Colchester is leading the county for the highest density of invasive plants.
New data compiled by property specialists SAM Conveyancing has identified Colchester as the most affected area in the county, recording 1.9 invasive plant occurrences per square kilometre, placing it 258th out of 349 nationally.
Andrew Boast, founder of SAM Conveyancing, said: "Before you let the stress take over, it's important to look at the actual data.
"While an invasive plant isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, it is a game-changer.
"Whether you are worried about your mortgage being declined or the sheer cost of digging it out, the first step is knowing exactly what you're up against."
Japanese knotweed, a species notorious for affecting property values and mortgage eligibility, is the most frequently recorded invasive plant in Essex, with 962 sightings.
Of those, 435 were recorded in Colchester, followed by cherry laurel (48) and Himalayan balsam (42), totalling 621 occurrences in the area.
Japanese knotweed is estimated to reduce property values by between five and 20 per cent and can make it difficult to secure a mortgage unless a professional management plan is in place.
Mr Boast added: "Most banks won't lend on a property with knotweed, for example, unless there is a professional management plan and a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee in place.
"It may be tempting to avoid telling the lender if your survey report flags the issue.
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"However, it is important to note that if you are aware of the presence of certain invasive plants (like Japanese knotweed) and fail to inform your mortgage lender, then you are in breach of your mortgage terms and your home may be repossessed."
Southend ranks second in Essex with 1.6 occurrences per square kilometre, followed by Harlow at 1.4, and Maldon at 1.3.
Maldon is also the county’s second knotweed hotspot, with 315 recorded cases, while Epping Forest completes the top five with 1.1 occurrences per square kilometre.
Essex overall remains one of the UK’s least affected regions, ranking 43rd out of 45 sub-regional areas nationwide.
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