Rooting out risk in property transactions

Bamboo is an emerging threat that’s quietly taking root in gardens and, increasingly, in legal disputes according to Emily Grant, Director of Operations at Environet UK, who joins the latest Today's Conveyancer podcast.

Emily is a seasoned environmental scientist and a familiar voice in the conveyancing space, having provided expertise on Japanese knotweed and other invasive species. With the spotlight on bamboo she explains the risks it poses to property and how to identify it; including the difference between clump-forming and running bamboo, highlighting the latter’s ability to spread aggressively through soil, under fences, and even into buildings. Emily shares real-world horror stories of bamboo infiltrating floor voids, damaging patios, and even sprouting through kitchen appliances. Unlike Japanese knotweed, bamboo isn’t currently covered by legislation or flagged on the TA6 form, making it a hidden risk for buyers and conveyancers alike.

The conversation explores the blurred lines of responsibility between surveyors, conveyancers, and homeowners. Emily stresses the importance of early identification and professional remediation, especially as nuisance claims related to bamboo encroachment become more common. She also touches on the lack of public awareness and the need for education across the property sector.

And providing advice for conveyancers and home movers, Emily wraps up saying whether bamboo is present or suspected, don’t ignore it—recommend a specialist report and protect clients from costly surprises. With remediation bills running into the tens of thousands, for the cost of a report home owners and conveyancers can be reassured one way or the other.

The Today's Conveyancer podcast can be found on your preferred podcast provider and also at www.todaysconveyancer.co.uk. Subscribe and listen in for all the latest conveyancing industry news and views.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors PEXA, SmartSearch and VacantC Legal Recruitment.