Expropriation plays a pivotal role in the acquisition of privately owned real estate for public infrastructure projects such as new road construction, road widening, and sewer, water, power and pipelines. Experienced professional appraisal advice is essential for all parties.

Types of Expropriation
There are two main types of expropriation. "Total takings" occur when the expropriating authority requires the entire property holding of the expropriated party. "Partial takings" involve the acquisition of only part of the expropriated party's property holding, whether it be strip taking, easements (partial interests) or severance cases.

Compensation Payable/Heads of Claim
Hooker Carmichael understands that expropriation is not simply a matter of awarding compensation on the basis of market value. Statutory regulations governing expropriation procedures are set by Provincial Expropriation Acts. The professional appraisers must consider an array of statutory rules under several heads of claim when determining compensation payable, and also be aware of common law principles.

The Need for Professional Advice
Hooker Carmichael Property Consultants Ltd. has built a wealth of expropriation appraisal experience over the years, representing all levels of government as well as individual property owners. The importance of obtaining top quality professional advice cannot be overstated in respect of expropriation matters. In depth knowledge of the British Columbia's Expropriation Act maximizes the potential for achieving negotiated settlements and minimize the likelihood of lengthy and costly arbitration and court hearings. 

Our Experience
Hooker Carmichael Property Consultants Ltd. is active in providing appraisal, negotiation and consultancy services for both the private sector and public sector agencies. Senior appraisers have provided expert testimony before arbitration boards and and tribunals including the British Columbia Expropriation and Compensation Board and the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

Cost of Appraisal Consultancy
Under most jurisdictions, the cost of appraisal services may be paid for by the expropriating authority..