Many Hong Kong people who immigrated to the UK to buy properties hope to have more space for activities, especially a large garden, because it is almost an “impossible task” in Hong Kong. However, if you want to be an owner in the UK, you should pay attention to the potential risks of planting certain plants, causing damage to the house, depreciating the value of the property, and even affecting mortgage applications. Today, I will discuss an unpopular topic, what plants are the most dangerous to the property? (Written by: Wendy Global Real Estate)
Japanese knotweed “team through the wall” is at risk of water seepage
The most troublesome plant is Japanese Knotweed. Japanese Knotweed was originally introduced to Europe from Japan in the 19th century. At that time, it was used as an ornamental plant. Because it grew in a volcanic area with harsh conditions, its vitality was tenacious, and its roots might drill through stones. The excrement grows up to 3 meters underground, and even penetrates the walls and floors of the property, causing water seepage in the building. Therefore, it is called “house killer” and “team through the wall” in the UK. The biggest impact is that the bank will directly reject it. Mortgage approved.
In addition, before the property is resold, the owner needs to fill in the TA6 property information form to the buyer, which needs to include information regarding the property, such as having dealt with the Japanese knotweed incident, if it fails to declare truthfully or has legal responsibility. According to data published last year by Environet, an agency specializing in the management of invasive plants in the United Kingdom, regarding 4% of the local properties, involving more than 890,000 houses, had their property prices lowered due to the invasion of Japanese knotweed, and the average price of each household dropped by 5%. That is to say, the owners are asking for a price reduction of more than 13,000 pounds (regarding 120,000 Hong Kong dollars) on average, and the total investment is as high as regarding 11.8 billion pounds (regarding 109.6 billion Hong Kong dollars).
Yellow flower water plantain has a stench, attracts flies and beetles
Earlier in the UK heat wave, the hot weather accelerated the growth of Japanese knotweed, and they are most likely to grow on roadsides, near railway tracks, wasteland and property backyards. Because Japanese knotweed is too invasive, the official website of the British government has expressly stipulated the eradication method for Japanese knotweed. In addition to hiring professionals, it is also necessary to use herbicides approved by the government. If the growth area depends on rivers or water sources, it is necessary to apply for a permit from the Environment Agency before starting construction, and the treatment period is at least 3 to 4 seasons. Buying properties with Japanese knotweed is generally not recommended when weeding costs are high.
In England and Wales, there are also many plants that are commonly harmful to the ecological environment. For example, the presence of such plants near the property or in the back garden may cause health problems for the people living nearby, and may also affect the resale of the property in the future. One of them is Lysichiton americanus, which has been placed on the Species of Concern List since 3 August 2016, and is banned from sale in the UK. This plant is deliberately brought into the wild or grown indoors and dissemination, which is an offence in the UK.
The yellow water plantain emits a special odor, similar to the fetid liquid exhaled by skunks. This unique smell attracts odor-loving flies and beetles, which in turn help the plantains spread their pollen.
Toxic removal of hogweed sap is costly
In addition, Heracleum mantegazzianum (Heracleum mantegazzianum), which has been listed on the “Species of Concern” list since August 2, 2017, is fast-spreading, has thick green stems and purple spots, and is topped with white flowers , The juice is toxic. If you accidentally touch it, it will cause allergic symptoms such as rash, itching and skin blisters. In severe cases, it may even cause skin burns and scars. Residents in the North East of England have been permanently blinded due to eye contact with the sap. Although large hogweed in the backyard will not directly damage the structure of the house, it is still a hidden danger to home safety. It is also worth paying attention to the high cost of completely removing this plant.
Originally published on AM730 https://www.am730.com.hk/Real Estate/Overseas Property Market-UK Property Trap-A Grass in the Garden-Enough to Affect Mortgage/335502?utm_source=yahoorss&utm_medium=referral