What is property resumption in Australia?

Property resumption — also known as compulsory acquisition — is the legal process where a government authority acquires private land for public purposes such as road expansions, rail infrastructure, or urban renewal projects. Property owners are entitled to fair compensation, including the market value of the land, disturbance costs, and consequential losses.

Am I entitled to compensation if my property is being resumed by the government?

Yes. When your property is subject to compulsory acquisition or resumption, you are legally entitled to compensation. This includes the market value of your property, relocation assistance, moving costs, loss of rental income where applicable, and in some cases business disruption costs. The government's initial offer is not always the final figure — property owners have the right to negotiate or dispute the amount offered.

Can I object to a compulsory acquisition or property resumption notice?

Yes. Property owners in Australia have the right to object to a resumption notice. Objections must be lodged within strict timeframes, and missing a deadline can affect your ability to challenge the acquisition or claim your full entitlements. It is strongly recommended that you seek legal advice from specialist compulsory acquisition lawyers as soon as you receive a notice, before taking any action.

How long does the compulsory acquisition process take in Australia?

The duration varies depending on the complexity of the project, the acquiring authority involved, and whether compensation is disputed. The process can take anywhere from several months to several years. Having experienced legal and valuation experts representing you can help expedite negotiations and reduce delays, particularly when dealing with government authorities on major infrastructure projects.

Should I get a lawyer if my property is being compulsorily acquired?

Yes — and the earlier the better. Specialist compulsory acquisition lawyers like Resumption Experts provide independent legal advice and property valuations to ensure you receive everything you are entitled to, not just what the government initially offers. Resumption Experts have helped hundreds of Australian property owners achieve between 5% and 27% more than the government's opening offer. If you have received a resumption notice or heard about an infrastructure project near your property, contact Resumption Experts for a no-obligation consultation.

Is Your Property Being Taken by the Government?

If you have received a Compulsory Acquisition or Property Resumption notice OR heard about an infrastructure project nearby, get in touch

Resumption Experts provide expert legal and property valuation services to guide
you through the harrowing Compulsory Acquisition process.

We have many years of experience, and make sure you get a fair price, not just what is offered.

Click your State/Territory to find out how we will help you.

Got questions?

Here are the questions we regularly get asked about resumptions.

What does property resumption mean in Australia?

A property resumption, also known as compulsory acquisition, occurs when the government exercises its authority to acquire private land for public purposes. This could be for projects such as road expansions, infrastructure development, or urban renewal initiatives. To protect your interests, it's essential to understand your rights and entitlements under the law when facing a resumption.

What types of properties are subject to resumption?

How does compulsory acquisition affect neighbouring properties and the community?

What rights do I have as a property owner during the process?

How is compensation determined?

Compensation for a property resumption is determined based on factors such as the market value of the land, disturbance costs, and consequential losses. Professional valuers assess compensation entitlements, considering factors like land size, location, and development potential. It's crucial for property owners to engage independent valuers and legal experts to ensure their compensation entitlements are accurately determined and fairly assessed.

Compulsory Acquisition & Property Resumption Lawyers Across Australia

Resumption Experts is a specialist firm of compulsory acquisition lawyers and property valuers helping landowners across Australia get fair compensation when the government takes their property. We provide expert legal representation and independent valuations in every state and territory.

Queensland (QLD) Compulsory Acquisition Lawyers - including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and regional QLD
New South Wales (NSW) Compulsory Acquisition Lawyers - including Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and regional NSW
Victoria (VIC) Compulsory Acquisition Lawyers - including Melbourne and regional Victoria
Western Australia (WA) Compulsory Acquisition Lawyers - including Perth and regional WA
South Australia (SA) Compulsory Acquisition Lawyers - including Adelaide and regional SA
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Compulsory Acquisition Lawyers - Canberra and surrounds
Tasmania (TAS) Compulsory Acquisition Lawyers - including Hobart and regional Tasmania
Northern Territory (NT) Compulsory Acquisition Lawyers - including Darwin and regional NT

Get Expert Resumption Advice

Get Expert Resumption Advice

Is Your Property Being Taken by the Government?

If you have received a Compulsory Acquisition or Property Resumption notice OR heard about an infrastructure project nearby, get in touch

Resumption Experts provide expert legal and property valuation services to guide
you through the harrowing Compulsory Acquisition process.

We have many years of experience, and make sure you get a fair price, not just what is offered.

Click your State/Territory to find out how we will help you.

Got questions?

Compulsory Acquisition & Property Resumption Lawyers Across Australia

Quick Links

Get Expert Resumption Advice

Get Expert Resumption Advice

Is Your Property Being Taken by the Government?

If you have received a Compulsory Acquisition or Property Resumption notice OR heard about an infrastructure project nearby, get in touch

Resumption Experts provide expert legal and property valuation services to guide you through the harrowing Compulsory Acquisition process.

We have many years of experience, and make sure you get a fair price, not just what is offered.

Click your State/Territory to find out how we will help you.

Got questions?

Compulsory Acquisition & Property Resumption Lawyers Across Australia

Quick Links

Resumption Experts provide expert legal and property valuation services to guide
you through the harrowing Compulsory Acquisition process.