About Japanese Knotweed Mortgages

Japanese Knotweed Mortgages was founded in January 2021 by Bob Dibden, a mortgage specialist with hands-on experience navigating the complexities of buying and financing properties affected by Japanese knotweed.

How It Started

The idea for the business came after I worked with several clients trying to buy homes that had, or appeared to have, Japanese knotweed. My first encounter was in 2015. At the time, I knew very little about the plant—only its name. That case turned out to be a deep learning experience involving a 48-page knotweed report and coordination with:

• The mortgage lender

• The valuer

• The builder

• A local school across the boundary

• The knotweed treatment firm managing the school’s infestation

Thanks to that collaboration, we successfully completed the purchase, and my clients moved into their new home.

Real-World Experience and Ongoing Support

Since that first case, I’ve assisted multiple clients facing similar challenges. Each situation has further developed my expertise in Japanese knotweed and mortgage lending, which I now use to help homebuyers and homeowners secure financing—even when knotweed is present on or near a property.

Client-First Philosophy

My mission is simple: to support clients every step of the way—from initial enquiry through to mortgage approval and property purchase. This often involves liaising with:

• Mortgage underwriters

• Surveyors

• Treatment companies

• Vendors and buyers’ solicitors

• And any other party needed to ensure a smooth outcome

I take care of the complex conversations so you don’t have to.

Flexible, Remote Service

Most of my work is handled over the phone and online, which suits the busy schedules of my clients. When needed—and depending on location—I’m happy to meet in person.

If you're dealing with Japanese knotweed and mortgage challenges, I'm here to help guide you through the process with honesty, clarity, and experience.

Background

I started my financial career working for one of the UK’s largest banks. After 5 influential years I pursued a personal goal as a music producer in the early 90’s where I enjoyed success before deciding my future was in financial services. 

Embarking on a new career in business finance with another of the UK’s largest banks, I gained 5 years of experience working with small to medium sized business and underwriters to provide lines of credit, before setting myself a new challenge within the personal finance market.

This experience in the commercial sector gave me great knowledge and experience in dealing with businesses, understanding of company accounts, and in how to write supporting reports of recommendation to underwriters.

This helps me hugely in getting mortgage applications approved with mortgage lenders.

I then decided that I would like to work in personal finance. I passed the Certificate in Financial Planning and Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice in 2005 and started as a mortgage adviser within an estate agency. This has given me a valuable insight as to how estate agency operated & also about property too.

Following many years’ experience working with different mortgage firms I had aspirations to set up on my own with my own brand. I established Cactus Mortgages in September 2019 and then in October 2020 decided to expand and set up Japanese Knotweed Mortgages.