The pre-purchase knotweed survey: what your buyer's surveyor will look for
A walk-through of what a PCA-member surveyor checks during a 60-minute pre-purchase visit.
Buyers ask us regularly what a survey actually involves. Here is what a typical 60-minute domestic pre-purchase visit looks like.
Walkover
- Full perimeter walk inside the title plan.
- Visual scan of all visible neighbouring gardens to a sensible distance.
- Inspection of any back lane, shared path or alleyway adjacent.
- Lift inspection covers, sheds and decking where safe and accessible.
Reporting
Written report inside two working days, with site plan, dated photographs, species confirmation and (where applicable) a quoted management plan with IBG. Lender-format reporting on request.
Reviewed by
The survey team
PCA-certificated surveyors, Japanese Knotweed Elimination
PA1 / PA6A certificated surveyors who carry out the site visits, write the management plans and sign off the reports issued to lenders and solicitors.
Reviews the technical, legal and lender statements in this article.
What this page can't tell you
- Guidance is general. Identification, treatment choice and timescales can only be confirmed by a site visit — photographs alone are indicative.
- Lender and insurer requirements vary by institution and change over time. We state what is typically accepted, not what any named lender will accept on your case.
- Guarantee (IBG) eligibility depends on the plan chosen, the survey findings and the underwriter's acceptance. It is not automatic.
- Legal points summarise published law and guidance current at the review date. They are not legal advice.
Last reviewed · Questions on anything stated here: 07582 869979
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