Compulsory purchase is a process which allows certain bodies ( ‘acquiring authorities’) to buy land or acquire third party rights to it without the consent of the owner. The process is used only where it is in the public interest to do so. This is a high threshold test. There is an increasing use of compulsory purchase powers in the UK, particularly in the delivery of essential regeneration, housing and infrastructure. There is a formal process required to demonstrate the need for the property to be acquired and affected parties will have an opportunity to object or voice concerns. Compensation will be paid for any property or rights taken or affected.
There are many RICS professionals who specialise in compulsory purchase matters. They advise and act for organisations that exercise compulsory purchase powers (‘acquiring authorities’) and individuals/businesses that are subject to a compulsory purchase order (CPO). This page brings together useful information for anyone involved in compulsory purchase matters.
RICS Professionals working in CPO
RICS Compulsory Purchase (CPO) Expert Working Group
RICS has an Advisory Group dedicated to the subject of compulsory purchase. This Group provides strategic direction and guidance to RICS on this important professional specialism and are engaged with key stakeholders on the subject. The Advisory Group is composed of eleven RICS professionals who are all engaged with the subject of compulsory purchase. Amongst other work, the Advisory Group is currently working with RICS training on the updating of specialist CPO training available via an e-learning package. Once updated the training will feature on this page. It is anticipated it will be live in early 2025.
RICS Standards on Compulsory Purchase
Surveyors advising in respect of compulsory purchase and statutory compensation, 2nd edition
The development of large infrastructure projects, such as the HS2 rail line, has placed compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) at the forefront of national discussions. The exercise of CPO powers can significantly impact the homes, livelihoods, and businesses of those affected, making it essential for surveyors to adhere to strict professional standards.
RICS has updated its professional standard, Surveyors Advising in Respect of Compulsory Purchase and Statutory Compensation to ensure it remains relevant and fit for purpose in this complex and evolving sector.
The standard sets out 21 mandatory professional behaviour and competence expectations of RICS members working in this field, ensuring best practices are upheld consistently by RICS professionals across the UK, with principles that resonate globally.
- Go to the Professional Standard
- Go to the RICS Red Book
Regulated Members speak up
Regulated Members have a professional duty to promptly disclose the details of any Regulated Member that you reasonably believe may have breached RICS standards (byelaw B5.2.1(c) of the Royal charter and bye-laws). The duty to speak up is an important part of the profession's "moral compass". Think of it as protecting the reputation of your profession, by helping RICS to uphold the public interest.
CPO Investigation Cases Report
There are currently 2,162 Members and 504 Regulated Firms that have declared to RICS that they operate within the compulsory purchase area of practice. RICS has undertaken a search of records to identify investigation cases which relate to compulsory purchase or related schemes. The search is based on the areas of practice recorded on RICS’ records.
RICS CPO Dispute Resolution Service
Alternative Dispute Resolution for Compulsory Purchase Disputes is an RICS service designed to help resolve disputes between Acquiring Authorities (bodies that are legally empowered to obtain land or property without the consent of the owner) and land/property owners.
Those affected by CPO
Compulsory Purchase Helpline
The RICS Helpline Scheme provides consumers with access to impartial, expert advice from certified RICS professionals about specific property matters of which compulsory purchase is one.
Find a Surveyor/Consumer guide – Compulsory Purchase
RICS runs a Find a Surveyor service which consumers can utilise to search for RICS professionals on a geographic and specialism basis.
Complaints
How to tell us about your concerns, provide information about a Regulated Member, RICS Regulated Firms or Professionals advising on compulsory purchase should you need to.
Compulsory Purchase Association
Many RICS professionals engaged with compulsory purchase are also members of the Compulsory Purchase Association (CPA), a not for profit member organisation that promotes best and effective practice in the delivery of land for infrastructure, housing and regeneration through the use of compulsory purchase powers.
ICMS
RICS supports the use of International Construction Measurement Standards when reporting on infrastructure project costs and the RICS Professional Statement in Cost Prediction endorses the use of these standards in cost estimating and cost planning for chartered surveyors.