How to Appoint a Surveyor in a CPO Claim and Who Pays the Fees?
If your property is affected by a compulsory purchase order (CPO), whether through a road widening scheme, railway expansion, or regeneration project, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is:
“Do I have to pay for a surveyor in a CPO?”
The reassuring answer is: No , not usually. Under the Compensation Code, reasonable professional fees are typically covered by the acquiring authority. That means you can and should appoint a qualified surveyor to act on your behalf and the costs will usually be reimbursed as part of your compensation claim.
Why You Need a Surveyor in a CPO Claim
Compulsory purchase is complex. It involves a legal framework, valuation principles, and strict deadlines and it's the acquiring authority (e.g. council, National Highways, Heathrow, etc.) who initiates and controls the process. Having your own chartered surveyor ensures you’re not outmatched.
A CPO surveyor will:
· Advise on your rights
· Inspect and value your property
· Negotiate compensation for market value, disturbance, loss payments and more
· Handle blight notices or discretionary purchase applications
· Support you through objection or appeal, if needed
Your surveyor works exclusively in your interest not the acquiring authority’s.
Who Pays the Surveyor’s Fees?
In almost all CPO cases, you do not pay out of pocket for surveyor costs. This is because:
· The Compensation Code entitles affected property owners to recover reasonable fees for valuation and professional representation.
· This includes surveyors, solicitors, and other specialist consultants where needed.
· Fees are settled directly with the acquiring authority once the compensation claim is agreed or the property is acquired.
This applies whether you’re a:
· Homeowner (residential property)
· Investor (e.g. buy-to-let, ground rent owner)
· Business or commercial property owner
Important: You still appoint your own surveyor , they don’t work for the authority. You choose someone who understands your property, your objectives, and the compensation you’re entitled to.
When Should You Appoint a Surveyor?
As early as possible.
Ideally, contact a surveyor as soon as you’re notified that your property is within a redline plan, safeguarding zone, or is subject to a CPO or blight. Early advice can help you:
· Avoid accepting a low offer
· Understand all the heads of claim (market value, disturbance, basic/home loss payment, etc.)
· Preserve evidence (e.g. tenancy records, business accounts)
· Prepare for potential relocation or asset loss
Waiting too long can cost you in lost value or missed claims.
What If You’ve Already Received an Offer?
Don’t worry ,you can still appoint a surveyor to review or challenge the offer. In many cases, owners are offered less than they’re entitled to, especially if:
· The valuation is based on incorrect assumptions
· It doesn’t account for temporary or permanent disturbance
· It misses compensation such as basic loss or home loss payments
Your surveyor can provide a second opinion, prepare a formal counter-valuation, and negotiate on your behalf.
How Olden Property Can Help
At Olden Property, we act for property owners and businesses affected by CPOs across London, Kent, Sussex, and Surrey including those impacted by schemes like Heathrow expansion, road realignment, and town centre redevelopment.
As Chartered Surveyors, we:
· Provide clear, evidence-based CPO valuations
· Negotiate full and fair compensation
· Liaise with acquiring authorities or their agents
· Ensure your fees are recovered as part of your claim
Contact us for a confidential chat about your situation. There’s no cost to explore your position and no obligation to proceed.