A thing in your garden that cuts £75,000 off the price of your house

Small changes to homes and gardens can increase property value, as we know. But experts have issued a warning about an invasive plant that could devalue your home.

Japanese knotweed is a homeowner’s nightmare, capable of growing up to three meters tall and notoriously difficult to eradicate, although failure to do so could result in a 20% drop in property value.

With the average UK property price rising to £373,493 this month, according to recent data from Rightmove, a 20% drop could equate to nearly £75,000 off the sale price, reports the Express .

Bradley Mackenzie from Stokemont advised: “If you notice Japanese knotweed in your garden, it is very important that you take immediate action before it is too late. We highly recommend that you seek professional help when removing them, as it is easily restored from even the smallest debris. .”

While homeowners can try to remove the weed themselves using a strong herbicide like glyphosate, it must be done correctly.

The destructive plant can spread, damaging pipes, drains and weakening building foundations.

Often reported as a defect in home buyer reports, the presence of dents could deter potential buyers, causing them to back out of the sale.

However, there are steps homeowners can take to convince buyers to part with their money despite the presence of the plant.

This includes ancillary tasks, such as lawn mowing, which can ‘enhance the curb appeal’ of the property.

Keeping your lawn lush and green with regular mowing, watering and fertilization creates a stellar first impression.

A healthy, vibrant lawn can suggest to potential buyers that the property is well cared for, potentially increasing its curb appeal and overall value by about two to three percent.