Texas Surveyors Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The minimum compensation standard set by eminent domain laws is based on the market value of the property taken. This principle ensures that property owners receive fair compensation when their property is acquired by the government for public use. The market value reflects what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller for the property under normal circumstances, considering factors such as location, zoning, and current market conditions.

This standard aims to protect property rights and provide fairness to owners, ensuring that they are not disadvantaged by the government's use of its power to seize property for public purposes. It does not take into account the cost of land improvements, the original purchase price, or the future economic potential of the property, as these may not accurately represent the property's current worth in the market. Such considerations could lead to either overcompensation or undercompensation, which is why the focus remains strictly on market value.