A national trade body is signposting professional valuers and surveyors to guidance that aligns with the new RICS Guidance Note ‘Japanese knotweed and Residential Property 2022.’
The Property Care Association (PCA) has published guidance on Japanese knotweed surveys and management strategies in support of the RICS document.
Entitled ‘Japanese Knotweed Guidance for Professional Valuers and Surveyors,’ the PCA’s document can be downloaded, along with the RICS guidance, at www.property-care.org/professionals/invasive-weed-control/invasive-weed-control-technical-document-library/japanese-knotweed-guidance-valuers-surveyors/
PCA chief executive, Steve Hodgson, said: “The two documents working together represent a significant development.
“The PCA’s information is specifically designed to dovetail with the new RICS guidance and to help property valuers and surveyors understand how to recognise the presence of Japanese Knotweed, the challenges of detecting and identifying it and the benefits of long-term guarantees underwritten by appropriate insurance.
“It covers all aspects of knotweed surveys, examples of the RICS Management Categories and provides advice on Japanese knotweed Management plans and options.
“The PCA guidance also ensures that valuation surveyors can assess documentation provided by vendors, and signposts to other supporting documents in the PCA’s Invasive Weed Document library.
The PCA has played a key role in driving forward the development of new information on Japanese knotweed.
Members of the PCA sat on the working group of the new RICS Japanese knotweed and Residential Property 2022 Guidance Note, authored by Philip Santo FRICS.
Steve Hodgson was also one of a number of industry representatives at a Parliamentary inquiry regarding the invasive, non-native plant at the House of Commons in January 2019.
During the course of the Parliamentary meeting, the Science and Technology Committee was keen to see new information produced, to help those affected by the plant access the latest guidance.
Mr Hodgson added: “Now the RICS Guidance Note is launched, coupled with the PCA information, we look forward to seeing greater clarity and clear guidance being presented on the situation.
“It’s good to see that the information addresses two areas we have actively voiced concerns around, namely the science behind what impact the plant can have, and its impact on mortgage decisions.
“Despite the fact there are clear pathways to manage and control Japanese knotweed, all too often we encounter situations where homeowners are portrayed as living under siege with the plant.
“But since the PCA formed the Invasive Weed Control Group in 2012, we’ve always maintained the position that this plant is not a destroyer of buildings, and that it should just be regarded as any other type of property issue.
“The PCA has supported the development of two university research projects and both findings align with the cautious approach we have publicised in our Code of Practice and in our industry best practice.
“We need to continue the debate around Japanese knotweed to ensure the approach we take is measured, fit-for purpose and is built on the latest information we receive.
“Research is a key element in that approach and is something we will to continue to support, to give homeowners and mortgage lenders confidence in the issue.”
The new PCA guidance note joins a range of publications in the Association’s Invasive Weed Control Document Library, including guidance notes, information leaflets and a Code of Practice - all available for free download at www.property-care.org/professionals/invasive-weed-control/invasive-weed-control-technical-document-library/ - to help provide insight and guidance.
The PCA has also invested significant resources to develop the Online Surveyor Training: Management of Japanese knotweed programme into a digital format.
Bringing together all the convenience of online delivery without any impact on the quality of the training, the course features seven live training broadcasts, 15 recorded online learning videos and two interactive sessions, all delivered by professional trainers.
