Master the Texas Surveyors Exam 2025 – Map Out Your Success!

In eminent domain cases, market value is determined by considering the market value of the property being taken, as well as any other losses incurred as a result of the taking. This approach is grounded in the principle that property owners should be compensated fairly for not only the value of the property itself but also for any additional damages that may arise from losing that property. This could include loss of business, relocation costs, or loss of access, for instance.

By focusing on the comprehensive impact of the property acquisition, this method ensures that the compensation reflects the true economic effect on the property owner, rather than simply relying on arbitrary measures like assessed tax value or the original purchase price, which may not accurately represent current market conditions. Similarly, relying solely on recent sales averages may not capture the unique characteristics or the specific circumstances of the property in question, leading to potential under-compensation.