Condemnation Appraisals
When a government entity formally takes commercial property through condemnation, the owner is generally entitled to just compensation. We provide independent, defensible valuations to support owners and their counsel in formal taking proceedings and related disputes.
Condemnation is the formal legal process through which a government entity exercises eminent domain to take private property for public use. Our role is to provide an independent appraisal that helps establish the compensation owed to the property owner. This is an appraisal assignment tied to a specific legal framework, and the value question—what was taken, what remains, and what damages resulted—is defined by the applicable statute and the facts of the case.
The deliverable is an appraisal report that documents the property and the taking, applies a supported definition of value, and concludes on compensation-related questions within the agreed scope. We coordinate with the owner's attorney on the legal standard that applies; we do not provide legal advice, and we do not guarantee a particular outcome or settlement.
When Clients Need This Service
Property owners and their attorneys engage us when a transportation authority, utility, municipality, or other entity with condemnation authority files or threatens formal taking proceedings. This often involves a partial taking—such as a strip of land for a road widening or an easement—where the question is not only the value of the part taken but the damage, if any, to the remainder.
For example, a retail center may lose frontage and parking to a road-widening project; an industrial site may be crossed by a utility easement that restricts use. In each case, the owner and counsel need a defensible measure of the taking and any severance damages. We also work with counsel on disputes over the condemning entity's offer, where an independent appraisal can support negotiation or, if necessary, testimony.
What the Analysis Considers
The factors relevant to this assignment vary with the property and the question being asked. Depending on the agreed scope, the analysis may consider:
- The nature of the taking—fee, easement, temporary or permanent—and the property rights affected
- The value of the part taken under the applicable legal standard, not always identical to market value
- Severance or damages to the remainder, including changes in access, parking, visibility, utility, or developability
- Cost-to-cure versus diminution-in-value methodologies, where applicable to the case
- Highest and best use of the property before and after the taking
- The specific statute and definition of value the jurisdiction applies, confirmed with counsel
- Comparable sales, lease, and cost evidence relevant to the before-and-after analysis
Not every assignment applies all three valuation approaches. The approaches used depend on the property type, available data, and the assignment's intended use.
Documents & Information That May Help
Providing the following can streamline an assignment, but not every item is required to begin. We can discuss what is available during the initial call.
The condemning entity's offer, plat, and taking description
Property survey and title commitment
To identify rights and encumbrances
Existing leases and rent roll
For income-producing property
Site plans, building plans, and parking layouts
Correspondence and pleadings from counsel
To align with the legal standard
How the Engagement Works
Every engagement begins with a conversation so the scope, fee, and timing fit the property and the question you need answered. A typical engagement moves through these stages:
Initial discussion
We learn about the taking, the property, and the legal questions counsel needs addressed.
Scope confirmation
We confirm the applicable definition of value, the before/after framework, scope, fee, and timing with the client and counsel.
Inspection & research
We inspect the property and gather comparable sales, leases, and cost data relevant to the taking and any damages.
Analysis
We measure the part taken and any damages to the remainder using the approach appropriate to the facts and legal standard.
Delivery & support
We deliver the report and are available to explain conclusions and, where engaged, support counsel in negotiations or testimony.
Scope, fees, and timing depend on the property type, assignment complexity, and the report format the client or intended user requires. We confirm these in writing before work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this service.
Closely Related Services
Eminent Domain
Valuation needs tied to proposed public acquisition before a taking is finalized.
Learn MoreLegal & Dispute Appraisals
Court-ready commercial valuations for litigation and disputes.
Learn MoreHighest & Best Use Analysis
Establishing the use that supports the before/after analysis.
Learn MoreRequest Your
Free Appraisal Quote
Tell us about your property and what you need the valuation to address. To help us respond quickly, please include the property address, property type, assignment purpose, the relevant valuation date, and your requested completion date.
Gold Rush Appraisal provides commercial real estate valuations across the Atlanta metro area. Call us directly or send the details through the form and we'll get back to you promptly.
404-882-7881