Japanese knotweed management plans
If a lender or buyer has asked for a Japanese Knotweed Management Plan, it will need to come from a specialist. We will put you in touch with up to three Property Care Association members in your area so that you can compare proposals.
- Property Care Association members only
- Compare up to three proposals
- Ask about insurance-backed guarantees
- No charge for introductions
Request a management plan
Step 1 of 3- Property
- Knotweed
- Contact details
What a management plan should include
The RICS professional standard sets out what a Japanese Knotweed Management Plan (JKMP) should contain:
- a description and accurate record of the infestation, with a scaled plan and dimensions
- the contractor's details and the methods to be used
- a treatment schedule, updated as treatments are carried out
- a completion certificate once the plan is finished, including a two-year period without regrowth
Lenders take further reassurance where the costs have been paid in advance by the current owner, the plan can be transferred to later owners and covers the whole property, and the contractor provides a guarantee of at least five years after completion, insured against the contractor ceasing to trade.
When lenders ask for one
Since 23 March 2022, RICS surveyors have placed knotweed in one of four Management Categories, A to D. For Categories A (damage) and B (amenity), RICS expects most lenders to require a specialist inspection, a management plan and an insurance-backed guarantee, often with a retention from the mortgage until these are in place. For Categories C and D, no retention should normally be needed. Each lender sets its own policy. Check the likely category.
Timescales
According to the Property Care Association, herbicide control usually takes at least four years, typically two years of treatment followed by two of monitoring, and plans often run for longer. Full excavation is usually considerably more expensive. See guideline costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Japanese Knotweed Management Plan?
A JKMP is a specialist's documented plan for dealing with knotweed at a property. RICS says it should include a description and scaled plan of the infestation, the contractor and methods, an updated treatment schedule, and a completion certificate after a two-year period without regrowth.
What is an insurance-backed guarantee?
It is the contractor's guarantee together with an insurance policy that keeps it valid if the contractor stops trading. RICS describes guarantees running for at least five years after the work is completed.
Do I need a management plan to get a mortgage?
That depends on the RICS category and on the lender. For Categories A and B, RICS expects most lenders to want a specialist inspection and a management plan with an insurance-backed guarantee. Each lender sets its own policy, so check with yours.
How long does a management plan last?
Herbicide-based plans usually run for at least four years, typically two years of treatment followed by two of monitoring, and often longer.
Sources
Tools
Photo check
Upload a photograph for an indicative assessment of whether the plant could be Japanese knotweed.
Check a photoRICS category checker
Find out which of the four RICS management categories a surveyor is likely to assign to the property.
Check the categoryCost guide
Indicative prices for treatment, excavation and root barriers, based on Property Care Association figures.
View guideline costsSpeak to an accredited specialist
Tell us about the property and up to three Property Care Association members in your area will be in touch.