Help for homeowners facing compulsory purchase

Is your home being compulsorily purchased? We'll look after you.

We are chartered surveyors. We stand beside you, make sure you are treated fairly, and get you the full Market Value and related compensation. It will not cost you anything.

No cost to you RICS regulated
£350M+
compensation negotiated for homeowners
2,000+
homeowners represented
£30,000+
given to local charities
£0
cost to you
Simple, and handled for you

How we protect you

You don't need to understand the law or the paperwork. That's our job. Here's all you do.

1. We listen

Tell us what is happening. We explain everything in plain words, with no pressure and no rush.

2. We value and negotiate

We work out what your home is truly worth and deal with the authority for you, calmly and fairly.

3. You are paid fairly

You receive a fair settlement — the full amount you are owed for your home and your move, or your investment property and your costs of replacing it.

Our story

Why we do this

Our founder, Dan Knowles, knows how frightening it is to feel that your home is not safe. That experience is why he built Sawyer Fielding — to make sure ordinary homeowners are protected and properly looked after when the state needs their land.

"Having lost my own home, my team and I are here to make sure you're protected — in a way no one was there to protect me."

Dan Knowles FRICS — Founder, Sawyer Fielding

Watch the 2-minute film
Our founder, Dan Knowles, tells his story
From homeless to helping homeowners
Watch our founder's story — 2 minutes
£0cost to you

Will it really cost me nothing?

Yes. When your home is being compulsorily purchased, the authority normally pays your professional fees. That means our help is free to you. We will always be clear and honest with you about this from the very start.

Heathrow third runway

Affected by the Heathrow expansion?

Plans for a third runway are moving forward again, and a government consultation is now underway. If your home might be affected, it helps to talk to someone early. We are here to guide you.

See how we can help
Where we work

Helping homeowners across London and beyond

We represent homeowners on schemes large and small — from single homes to whole estates being regenerated. Wherever your home is, we can help.

See where we've helped
Questions homeowners ask

Frequently asked questions

Where can I learn more about how compulsory purchase works?

We've made short, plain-English video guides that walk through each stage, from your first notice to final payment. You can watch them on our video guides.

Where can I find independent help and useful contacts?

We keep a list of independent organisations, helplines and useful contacts for homeowners facing compulsory purchase on our resources and useful contacts page.

How do you work out what I'm owed, and who deals with the council?

We assess the full Market Value of your home plus the related compensation you are entitled to, then negotiate directly with the acquiring authority on your behalf. Read more about valuation and negotiation.

What actually happens during a compulsory purchase?

It usually moves through a series of set stages, and you have rights at each one. We explain the whole compulsory purchase process step by step.

My whole estate is affected — should we act together?

Often, yes. When neighbours are represented together there is real strength in numbers, and it can lead to better outcomes for everyone.

Will I have to pay tax on my compensation?

It depends on your circumstances, and there are reliefs that can apply. We explain the position on our taxation page.

I've heard there's a shared equity scheme available for me. Should I take it?

Some shared equity schemes are fantastic — they give preferential treatment to those who are losing their homes. However, some simply don't work. We can provide you with impartial advice — see our shared equity page.

Do you cover my area?

We represent homeowners across London and beyond, on schemes large and small. See where we've helped.

Is it true you give some of your fees to charity?

Yes. We donate to local charities that support people who are homeless or in housing need — something close to our hearts. See our charity work.

No cost, no pressure

Talk to us

Tell us a little about your situation and we will call you back. You can write to us in your own language if that is easier.

Or call us now
020 3011 5300