Do You Need a Surveyor if You're Affected by a CPO?
Understanding Your Rights – and Why Professional Advice Matters
If you’ve received notice that your home, land, or business is subject to a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), you may be unsure what to do next. It’s a situation that can feel overwhelming — involving legal documents, government-backed schemes, and tight deadlines.
One of the most important decisions you’ll make early on is whether to appoint a Chartered Surveyor to act on your behalf. In this article, we explain the role of a surveyor in a CPO case, why their advice is essential, and how their fees are usually covered by the acquiring authority.
What Is a CPO?
A Compulsory Purchase Order gives a public authority (such as a council, utility company, or transport body) the legal power to acquire land or property without the owner’s consent. CPOs are often used for:
· New roads or railways (e.g. HS2, Heathrow expansion)
· Council-led regeneration schemes
· Utility infrastructure (e.g. flood defences, pipelines)
· Airport safeguarding and expansion projects
Why Appoint a Surveyor?
A Chartered Surveyor specialising in CPO acts as your expert representative throughout the process. Here’s how they help:
1. Valuing Your Property
You’re entitled to the market value of your property at the time it is acquired. Your surveyor will prepare an independent valuation, ensuring the authority doesn’t undervalue your interest.
2. Maximising Your Compensation
CPO compensation goes beyond just the market value. You may also be entitled to:
· Disturbance payments (removal costs, temporary accommodation, fees)
· Home Loss Payment (for residential owners – usually 10% of value)
· Injury to amenity or severance (for part-acquired land)
· Loss of profits or relocation costs (for businesses)
A surveyor will identify all heads of claim and ensure nothing is missed.
3. Handling Negotiations
Negotiating with the acquiring authority can be complex. Your surveyor will act on your behalf, submitting your claim, responding to offers, and protecting your position through the process.
4. Serving a Blight Notice (If Applicable)
If your property is affected but not yet acquired — and has become unsellable — you may have the right to serve a Blight Notice. A surveyor can advise on eligibility and manage this process for you.
5. Representation at Tribunal (if needed)
If agreement can’t be reached, your case may proceed to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber). A surveyor can prepare expert evidence and support your legal team.
What About Fees?
Good news: If you’re affected by a CPO, your reasonable professional fees are typically paid by the acquiring authority. This means you won’t usually have to pay for the surveyor’s services out of pocket, as long as:
· You engage a qualified, professional firm
· Your claim is reasonable and properly presented
· The surveyor’s costs fall within accepted industry standards
At Olden Property, we always confirm fee structure and claim eligibility with the acquiring authority early in the process.
When to Instruct a Surveyor?
As early as possible. The sooner we’re involved, the more we can help:
· Review and explain documents
· Check for errors or omissions in the compensation offer
· Prevent undervaluation or loss of key entitlements
· Guide you on strategy (sell now? wait? object to the scheme?)
How Olden Property Can Help
We’re a RICS-regulated firm with experience acting for claimants affected by:
· HS2, Heathrow and major infrastructure projects
· Urban regeneration schemes across London and the South East
· Utilities, highways, and local authority CPOs
We provide:
✔ Independent market valuations ✔ Advice on Blight Notices and early acquisition ✔ Full compensation claim preparation ✔ Support through negotiation or Tribunal ✔ Fees paid by the acquiring authority (in most cases)
Get in Touch for No-Obligation Advice
If you’ve received a CPO notice or expect to we’re here to help. Contact us to understand your rights, your property’s value, and what you may be entitled to.