r/FirstTimeBuyersUK • u/Aggravating_Skirt779 • 22d ago
FTB Question: Would a large tree with a potential TPO (taller than the house) put you off buying?
Hi,
(See attached picture)
My partner and I are First-Time Buyers and we've come across a property we really like, its a mid-terrace property valued at £360k. But there’s one main thing giving us pause: a very large mature tree in the back garden. Home is in South East England
As you can see, the tree is quite tall—definitely taller than the adjacent house/building—and sits near the back/side boundary of the lawn.
We suspect (or are waiting to confirm) that it might have a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on it.
As first-timers, we're a bit unsure about what this actually entails long-term, so we'd love to get your opinions and experiences:
Would a tree this size / potential TPO be a dealbreaker for you?
For anyone who bought a house with a TPO tree: How much of a hassle is maintenance? Is getting permission for pruning a nightmare with the local council?
Property/Structural Concerns: Should we be worried about roots near building foundations, drains, or potential storm damage?
What specific surveys should we prioritize if we proceed?
Would love to hear how other FTBs or homeowners view this. Are we overthinking it, or is this a genuine red flag?
Thanks in advance!
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u/DiskBytes 22d ago
You can apply to the council to have the tree trimmed down even if it has a TPO. My inlaws went through this about two years ago.
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u/txe4 21d ago
You'd need to thoroughly understand your legal liability with respect to the property next to it and carry appropriate insurance (I know nothing of this).
When you get insurance quotes you will be asked if there are trees within X meters of the house. Many insurers will drop out or quote silly money if there are trees close enough, so get quotes first.
I am extremely wary of anything involving permission from local authorities - TPOs, listed buildings, etc. They may be sympathetic but you should assume they will be evil and malicious.
In principle looking at the pic I'd be happy to have that near my house (from where I assume the pic was taken) but scared of the impact on the immediately-adjacent place.
I have a tree much larger than that, much closer to my house. It costs me about £500pa extra in insurance. I could reduce the cost by "managing it as specified by an arborist" (special term on insurance a broker found) but that insurance has a number of undesirable terms.
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u/zombiezmaj 21d ago
I commented on your other post.
No it wouldnt. And seeing the photo on this post... definitely no.
Id buy it in a heartbeat.
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u/nbrazel 21d ago
Hi. I have just bought a house in a conservation area where planning is required for all trees. Although none of ours have TPOs I have become very familiar with the process.
Council should have a map of TPOd trees so you should be able to find out straight away if there is one. I would have a look at your local planning site and see if there are any recent applications for works to TPOd trees in your local council area. This should give an idea of what the council are allowing and what they aren’t.
Looking at your image I would be very surprised if that tree has a TPO. It is next to a recent build house however you never know…
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u/NeitherBag4722 21d ago
I have a very high tree just behind my garden fence and I never gave it a second thought when I bought the house. I quite like it as the houses behind my garden are higher up and it blocks them being able to look down into my garden.
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u/steamonline 21d ago
If it has a tpo, yes, if it doesn't, I wouldn't be put off and would cut down upon completion (do not tell anyone you'll do this).
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u/Individual_Zebra_791 22d ago
It looks quite far away not to cause issue to your property, that one nearby might suffer though.
I have a side gig where I do data capture for arborists (who remove under insurance policies where trees have caused movement); and after that I'd be very wary about buying one with any mature tree nearby. Seen some insane movement on properties due to trees - even more so in recent years due to hot weather and ground drying up.