Explore Virginia focused information about eminent domain, property owner rights, property acquisition, compensation, and the issues that may affect your property.
Since 2012 the Virginia Constitution has required compensation for lost profits and lost access, not only for the land itself. Few states go this far.
Most Virginia owners arrive here at one of four moments. Choose the one that matches yours.
Learn what information may be important after receiving notice that your property could be affected.
What to review Situation 02Someone Wants to Acquire My PropertyUnderstand how property acquisition through eminent domain may begin in Virginia.
How it starts Situation 03I Received an OfferExplore questions related to property value and what compensation may include.
Questions to ask Situation 04I Disagree With the OfferLearn about issues to consider when you disagree with a proposed offer.
What to considerThe project behind a taking shapes the timeline, the agency you deal with and the questions worth asking.
Corridor studies, interchanges and transit work that move property lines.
Explore Highway ProjectsWidening and realignment, where a narrow strip can change how a property works.
Explore Utility ProjectsTransmission lines, substations and distribution easements across Virginia land.
Explore Public InfrastructureWater, sewer, drainage and the facilities that serve a growing community.
Explore Redevelopment ProjectsWhere the question of public use is most often contested in Virginia.
Explore Other Public ProjectsSchools, parks, public buildings and other uses that require land.
ExploreWhat a taking costs you depends on how you use the land. Start with the property type that fits.
Homes, yards, driveways and the setbacks that make a lot work.
Explore Commercial PropertyStorefronts, offices, visibility, parking and customer access.
Explore Agricultural PropertyFields, field access, irrigation and the way a farm is worked.
Explore Rural LandAcreage, timber, frontage and the value of an undivided tract.
Explore Investment PropertyRental income, tenants and the effect of a taking on a lease.
Explore Mixed Use PropertyCombined residential and commercial use on a single parcel.
ExploreVirginia gives property owners a stronger written position than most states. These are the four areas worth understanding first.
What a condemnor must tell you, and when, before it may proceed.
How value is measured, and why the first appraisal is only one view of it.
What just compensation covers in Virginia beyond the land itself.
The burden a condemnor carries when it claims a public use.
Compensation in Virginia is broader than the value of the ground that changes hands. These are the parts owners most often overlook.
Since the 2012 constitutional amendment, Virginia requires compensation for lost profits and lost access, not only for the land taken. Most states pay neither.
Why this matters here Fair Market ValueWhat the property would bring between a willing buyer and a willing seller.
Explore Partial TakingWhen a strip is acquired and the rest of the property stays with you.
Explore Remaining PropertyDamages to the residue, where the loss is often larger than the strip.
Explore EasementsWhat a permanent or temporary easement takes, and what it leaves behind.
Explore Business PropertyAccess, parking, visibility and the way a taking reaches operations.
ExploreA taking rarely arrives all at once. Knowing which stage you are in tells you what matters next.
A project corridor is drawn and your parcel falls inside it.
Design and routing decisions set how much land is needed.
A right of way agent makes contact and explains the project.
An appraisal is prepared for the condemnor and value is assigned.
A written offer arrives, along with the information Virginia requires.
The effort to purchase stage, where most Virginia matters resolve.
A petition is filed and the case moves toward commissioners or a jury.
Compensation is determined and the property interest transfers.
What Title 25.1 and Article I Section 11 mean for an ordinary Virginia property owner.
Read the guide Guide 02Virginia Property Owner RightsWhat a condemnor must prove, what it must tell you, and what you may ask for.
Read the guide Guide 03Understanding Eminent Domain CompensationThe land, the residue, lost access and lost profits, explained in plain terms.
Read the guideArticles on Virginia law, projects, compensation and the agencies acquiring land right now.
Learn about property owner rights eminent domain in Virginia, your compensation, and legal options. Discover your protections. Contact us for details.
Read articleUncategorizedJust Compensation in Virginia Eminent Domain CasesLearn how just compensation Virginia works in eminent domain cases, how fair market value is determined, and what property owners can expect.…
Read articleUncategorizedVirginia Eminent Domain Law | A How-To Guide for Property OwnersLearn how Virginia eminent domain law affects your property rights and compensation. Understand the Virginia Code eminent domain process. Contact us to…
Read articleUncategorizedWhat is Eminent Domain in Virginia? How It Works and What You Need to KnowDiscover what eminent domain in Virginia means, how it works, and what property owners should know. Learn your rights and next steps…
Read articleUncategorizedHow to Challenge Eminent Domain in Virginia CourtsLearn how to challenge eminent domain in Virginia courts, protect your property rights, and understand your legal options. Contact us for guidance.
Read articleExplore Virginia specific resources based on your property type, the project affecting you, and the stage of the process you are in.
Start Here