Heathrow Expansion – What Can Homeowners Do?
The Heathrow expansion project, centred on building a third runway, will directly affect thousands of homes across West London, Surrey, and surrounding areas. For many, this raises pressing questions: Will I be forced to sell? Will I get fair value for my home? Should I move now or wait?
The good news is that there are established voluntary and statutory schemes designed to protect homeowners. The challenge lies in understanding which scheme applies to you and how to secure the maximum compensation.
Voluntary Schemes
Voluntary schemes are offered by Heathrow Airport Limited to give residents an early option to sell before any compulsory purchase powers are exercised.
Property Hardship Scheme – For those facing urgent circumstances (such as financial strain, relocation for work, or health reasons). If accepted, Heathrow will buy your home at market value, ignoring the effect of the expansion.
Voluntary Purchase Scheme (VPS) – If you live in specific areas just outside the compulsory boundary, you may have the option to sell at the unaffected market value. This is particularly relevant if you are worried about long-term marketability of your home.
Early Sale Offers – Heathrow has, in the past, put forward offers that include additional home loss payments to encourage early sales and provide certainty to homeowners.
Voluntary schemes are not guaranteed, and eligibility criteria can be tight. However, they may suit those who want to plan ahead and avoid years of uncertainty.
Statutory Schemes
If a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) is confirmed, statutory rights kick in. These rights are set in law and provide stronger protection.
Market Value – Heathrow must buy your home for what it would have been worth had the scheme not existed (“the no scheme world”).
Home Loss Payment – If you are displaced from your only or main home, you will receive 10% of the property’s market value (up to a cap).
Disturbance Compensation – Covers the costs of moving, including stamp duty on a replacement home, legal and surveyor’s fees, removals, and incidental expenses.
These statutory rights are non-negotiable if you qualify, but the assessment of value and disturbance costs can be complex – and often challenged by acquiring authorities.
How Olden Property Can Help
Independent advice is essential. Heathrow will have its own surveyors and legal advisers; homeowners should too. At Olden Property, we provide:
Independent Red Book valuations to establish true market value in the “no scheme” world.
Clear advice on whether to sell now or wait for compulsory purchase.
Negotiation with Heathrow’s representatives (CBRE) to secure the best outcome.
Guidance on claims for home loss and disturbance, ensuring nothing is left unclaimed.
Key Questions for Homeowners
Should I sell early under a voluntary scheme or wait for the CPO?
How much is my home worth, ignoring the Heathrow scheme?
What additional payments (home loss, disturbance) am I entitled to?
Can I recover the full costs of buying and moving into a replacement home?
How long will the process take – and what are the risks of waiting?
Next Steps
Every case is unique. If you own a home near Heathrow, it’s important to take independent professional advice before making a decision.
Contact Olden Property today to discuss your options in confidence and secure the compensation you deserve.