What compensation am I entitled to if my land is compulsorily purchased?

What the Law Says

The law sets out how much compensation you must receive when your land is taken by a public authority using compulsory purchase powers.

Under the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965, you are entitled to 'full compensation' — meaning you should be put in the same financial position as if your land had not been taken.

Section 7 is the central provision governing compensation. It requires that compensation be assessed based on the open market value of the land at the date of valuation, assuming a willing buyer and willing seller.

In addition to market value, you may also claim for other losses — such as severance (where part of your land is left in a less useful state), injurious affection (harm to remaining land caused by the development), and disturbance (e.g., removal costs, loss of business goodwill).

Statutory Text

Compensation shall be calculated on the basis of the market value of the land at the date of the valuation, assuming that the land is sold by a willing seller to a willing buyer.

— Compulsory Purchase Act 1965, s. 7 — Compensation

Sources