Environet launches new desktop report to instantly assess knotweed risk

KnotSure™Report will help solicitors, surveyors and estate agents gauge the risks posed to a property by the UK’s most invasive plant

A new desktop report will enable property professionals involved in the sale and purchase of homes to instantly assess the risk posed to an individual property by Japanese knotweed, before committing to a physical on-site survey.

The KnotSure™ Report, launched by invasive plant specialists Environet, evaluates the likelihood of knotweed being present and enables conveyancing solicitors and surveyors to make a quick assessment of the risks during a property purchase. Based on expert analysis and data from Environet’s knotweed heatmap, which is populated with over 100,000 known incidences of the plant across the country, the report provides a risk rating ranging from High to Medium to Low, including the number of known incidences with 2.5 miles of the address and a regional ranking.

The report also provides a value impact assessment, indicating how the property’s value could be impacted by an unmanaged knotweed infestation, and how that could be mitigated by herbicide treatment or ‘gold standard’ excavation.

‘Yes’ or ‘No’ seller responses to the Japanese knotweed question on the Law Society’s TA6 form provide clarity to the homebuyer and their advisors. But revised wording to the TA6 Explanatory Notes in 2020 has prompted an increase in sellers answering ‘Not known’, since the guidance now requires them to be certain that no rhizome (root) is present in the ground or within 3 metres of the property boundary, even if there are no visible signs above ground.

In practical terms, this has resulted in large numbers of sellers who are not aware of knotweed on the property to answer “Not known”, to reduce the risk of a future legal case if it is discovered, therefore placing the onus on buyers to undertake their own enquiries.

Environet Director, Emily Grant, said,

“The TA6 form is invaluable for flagging known knotweed infestations, and providing a route to legal recourse where a seller has answered dishonestly. But a huge hike in the number of ‘Not known’ responses in recent years has left many buyers in the dark when trying to understand knotweed risks.

“Using the vast amount of data at our disposal, we are now able to offer a low-cost solution to homebuyers, conveyancers, surveyors and estate agents who are unsure whether a property is affected by knotweed. A KnotSure™ Report is a fast and affordable way to understand the level of risk and gain expert advice on whether an on-site survey should be commissioned, or indemnity insurance considered.”

Andrew McColl, Chairman of the Residential Property Surveyors Association, said:

“The introduction of the KnotSure report represents a significant step forward for the property industry. As surveyors, we’re on the front line when it comes to assessing property condition, and knotweed is a major concern. This report offers a swift and reliable way to flag potential issues early on, benefiting not just surveyors but conveyancers, estate agents, and, most importantly, the public. It’s a game-changer in terms of risk assessment and will undoubtedly contribute to a more efficient and robust property transaction process.”

A KnotSure™ Report, delivered online within minutes, retails at £30+VAT, with significantly more cost-effective bulk purchase agreements available for legal and surveying firms. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE REPORT

Kindly shared by Environet