Can an owner of property refuse to sell to the government?

Yes, an owner of property in Virginia can refuse to sell to the government under the law of eminent domain. This law allows government to take private property for public use, such as roads or public buildings, but only if it is necessary and in the public’s best interest. It also requires the government to pay fair market value for the property. The owner of the property is allowed to refuse the offer by the government, although they may be backed into a corner if the offer is fair market value. The government can then “condemn” the property, whereby it pays the owner for their losses, including the property, plus any damages that the owner can prove, such as lost income due to business disruption. In either case, the owner can challenge the government’s decision in the courts. If the courts decide in the owner’s favor, the government may be required to pay more money, or the owner may be able to keep the property. It is important to note that this process typically takes quite a bit of time, and is often a painful and expensive endeavor.

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Can an owner of property refuse to sell to the government?

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