compulsory purchase

British  

noun

1. purchase of a house or other property by a local authority or government department for public use or to make way for development, regardless of whether or not the owner wishes to sell

---

Example Sentences

The Welsh government offered to compulsory purchase the house, in the Cefn Coed area of Merthyr, but John said he declined because of sentimental reasons.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2025

Instead, the state could compulsory purchase a London hotel and give MPs a room there - a truck stop for parliamentarians, if you will.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2024

Comprised of farmers, landowners and others with an interest in the County Tyrone area, the group was launched in 2009 to oppose the compulsory purchase of land to construct the road.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2023

There will be almost £6m to redevelop brownfield land for homes, £3m to improve energy efficiency and renewable generation in homes, and greater compulsory purchase powers.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2022

An Artisans Dwellings Act empowered municipal corporations to acquire land by compulsory purchase, for the erection of workmen's houses.

From A Short History of English Liberalism by Blease, Walter Lyon