When it comes to buying or selling a home, knowledge is power – especially when Japanese knotweed is involved. At Environet, we’ve spent nearly three decades helping people identify, manage and remove Japanese knotweed – the UK’s most invasive plant. Now, we’re tackling another part of the problem: uncertainty during property transactions.

With the launch of KnotSure™, our new desktop report, property professionals and homebuyers finally have a fast, affordable way to understand the knotweed risk at any UK address, using real data and expert insight – ahead of committing to an on-site survey.

What’s in the report?

We’ve combined our in-house expertise with our unique Japanese knotweed heatmap – a national database of over 100,000 verified sightings collected over more than two decades – each KnotSure™ Report includes:

• A prevalence risk rating (High / Medium / Low) for the specific property.
• The number of sightings within 2.5 miles of the address.
• A regional ranking to give broader context.
• A value impact assessment, showing how unmanaged knotweed could affect property value – and how professional removal can mitigate that impact.

By cross-referencing the postcode and address with this database, we deliver a fast, accurate, evidence-based report.

Why is this useful?

Whether you’re a conveyancer, surveyor, estate agent or homebuyer, you’ve likely encountered growing uncertainty around Japanese knotweed.

Here’s why KnotSure™ matters:

1. Clarity in the TA6 process

The Law Society’s TA6 form requires sellers to disclose knotweed. But following the 2020 revision to the Explanatory Notes, an increasing number now answer “Not known”, even when they believe the garden is clear. That uncertainty has created a grey area that leaves buyers guessing and professionals without direction.

KnotSure™ fills that gap. It gives you something to work with – especially when you’re not sure how to interpret a “Not known” response.

2. Reduces transaction delays

Time is money in property transactions. With an instant risk rating, KnotSure™ helps flag potential issues early, preventing unexpected delays further down the line.

3. Supports better decisions

Whether you’re a buyer trying to protect your investment, a surveyor assessing condition, or a solicitor advising on risk – KnotSure™ equips you with expert insight before you commit further time or resources.

What it means for the property industry

Knotweed continues to be a major concern for buyers, sellers and lenders alike. The KnotSure™ Report adds confidence to the decision-making process, allowing property professionals to flag concerns early – and if necessary, recommend further investigation or indemnity insurance.

As Andrew McColl, Chairman of the Residential Property Surveyors Association, puts it:

This report offers a swift and reliable way to flag potential issues early on… It’s a game-changer in terms of risk assessment

A smarter way to manage risk

Japanese knotweed can devalue property, derail sales and, if left unchecked, spread quickly across boundaries. But with the right support, it’s a manageable problem.

KnotSure™ offers a new tool in the property professional’s kit – one that makes it easier to:

• Assess risk
• Reassure buyers
• Protect sellers
• Guide next steps

It’s not about adding red tape – it’s about offering clarity, speed, and smarter decisions.