It's a well-known fact that selling and buying property can be a stressful time, with contracts to be signed, inspections to take place, and the underlying fear that something might go wrong. 

Especially when an unforeseen problem appears that can derail the selling and could potentially affect your overall profits. 

Well if you're planning to start house hunting and put your own property onto the market, there's one thing you check before deals start flooding in. 

As there are certain common garden plants, that although might look nice and friendly, can actually devalue your property by up to 15%.

East Lothian Courier: Ivy can damage your property. (PA)Ivy can damage your property. (PA)

And if you're wondering what those plants are, then look no further as surveyor experts Stokemont.com have revealed the five plants that can devalue your property if not removed. 

The five most common plants that could devalue your home:

Japanese Knotweed-

Taking the crown as the most invasive and the hardest plant to remove is the bamboo-like Japanese Knotweed. 

The plant can grow up to three meters tall and its roots can reach down to 20 meters underground. 

This means the weed can be destructive to pipework and drains and could even weaken building foundations and lead to potential foundational collapse.

Due to the plant's harmful side, it is listed as a defect to the property by RICS Homebuyer Reports and could take a 5-15 percent decrease in the property's value.

Plus its not easy or cheap to remove either, as you'll need to seek professional help to remove the plant as even the smallest remains could see the plant quickly respawn. 

Ivy-

This common plant is seen all across Europe and although it might look pretty it could damage your property. 

The high climbing plant can easily invade and penetrate wall cracks. damage mortar and even bring dampness into your home. 

However, there is some good news, as the common English Ivy is easy to remove, meaning before popping your property on the market you could remove it and not risk losing any money. 

Giant Hogweed-

Much like Japanese knotweed, the Giant Hogweed is invasive, fast-spreading and very hard to remove. 

It is most commonly spotted in June and July and can be seen thanks to its cow-parsley-like green stems and purple shots with a white flower. 

The weed is typically found near rivers and pounds and can cause severe skin burns or scars under sunlight. 

And if you find you have it might see some buyers refuse to pay a higher price as the cost of removal can reach up to £15,000. 

East Lothian Courier: Oak trees could damage your property. (PA)Oak trees could damage your property. (PA)

Poplar, Willow and Oak Trees

Although these trees are not at all harmful, the large trees can be dangerous if grown close to the property.

This is because the plant's root systems are shallow, fast-growing, and can spread out to 40-meters. 

The trees can be harder to remove once the roots grow thicker and bigger as time progresses. 

And if they are grown too close to the property they could lead to cracks in foundations, subsidence, and other structural defects, which could cost you £5,000 to £25,000 to repair. 

Himalayan Balsam

Originating from the Himalayas, this pesky plant was first brought over to the UK in 1839 and can grow up to 2-3 meters tall, with pink flowers when fully bloomed.

Despite its beautiful colours, this invasive plant could spread 800 seeds meters away or even through rivers, potentially killing off other plants and reducing biodiversity by stealing all lights, nutrients or water. 

However, the good news is this plant is easy to remove and is not poisonous to humans.

But it could still put buyers off due to its quick spreading and if it spreads to your neighbor's home it could be illegal.