As part of our expert witness work, we assess how Japanese knotweed may affect a property’s market value. We provide independent valuation evidence for solicitors and parties involved in property disputes, with the questions and valuation date agreed at instruction.
Syrio, Japanese knotweed · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and converted to WebP.
Diminution in value is a reduction in a property’s market value. In a knotweed dispute, the valuation considers the effect of the relevant circumstances at the agreed date. The cost of treatment and any effect on market value are separate matters; one should not automatically be used as a substitute for the other.
The assessment considers the property, its location and condition, the available market evidence and the specialist evidence about the knotweed. Its extent, location, management and treatment history may all be relevant. A standard percentage deduction does not account for the circumstances of an individual property.
Treatment records, management plans and guarantees help explain the position at the valuation date. Where a continuing effect on value is alleged after treatment, that effect needs to be considered against the evidence. We do not assume that treatment removes every market concern or that a reduction must remain in every case.
The report addresses the valuation questions in the agreed instructions, sets out the evidence and assumptions relied upon, and explains the reasoning behind the opinion. Relevant material may include specialist reports, plans, photographs, treatment records, transaction information and the chronology supplied by the instructing parties.
For civil proceedings in England and Wales, expert evidence is prepared with regard to CPR Part 35 and Practice Direction 35 where applicable. The expert’s overriding duty is to the court. The opinion must be independent and may differ from the expectations of the party instructing or paying for the report.
Please provide the property address, the parties involved, the issues in dispute, relevant valuation dates and any court timetable. We review suitability and conflicts before confirming the scope, documents required, inspection arrangements, fee and reporting programme. Detailed case papers can then be provided through the route agreed with the office.
This work concerns expert valuation evidence. Specialist identification, treatment design and eradication are separate appointments. We review the relevant specialist information when assessing the valuation question.
Yes, subject to the proposed instruction and evidence available. The treatment history, position at the relevant date and any claimed remaining effect on value need to be considered individually.
The report provides valuation evidence within its agreed scope. Legal liability, entitlement to damages and the outcome of a claim are separate matters for the parties, their legal advisers and the court.
Send the property address, the report you need and any deadline. We will confirm the scope, fee and availability before you instruct us.
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