- Just over half (56%) were able to claim on their insurance, with payouts averaging £3,027
- More than 1 in 4 (26%) of those affected couldn’t claim on their insurance, with removal fees costing up to £1,910, on average
- Over half (51%) say the presence of the weed can put them off buying a property
- Homeowners and renters should stay alert over the coming months, as Japanese Knotweed is prominent from August - October
- Confused.com’s guide explains how to identify and treat the plant
Despite causing thousands of pounds in damages to UK homes, a staggering 74% of homeowners and renters are unaware of what Japanese Knotweed is, new research reveals. This is particularly concerning given that nearly 1 in 5 (18%) UK residents are currently dealing with the highly invasive weed on their property.
That’s according to new findings by Confused.com home insurance. Just over half (56%) of those affected by Japanese Knotweed were able to claim on their insurance, with payouts averaging £3,027.
However, more than 1 in 4 (26%) of those affected weren’t able to claim on their insurance. Whether damage caused by the plant is covered often depends on how early the problem is addressed and how comprehensive your policy is, according to Confused.com.
The process of removing Japanese Knotweed isn’t straightforward, with DIY removal attempts costing Brits an average of £1,910. In comparison, those who used professional help paid slightly less on average at £1,814. According to experts, though, professional removal costs can cost anywhere between £950 and £20,0001. Though expensive, professional removal is more likely to be effective and often includes a 10-year warranty, which can help cover any future issues.
Japanese knotweed is at its most prominent during the summer months and can grow up to 10cm a day, squeezing through even the smallest of gaps. In some cases, the plant can reach 2 metres in height before it’s even been discovered.
Its presence can cause major problems for homeowners, as it has the potential to devalue properties or make it difficult to get a mortgage. It’s no surprise that over half (51%) of UK homeowners and renters say it would put them off buying a property. According to the research, more than 2 in 5 (43%) of those affected said it slowed down the mortgage or sale of their home. Yet over a third (32%) of people don’t know if they live in an area affected by Japanese Knotweed.
More than half (55%) of those affected by Japanese Knotweed have found it in their garden, while 48% have had it under or on their property. Despite it being mostly an outdoor issue, 33% of those affected have even discovered it inside their property.
And it's not just your own property that can be affected by the plant. Confused.com found that 41% of Japanese Knotweed damages have happened to a neighbours property or garden - where the plant didn’t originate. If the plant is on your property and spreads, it’s still your responsibility to remove it.
Japanese Knotweed is a fast-growing and invasive perennial weed that poses a threat to homes and gardens. It spreads through underground stems that can grow up to three metres deep and seven metres wide. Japanese Knotweed can grow through almost any material except concrete or brick.
Identifying Japanese Knotweed can be difficult. It’s often confused with other plants including Giant Hogweed. The easiest way to identify the plant is by its leaves, which are spade-shaped with a point at the end.
The most common ways Japanese Knotweed has been identified around UK properties is by a gardener (36%), from evident outdoor damage (30%), structural damage (28%) and being made aware by previous owners or tenants of the property (26%).
If you’re unsure if you’re affected, Confused.com has highlighted everything you need to know on how to identify Japanese Knotweed, and the impact this could have on your home insurance.
Adam Stead, home insurance expert at Confused.com comments, “The threat of Japanese Knotweed can be daunting as people worry about the effects on their property and outdoor spaces. Luckily, there are ways to overcome these risks.
“Being aware of the plant's appearance and dominant times is the first step in being on the front foot. As Japanese Knotweed is dormant in the winter, the time to be on high alert is from August to October.
“When Japanese Knotweed is on your property, it’s your responsibility to get rid of or control it. Getting professional services to rid you of the plant is an effective course of action. Removing it yourself could take up to five years and may mean you won’t be able to claim on your insurance for any damages it causes.
Professional removal does cost more, but it often comes with a 10-year guarantee, which can protect you from future costs.
“It’s best to be honest when asked about the presence of Japanese Knotweed in your property. Hiding it could lead to insurance claims being rejected down the line - even if they’re not directly related to the plant.
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