They say it’s reasonable to offer a lower price if the kitchen and bathroom need work. We say it’s reasonable to ask for a reduction over bamboo. It’s actually something we’re seeing happen more and more in our line of work.
Can I ask for reduction?
Yes! If bamboo has been found on the property you’re buying you’re well within your rights to ask for a price reduction, especially if the vendors have no intention of dealing with it themselves. It may seem petty to knock money off your original offer over a measly plant, but trust us it’s worth it! Here’s why.
Bamboo costs
Bamboo can be very expensive to treat and/or remove. It’s not a stray dandelion you can pluck from your patio and pop in the bin. In truth, bamboo is difficult to get rid of completely. It has steely roots and the uncanny ability to produce new shoots from the smallest fragment. These days, most homeowners turn to professional bamboo removal services for ease and peace of mind. But, as I’m sure you’ve guessed, contractors can charge an arm and a leg!
For example, removing bamboo from your average three-bed semi (outside London) can cost anywhere between £2,000 and £10,000. That’s right! It’s not unheard of for bamboo excavation (including labourers, mini-diggers, skips, guarantees, etc) to cost £10,000 or more.
With removal fees like these, you’re well within your rights to reduce the offered price by however much eradication will cost.
It's not (just) about the money
Aside from costing a bob or two, having bamboo either chemically treated or excavated can cause upheaval and disruption for you and your household. For instance, if you choose to have your bamboo:
- Treated with chemicals: a part of your garden must be cordoned off and remain undisturbed for about three years.
- Dug out and removed: your entire garden might become a no-access zone for up to a week, depending on the size and spread of the infestation. Sorry Fido!
The disruption to normal, domestic life can be a sticking point to consider when buying a house affected by bamboo. Yet another reason to ask for a reduction.
Bamboo Excavation
Bamboo excavation can be costly
Long network of steely roots
New neighbours
Nothing strikes fear into the heart of a homeowner like having to deal with disgruntled neighbours. Liaising with new neighbours over boundary-hogging bamboo is enough to put any buyer off! It puts a dampener on your fresh start at the very least.
For this reason alone, you might consider instructing your solicitor to ask the vendors to remove the bamboo ahead of exchange. This means you can avoid awkward encounters with next-door altogether!
Paperwork is king
If the vendors do choose to tackle the bamboo beforehand, it must be done professionally. We mean with experts who can produce documentation and insurance-backed guarantees. Anything less is pointless, because the bamboo can grow back if not dealt with correctly.
Just remember: paperwork is king! Get it in writing that the vendors will have the bamboo completely eradicated before date of exchange.
You are well within your rights to ask for a reduction in price over bamboo, especially when you put removal costs, upheaval and potential neighbourly conflict into perspective.
But, what happens if the bamboo is the clumping variety, growing small and meek at the very end of the garden? And how much exactly will bamboo removal cost? We can answer all these questions, arming you with the information you need to make a wise decision about your future property. Contact our friendly team today to book your bamboo survey!
