Currently if any visible amount of Japanese Knotweed is found within a few metres of a property, most High Street banks have a blanket policy to refuse all mortgage lending. Whilst in extreme cases Japanese Knotweed can be very serious, in most it can be professionally treated over a period of time. Banks should bring in a grading system for surveyors to gauge the seriousness of each individual case. The banks current policy is slowing down the housing market by causing buying/selling chains to break down at great cost to all parties. A grading system would allow the banks approve a mortgage on the basis of property owners implementing a knotweed eradication programme. This would provide a guarantee to both the bank and purchaser.

For more information visit: knotaware.com