Japanese Knotweed, Horse Tail, Bindweed, Couch Grass might give me nightmares in my garden but I wouldn't let Ground Elder put me off my dream house. As it would be a new garden to you, then you would have the time to completely clear the garden and spend time killing off all emerging plants. My only concern would be those returning back though the neighbours' gardens, so you would need to sink some barriers along the edge adjoining their gardens.

I've cleared it - took a couple of years conscientious digging out new bits as they appeared. Guess it depends how badly infested the garden is.

I've cleared it too - but only because I was able to access next door's garden and systematically treat and dig both sides of the fence at once. Its not a reason to refuse a good house, I agree with Jimmytheone - Japanese knotweed, Horsetail (equisetum) are definite no noes, with bindweed and couch coming a close second.

The final decision comes down to personal preference. For me, Ground Elder would be on the low end of considerations and could be countered by something like 'new washer & dryer or a finished attic or basement. I'd most likely turn over the entire garden regardless anyway. Right now I'm trying to get rid of 'White Snakeroot' which can be deadly.

we bought this with ground elder in a long border. A season of digging and riddling the soil [twice] to remove all the pips then just planted with annuals made spotting any i'd missed easy to spot. it was worth it. no ground elder but I do have couch that comes into the borders from I suspect the poor grass in the lawn. I just keep digging away at it.

Thanks all, that's reassuring. I know I'll always be fighting some dratted weed!