It's all about to fall apart!

[notknotweed1]

We were a few weeks away from exchanging on a house we loved, and now the survey has come back saying there's knotweed close to the property. I’m a bit heartbroken! It’s on an overgrown patch of land just behind the house - it’s not clear who owns this land so I don’t think it’s even something that can be treated. We are going to request a specialist to take a look, but I know deep down that it’s a bad idea to even consider this house now, and it’s probably not going to work out.

The thought of having to start this whole process again is so draining! If this all falls through then we have to find a new buyer for ours too - the thought of dealing with viewings and cleaning and offers all over again is making my hear hurt. Plus the amount we’ve already spent on surveys, searches, fees - all just wasted.

Anyone have any positive stories of finding an even better dream home after a sale falling through?

(Why did I think buying a new house would be fun??)

[wowfudge]

If you can't find out who owns the land then surely the vendors can get it treated themselves in order to get a sale? Is it unregistered land because that would the only thing preventing anyone from finding the owner. The local council might be worth talking to too.

[MrsPatmore]

Are you willing to go into rented so you at least don't lose your buyer?

[notknotweed1]

Unfortunately our vendor is also our buyer, so if it falls through then it all falls apart!

I am hoping the vendor will be open to treating it wowfudge - but just based on the size and overgrowth of the land (and difficulty of access) I think it might be tricky. I'm keen to get a specialist in asap so have been chasing my solicitor today so we can speak to the vendor and get it sorted.

[BubblesBuddy]

Can the land not be accessed from the house you are buying if it’s just behind it? Surely the vendor has an interest getting this sorted because no-one will want this property. Just start negotiating. Having said that, you will get constant weeds coming through from overgrown land no-one cares about.

[loveka]

Yes, it is in the vendors interests to find out who the land belongs to.

We were buying our dream house which had knotweed. The vendors bought an insurance policy and 3 year treatment plan.

Then, on the day of exchange, which was 2 days before completion due to delays from our buyer, they pulled out, saying they had changed their minds.

We were packed up. We had our removals booked and ready to go. We lost thousands of pounds. I was devestated.

Our buyer also lost a lot of money. She had been really pushy and awful. We had agreed to a short gap between exchange and completion because she kept threatening to pull out, we felt we had too much to lose so gave in to her. We were willing to rent when it fell through, but she gave us 2 extra days to find somewhere for us, all our stuff and our cats

It was unbearable having to unpack. We were both unemployed as we had given up jobs as the move was for a new life!

One year on, we have bought a MUCH nicer house, on the same lane. It doesn't have the amazing view or stunning garden, but it has a huge garden that we can make stunning. It is a much bigger, more beautiful house with so much more potential.

I walk past my dream house that we lost every day. I still hanker after the garden! Not the house though.

[notknotweed1]

Sorry to hear about what happened to you loveka - that sounds so stressful but sounds like it worked out for the best!

We've already missed out on two houses we were in love with so we've made peace with the fact that we'll find something else if it falls through. It's just a pain!

We've been in touch with the vendor now to say we need them to find out who owns the land and to sort out the issue. Hoping they'll understand that it's in their best interest.

[FabulousSophie]

I read Japanese Knotweed is a delicacy in Japan, and the best way to keep it under control is to eat it! I've not eaten it myself, but it might be worth trying. Here are some recipes:

news.bbc.co.uk/local/sussex/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8634000/8634285.stm

www.theotherandyhamilton.com/2013/04/22/cooking-with-japanese-knotweed/

[Lucisky]

I read an interesting article lately about knotweed. Botanists have been studying it and said that it is not the intractable weed we thought. It is a myth that it can grow through concrete or tarmac, rather it will exploit any holes it finds in much the same way as ivy. It is no more difficult to control that any other weed that spreads through root run. However, the article finished by saying that this info would probably not affect mortgage company ideas for many years, if ever.
Above info probably doesn't help you, op. But if the owners can see a way of getting it treated, you could still be okay.

[FabulousSophie]

Lucisky I have read that the businesses selling knotweed eradication are fraudulent because it cannot be eradicated.

[Lucisky]

FabulousSophie, I expect there are many fraudulent businesses keen to jump on the band wagon, but, it can be eliminated with glyphosate, it just needs repeated dosing and vigilance. A few clumps of knotweed near us were sucessfully treated and got rid of in one season. If the stems are cut, they are hollow, and the glyphosate is then poured down the hollow stem. The problem is some clumps are just enormous, covering hundreds of square metres, which makes it a bit of a herculean task!
To say it cannot be eradicated is not correct.

[Motherof3Dragons]

Could you set a couple of goats loose on that patch of land? Only for a week or so, as they‘d make short work of the knotweed and you then only need to treat the roots.

[FabulousSophie]

Lucisky True, I've always thought it must be eradicatable, but I agree it probably takes a lot of time and effort, and most companies sell an inadequate job, because it would be so expensive to do it properly. Probably best just to try to do it thoroughly yourself.