Expropriation
The expropriation lawyers at NBP LAW in Novi Sad provide comprehensive legal support to property owners facing expropriation, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation.
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What Is Expropriation?
Expropriation is a legally regulated process by which real estate is transferred from private to public ownership, strictly in the public interest and with fair compensation.
According to the Law on Expropriation, expropriation is permitted only when a public interest is formally established, such as:
- Construction of roads, railways, and gas pipelines;
- Construction of hospitals, schools, and other public facilities;
- Environmental protection;
- Exploitation of natural resources.
In all cases, property owners must receive fair compensation for the expropriated property.
What Services Do Expropriation Lawyers at NBP LAW Provide?
Our expropriation lawyers offer legal assistance to property owners at every stage of the expropriation process, with the primary goal of protecting their right to fair compensation.
Representation in the Expropriation Process
The expropriation procedure includes the following steps:
- Establishing Public Interest: The competent authority issues a decision confirming that the expropriation is in the public interest;
- Filing the Expropriation Proposal: The expropriation beneficiary (the state, municipality, or public enterprise) submits a proposal to the relevant municipal administration;
- Issuance of the Expropriation Decision: The municipal authority issues a decision approving the expropriation.
- Determining Compensation: The expropriation beneficiary offers compensation to the property owner. If the owner does not accept the offer, the process continues before the competent court.
Assistance in Securing Fair Compensation
The valuation of expropriated property is often conducted by the Tax Administration without an on-site inspection, which may result in an estimate significantly below the actual market value. If buildings or perennial crops are located on the land, their value is typically assessed by court-appointed experts engaged by the expropriation beneficiary — a process that can also lead to inadequate compensation offers.
It is important to note that the offered compensation is not binding, and the property owner has the right to initiate court proceedings to determine the true value of their property. Our law office has extensive experience representing clients in such proceedings, often securing compensation amounts that exceed the market value of the expropriated property.
Legal Support in Cases of De Facto Expropriation
De facto expropriation occurs when construction or other works are carried out without prior implementation of the legal expropriation procedure — for example, building a road across private land without first acquiring it. In such cases, the property owner has the right to initiate legal proceedings to seek compensation, with the amount depending on the extent of land occupation and its impact on the property’s value.
Why Choose Us?
The lawyers at NBP LAW in Novi Sad have extensive experience handling expropriation cases, consistently securing fair compensation for our clients. We provide transparent guidance through every stage of the process and are fully committed to achieving the best possible outcome.