How to buy or sell a property with a TPO

Advice

TPO stands for Tree Protection Order. A local authority has the power to safeguard trees and woodland if they are a certain age or species for example.

There are responsibilities and restrictions you’ll need to be aware of when buying a property where a TPO is on or near the plot.

You are not permitted to cut down a TPO and any trimming needs to be approved by the council and must be carried out by an agreed contractor.

Buyers

So, you’ve found the perfect home but there is a protected tree(s) on the plot, here are some things to consider before offering:

  • Do your research on the type of tree and how often maintenance is likely to be required
  • Think about how the tree will change throughout the different seasons and if this will cause you any grievances
  • Check with your mortgage lender if they are likely to refuse to lend or if they would demand a tree survey to be carried out

Think ahead to when you might plan to sell on the property. If the tree is off-putting to you, could it be difficult to resell?

Sellers

As well as the above, it is important to be mindful that some buyers will be concerned about a TPO on the land, if you are struggling to sell or just want to put yourself in the best position, here’s my tips:

  • Consider writing a factsheet that can be shared with viewers. Putting a personal spin on how you’ve enjoyed the tree(s) will be well received if research provided is accurate
  • If you have any photos showing how the tree looks in different seasons, you could leave these out for viewers to look at
  • Pre-empt any objections by paying for (around £300) and organising a tree survey to be done in advance so that any potential buyers can have their minds put at rest before even offering

If you’d like to talk through a specific circumstance, I’m more than happy to help. You’ll find my contact details below

Georgina Patey

07863 979 808

georgina@avocadoberkshire.co.uk

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