not respond correctly to any pre-purchase enquiries concerning the presence of Japanese Knotweed.
Please note: After undertaking a survey, if you then proceed with our offer of treatment, we will deduct the cost of the survey from the overall cost of treating your Japanese Knotweed infestation.
We follow all RICS 2022 guidelines, as laid out below:
| Category | Risk categories and their descriptions |
| 4 | Japanese Knotweed is within 7 metres of a habitable space*, conservatory and/or garage, either within the boundaries of this property or in a neighbouring property or space; and/or Japanese Knotweed is causing serious damage to outbuildings, associated structures, drains, paths, boundary walls, fences, and other structures. Further investigations by an appropriately qualified and/or experienced person are required. |
| 3 | Although Japanese Knotweed is present within the boundaries of the property, it is more than 7 metres from a habitable space, conservatory, and/or garage. If there is damage to outbuildings, associated structures, paths, boundary walls and fences, it is minor. Further investigations by an appropriately qualified and/or experienced person are required. |
| 2 | Japanese Knotweed was not seen within the boundaries of this property. However, it was seen on a neighbouring property or land. Here, it was within 7 metres of the boundary but more than 7 metres away from the habitable spaces, the conservatory and/or the garage of the subject property. |
| 1 | Japanese Knotweed was not seen on this property. However, it can be seen on a neighbouring property or land that was more than 7 metres away from the boundary. |
It is also advisable to report Japanese Knotweed to manage its impact legally and to ensure proper environmental and property management.
Our Knotweed Risk Assessment Process
Our risk assessments follow the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) framework. We look at knotweed problems across seven key areas:
Japanese Knotweed presents significant challenges, particularly in property development and mortgage acquisition, due to its invasive nature and the legal and practical obstacles it creates.
1. How Close Is It to Buildings?
- We measure the distance from buildings, boundaries and hard surfaces
- We check underground for hidden root spread
- We create maps showing where it might grow
2. How Mature Is the Plant?
- We determine its growth stage (new, established or dormant)
- We sample how dense the underground roots are
- We analyse past growth patterns
3. What’s the Soil Like?
- We test soil type and pH levels
- We check how wet the Soil is
- We assess soil compaction to predict how it might spread
4. How Vulnerable Are Buildings?
- We assess foundation types
- We find possible entry points (cracks, joints, pipes)
- We review any history of subsidence or movement
5. How Likely Is It to Spread?
- We check for natural boundaries like waterways or slopes
- We assess future growth risks based on local conditions
6. How Feasible Is Treatment?
- We evaluate access to equipment and staff
- We assess environmental sensitivities (waterways, protected species)
- We score the suitability of different treatment methods
7. What’s the Financial Impact?
- We estimate the effect on property value
- We project remediation costs
- We analyse financing and mortgage implications
Each area receives a score from 1 to 5. These scores are weighted to produce a final RICS risk category (1 to 4), which determines our recommended approach.
Future management is crucial, including conducting surveys post-construction to assess the position of Japanese knotweed waste onsite, ensuring ongoing property management and maintenance.
KNOTWEED SERVICES KEEP IT SIMPLE
Here at Knotweed Services, we think everyday life is hard enough – who needs more drama? We keep our Japanese Knotweed treatment process simple. You’re only three simple steps away from eradicating your Japanese Knotweed problem.
Japanese Knotweed is known for its rapid growth, particularly during spring and summer. Early detection is crucial to prevent its spread and potential damage to properties.
1
Email or
Call us
Get in touch with us, ask us any questions you need to, send us a picture if you need us to identify your infestation (for free, of course), and we can get to work! Call us on 0800 689 4146.
2
Agree a Date For us to Conduct Your Survey
Agree a Date For us to Conduct Your Survey
Once we’ve answered all your questions and you’re happy, we’ll book your survey, and one of our expert technicians will conduct an in-depth survey—which, in many cases, will be FREE.
3
Survey Conducted and Report Issued
Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd will conduct a detailed site survey to outline your infestation and provide an in-depth quote along with the best treatment methods for your situation.
Our Japanese Knotweed Site Survey Methodology
Initial Site Assessment
- Thorough visual inspection of entire property boundaries
- Soil probing to 1m depth in suspected areas
- Mapping of property with GPS-marked infestation areas
- High-resolution photography of all identified specimens
- Inspection of neighbouring land to assess potential risks and implications for property categorization and mortgage requirements
Risk Assessment Application
- RICS risk category determination (1-4)
- Structural impact evaluation
- Spread potential calculation
- Mortgage/insurance implications analysis
- Impact on construction projects: Japanese Knotweed infestations can halt development efforts. Conducting a Japanese knotweed survey before starting construction work is essential for developers and landowners to identify and mitigate risks associated with the invasive plant, ensuring compliance and outlining effective treatment strategies.
Documentation Preparation
- Detailed report with photographic evidence
- Site map with infestation boundaries
- Treatment recommendations with a timeline
- Cost projections for remediation
- Comprehensive Japanese knotweed survey report, detailing the survey's purpose, key objectives, findings, and recommendations
Potential Japanese Knotweed Treatment Options
The table below provides a general overview of common treatment approaches we may recommend following your site survey. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. For details on treatment options, visit our pages: Domestic Japanese Knotweed Removal or Commercial Japanese Knotweed Removal, as each knotweed infestation is unique and may require a customised solution. The actual treatment method, timeframe, costs, and guarantees for your specific situation will be detailed in your personalised management plan following a thorough onsite assessment. It is crucial to have a Japanese Knotweed Management Plan (KMP) in place, especially for property transactions and mortgage approvals.
These options are presented for informational purposes to help you understand the potential approaches we recommend. During your site survey, our specialists will evaluate multiple factors, including infestation size, proximity to structures, soil conditions, and your property goals, to develop the most effective treatment strategy.
| Treatment Method | Best For | Timeframe | Cost Range | Environmental Impact | Guarantee Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbicide Treatment | Residential properties with limited knotweed spread | 3-5 years | £1,500 - £8,500+ | Low-Moderate (approved herbicides) | 5-10 years |
| Excavation & Removal | Development sites, pre-construction, severe infestations | 1-2 weeks | POA | Moderate (requires waste transportation) | 5-10 years |
| Mesh Membrane Containment | Properties with construction plans or boundary issues | 1 week + ongoing monitoring | POA | Low (physical barrier) | 5-10 years |
| Combined Approach | Complex infestations with structural involvement | 1-3 years | POA | Moderate (targeted approach) | 5-10 years |
*Last updated: March 2025.* Our transparent pricing structure ensures no hidden costs. Prices marked "POA" (Price on Application) require an on-site assessment to provide accurate quotations due to the highly variable nature of these treatment methods. For more detailed information, please view our dedicated Japanese Knotweed Removal Costs page.
When Japanese Knotweed is present, it poses significant challenges and risks, making it essential to identify and manage it effectively to prevent structural damage and satisfy mortgage lenders and buyers.
KNOTWEED LAW.
Japanese knotweed is covered by various legislation:
- Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Section 33) – designates Knotweed as ‘controlled waste’
- Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Section 14) – makes it an offence to plant or cause Knotweed to grow in the wild.
- Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 – enables community protection notices to be issued for knotweed problems.
- Infrastructure Act 2015 – allows environmental authorities to enter premises to investigate knotweed issues.
Japanese knotweed infestations can significantly impact commercial companies, disrupting construction projects and necessitating tailored remediation solutions that adhere to regulatory standards.
But what if I don’t know if there is Japanese Knotweed?
Our site surveys will find out.
Japanese Knotweed surveys are essential for property transactions. Sellers avoid compensation claims, buyers protect their investment, and both parties ensure smoother sales.
Undisclosed knotweed often causes serious delays or cancellations, as we’ve witnessed frequently in property transactions.
DEAL WITH IT EARLY AND YOU WILL FAIR BETTER!
THE LAW: BUYING AND SELLING PROPERTY
Japanese Knotweed near properties creates challenges for sellers and mortgage-seeking buyers. The presence of Japanese Knotweed can significantly impact a lender’s willingness to provide a mortgage offer, often requiring evidence of eradication or a professional management plan.
SELLERS
You must legally declare Knotweed on the TA6 form and include any existing management plan. Many lenders require site surveys regardless. Inaccurate declarations risk compensation claims for misrepresentation. If uncertain about knotweed presence, always obtain a professional survey.
BUYERS
The TA6 form should disclose known Knotweed. Mortgage lenders require professional management plans with Insurance Backed Guarantees. If you suspect inaccurate TA6 information, seek legal advice regarding potential misrepresentation claims.
NEIGHBOURS
Homeowners must legally prevent Knotweed from spreading to adjacent properties. Local Authorities can issue Community Protection Notices (CPNs) to non-compliant homeowners. If Knotweed exists on neighbouring property, first discuss the situation directly before involving authorities. Consulting the Environment Agency is also recommended to establish a Knotweed Management Plan (KMP) and ensure compliance with regulations.