Environet Founder and MD Nic Seal is often called up on to share his extensive knowledge and experience of Japanese knotweed with professionals operating in the property and environmental sectors.

Last week he hosted a webinar with the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) PropertyMark, which covered key topics for estate agents to be aware of, such as how to identify knotweed, new survey techniques and the latest treatment and removal methods.

Nic also gave his insight into the extent of an estate agent’s professional responsibilities when selling a property that is, or may be, affected by Japanese knotweed. Essentially, the estate agent is legally required to inform a prospective buyer if they’re aware knotweed is present, as this may affect the buyer’s decision to press ahead with the purchase.

If knotweed is present, agents should advise the client making the sale to commission a professional Japanese knotweed survey and put a treatment plan in place with an insurance-backed guarantee that will satisfy the buyer’s mortgage lender. The agent may also need to oversee a renegotiation of the purchase price, if it’s already been agreed, in order to reflect any diminution in value. Our property diminution calculator, JK-VIM, is a good place to start.

Buyers and sellers who are unsure whether Japanese knotweed is present on a property, can ‘call in the dogs’ by commissioning our unique dog detection surveys. Mick, Mack and Buddy are highly trained to detect knotweed growing beneath the ground, bringing peace of mind to buyers and sellers who are given the all clear – and enabling a treatment plan to be put in place if the plant is discovered.

To find out everything estate agents need to know about Japanese knotweed, click here to watch the full webinar.