You’re Not to Blame, and You Can Take Action. If Japanese knotweed has spread onto your land, or was present when you bought your home but not disclosed, you could be entitled to legal compensation. CEL Solicitors can help you hold the right party accountable and protect the value of your property.
Enquire Now
It’s not just a weed — it’s a legal and financial headache. Japanese knotweed is one of the most invasive plants in the UK. Its fast-growing underground roots can cause serious damage to buildings, walls, patios and drains. But the biggest threat? It can knock up to 10% off the value of your home — and even stop you selling or re-mortgaging altogether.
Many homeowners only discover it when:
And it’s not your fault. Knotweed rarely appears out of nowhere. If it’s spread from a neighbouring property, railway embankment, canal, shopping centre or other nearby land, you may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party. Even if it was already present when you bought your home — and wasn’t disclosed by the seller or flagged by a surveyor — you may still have a legal claim. Read official GOV.UK guidance on Japanese knotweed.
If Japanese knotweed has affected your property — whether structurally, financially or emotionally — you may be eligible for compensation. Depending on your situation, we can help you claim for:
Japanese knotweed requires expert removal by licensed professionals — DIY methods can make the problem worse and leave you liable.
Homes affected by knotweed can fall by 5–10% in value. You may be entitled to claim the difference.
If the knotweed was missed during a professional survey before you purchased your home, you may have a claim for professional negligence.
Invasive growth can ruin gardens, driveways and outdoor spaces, leaving them unusable for years.
If we take on your case, we’ll aim to recover your legal fees from the party at fault — and we offer a no-win, no-fee service where eligible.
"Finding Japanese knotweed on your property can be incredibly distressing. It’s not just the physical damage it can cause to your home and land — it’s the financial burden of professional removal, which can take years and cost thousands. At CEL Solicitors, our goal is not only to help remove the problem, but to recover every penny you’re owed and hold the right party accountable."
Jake Ward
Japanese Knotweed Admirer
You may be able to make a claim if:
Japanese knotweed has encroached on your property within the last 5 years
You bought a property where Japanese knotweed was present but not disclosed in the surveyor’s report or by the seller
The owner of neighbouring land has failed to manage or remove knotweed properly, causing it to spread onto your property
You’ve suffered financial loss due to reduced property value, treatment costs, or legal fees
Williams v Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd [2018] EWCA Civ 1514
The Court of Appeal confirmed that landowners can be held liable for encroachment of knotweed even where no physical damage has yet occurred, setting a strong precedent for many successful claims.
At CEL Solicitors, we understand how stressful and costly Japanese knotweed problems can be. Our experienced legal team specialises in helping homeowners across England and Wales secure compensation and cover removal costs.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
We’ll explain your rights clearly and guide you through every step of the claims process.
If needed, we can recommend reputable firms that offer effective removal backed by insurance guarantees.
We only get paid if your claim is successful, so you can pursue justice without financial worry.
If necessary, we’ll fight your case vigorously to get the best outcome for you.
Not sure if you qualify? We offer free initial advice and will assess your situation carefully before taking your case forward.
Enquire Now
“[…] which covered the costs to bring in a specialist extractor to remove all traces of Japanese knotweed. CEL Solicitors even managed to claim compensation from the surveyor […]”
Read the full case study hereSpeak to our friendly team today. You are not alone, and you may have a case.
Yes, if the presence of knotweed was not disclosed in the surveyor’s report or by the seller, you may have a claim for compensation, including for professional negligence.
No. We offer a no-win, no-fee arrangement where you only pay if your claim is successful.
Each case is unique, but many claims take several months to resolve, especially if the infestation requires long-term treatment. We’ll keep you updated throughout.
Yes. Japanese knotweed is classified as controlled waste under UK law. Only licensed professionals should handle its removal to prevent spreading and legal issues. GOV.UK: Japanese knotweed – overview
You could hold the neighbouring landowner responsible if their failure to manage knotweed caused it to spread onto your property. We can help you pursue a claim for removal costs and compensation.
Evidence might include surveyor reports, treatment quotes, photos of the knotweed, and proof of any financial losses. We’ll guide you on gathering everything needed.
Making a claim shouldn’t affect your ability to sell or remortgage, especially if the knotweed is professionally managed. In fact, recovering compensation can help protect your property value.
You don’t have to deal with the stress of Japanese knotweed on your own.
Whether you’ve just discovered it or have been battling with it for years, our legal experts are here to help you put things right — and recover what you’re owed.
