Compulsory purchase orders (CPOs)
This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England
In some situations, the council, the Scottish Government or a utility company may need to buy your home from you, in order to build a road, for example, or a public building such as a school, or because the property you live in is dangerous and needs to be demolished. In order to do this, they must get a compulsory purchase order (CPO). This section explains what CPOs are and how they work, and what you can do if your home is subject to a CPO.
Although CPOs can be used by a variety of different agencies, this section uses the example of the council. However, all public authorities must go through a similar procedure.
About compulsory purchase orders
This page explains what compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) are and how they work, and where you can get help and advice if your home is subject to a CPO.
Objecting to a CPO
This page explains how you'll know if the council is applying for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) and how you can object if you aren't happy about this. The council may try to arrange to buy your house voluntarily, to avoid having to go through the CPO process.
Public inquiries
If anyone objects to the council's plans to buy land using a compulsory purchase order (CPO), a public inquiry must be held. This page explains what happens at a public inquiry.
After a CPO has been confirmed
This page explains what happens after a compulsory purchase order (CPO) has been confirmed. It explains what you can do to challenge the CPO, and what the council has to do to take over ownership of your home. In some cases, you may not need to move out for several years.
Agreeing a CPO price
This page looks at the price you should get for your home if the council, the Scottish Government or another authority buys it from you using a compulsory purchase order (CPO).
Blight notices
If the council or another public authority is planning a development in your area that affects your home, you could find it hard to sell your home for a reasonable price. However, you may be able to force them to buy your home by serving a blight notice. This page explains what blight notices do and how you may be able to get one.
Home loss payments
If you're forced to move out of your home, for example, because the council has bought it to demolish it, you may be able to apply for a home loss payment to compensate you for the inconvenience, stress and upset caused by the move. This page explains more.
Disturbance payments
If you are forced to leave your home, for example because it is due to be demolished, you may be entitled to a form of compensation, called a disturbance payment, to cover the costs of the move. This page explains what disturbance payments are and who can claim them.
Well maintained payments
If you're forced to move out of your home because it's 'substandard', you may be entitled to a well maintained payment if you have kept your home in good repair. This may be the case if your house is bought through a compulsory purchase order or if you have to move out because the council has issued a demolition order or closing order.
