The GVD is a Statutory notice which provides a date at which properties it is served on are acquired under the Compulsory Purchase Order. This can be in as little as three months. Sales by agreement can complete until the date specified in the notice. After that date, it is not possible to sell as the Council will already own the property.
We often get asked whether the Council can really do this even if they haven’t yet paid anything. The answer is yes! A Compulsory Purchase Order allows a Council to acquire a property by Compulsion. Compensation assessment is then dealt with separately. Negotiations for compensation can still continue even after a property is acquired.
This is a worrying stage which it is best to try and avoid if possible. On occasion, it can result in former owners being forcibly removed from a property by bailiffs if required.
See our guide on General Vesting Declarations here.