Expropriation / Surface Rights
Expropriations happen when a public agency takes a portion or all of a property without the owner’s consent. For the property owner, this is a legal matter, one that often requires a lawyer and real estate appraiser.

Our expropriation assignment can involve:

• Preparation of a comprehensive appraisal report
• Appraisal exchange and review
• Consulting
• Due diligence
• Mediation
• Trial preparation and testimony

Specialized consulting
We’re available for hourly consultations for:

• Investors
• Developers
• Brokers
• Buyers
• Sellers

Examples of projects we can consult on include:

• Lease-rate studies
• Market analysis to estimate absorption rates for new projects
• Project feasibility studies (cost-benefit analysis)

Expert witnesses
We are experienced in litigation support and expert witness services and work with government agencies, tax entities, financial institutions, legal and accounting firms, and many others. In most cases, our independent, supportable analyses have allowed clients to settle cases without going to court.

While all property appraisals must be unbiased, we can advise you about the relative strength of an appraisal completed by another party. We can also perform additional research and analyses to support or discredit assumptions or conclusions.

Our expert witness experience includes:

• Back-dated valuations
• Valuations for expropriation cases
• Estate settlements
• Valuations for divorce, partnership and taxation issues

Tax appeals & support
Municipal tax appeals are launched by property owners who believe their property values have been unfairly assessed by the municipal assessment authority. The owner typically obtains a real estate appraisal of the property to support an appeal.

We have significant experience in such matters involving properties in Metro Edmonton and in peripheral rural communities.