We represent homeowners, predominantly on Estate regeneration / Estate renewal schemes where their homes or investment properties are under threat of demolition due to plans by the local authority, often with a development partner. 

Over the last few years, we have represented close to a thousand homeowners, being by far the most experienced Chartered Surveyors in this niche specialism. Our Director Dan Knowles has been an elected Board Member of the Compulsory Purchase Association, has presented on the matter to seminars and conferences. He has also presented to the Mayor of London’s offices on how to engage in a fair manner with homeowners on Estate Ballots. More recently, he has provide advice to Government on law reform. 

Our main role is to negotiate unblighted Market Value, Statutory Loss compensation and Disturbance compensation. Occasionally, other forms of compensation are also available. 

We also guide homeowners through what is quite a legalistic Compulsory Purchase process, ensuring understanding and protection at all times. 

We guide our clients through entitlements such as:

- Market Value (including provision of an RICS Red Book compliant Market Valuation report)

- Statutory Loss (Home Loss compensation or Basic Loss compensation)

- Disturbance compensation

On a practical level, we also assist with issues such as finding somewhere else to buy, dealing with solicitors, mortgage brokers and other professionals. For Landlords, we also offer investment advice, information on Capital Gains tax rollover relief for Compulsory Purchase and we assist with securing vacant possession. This includes (through partners of ours) dealing with Service of Section 8 or Section 21 notices to terminate tenancies and applications to the court for vacant possession where required. 

Most of our instructions are by homeowners affected by schemes being pursued under Section 226 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990. However, we are also able to help homeowners affected by Compulsory Purchase schemes such as High Speed 2 and Crossrail 2. 

In nearly all instances, there is no charge for our service directly to our client as the acquiring authority (typically a council) will cover the costs for a professional to represent them. Where the authority pays our fees directly to the client, we merely request that they are forwarded to us. On the rare occasion where our fees will not be paid in full by the authority, we will confirm this in writing before any instruction is undertaken.