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

"It will ultimately be for the Secretary of State to decide whether a compulsory purchase order can be approved and if the removal of hope value is appropriate."

From BBC • May 30, 2023

The government bought the building in Braunau am Inn near the German border under a compulsory purchase order in 2016 after a lengthy dispute.

From BBC • May 23, 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

It is clear that if I know I am going to get 33-1/3 per cent for compulsory purchase, whether from Government or a secret sycophant, I shall proportionately undervalue my property.

From Speculations from Political Economy by Clarke, C. B.