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A co-owner is not entitled to require the acquisition of his lot
Droit Immobilier

A co-owner is not entitled to require the acquisition of his lot

📅 Decision of 10 March 1982🔄 Updated on 17 October 2026⚖️ Cour de cassation👁️ 20 views📖 2 min read

A co-owner is not entitled to require from the local authority or a public service for whose benefit the land has been reserved, the acquisition of his lot, as this acquisition request only concerns an undivided share of the reserved land.

Reference decision: Court of Cassation, No. 81-70.312, 10 March 1982, View the decision →

This decision provides important insight into your property law. Here is how it affects you.

The situation

A co-owner is not entitled to require from the local authority or a public service for whose benefit the land has been reserved, the acquisition of his lot, as this acquisition request only concerns an undivided share of the reserved land.

What the law says

This decision confirms the fundamental principles of property law.

Key points to remember

  • Strictly observe the statutory time limits for appeals
  • Keep all your supporting documents (title deeds, instruments, letters)
  • Plan ahead: preventive advice is always cheaper than litigation

For an analysis of your situation: 30-minute consultation at €45 with Maître Zakine.

📌 Does this apply to your situation? Maître Cécile Zakine, French real estate lawyer, practises throughout France.
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Legal information

  • Number: 81-70.312
  • Court: Cour de cassation
  • Decision of: 10 March 1982

Keywords

droit immobilierjurisprudenceimmobilier

Practical use cases

1

Co-owner's failed bid to force flat sale

Marie owns a flat in a 10-unit building in Lyon. The local council has reserved the building’s land for a future school expansion. Believing she can compel the council to purchase her flat immediately, she sends a formal request. She is shocked when the council refuses, citing her status as a mere co-owner.

Practical application:

Under the 1982 Court of Cassation ruling, a co-owner cannot demand the authority acquire only their lot, as the reservation affects the undivided land share. Marie should instead collaborate with other co-owners to negotiate a collective sale or wait for the authority to initiate a full acquisition. She should gather all title documents and consult a property lawyer to explore alternative options like claiming compensation for loss of value.

2

First-time buyer's worry over land reservation

James, a first-time buyer in Bordeaux, is interested in a flat in a building where the land is reserved for a public leisure centre. He fears that if the project proceeds, he might be forced to sell his future flat at a loss or lose rights. He wonders if he could later force the authority to buy his flat.

Practical application:

This case law clarifies that an individual co-owner cannot unilaterally require the public body to acquire their lot. James should request the full co-ownership regulations and check if the reservation impacts the building’s future. He may proceed with the purchase but must be aware he remains a co-owner with only an undivided share, and any compulsory purchase would involve all co-owners collectively. He should keep updated on any pre-emption declarations and seek legal advice before signing.

3

Landlord's failed attempt to offload reserved flats

Marc, a landlord in Marseille, owns three flats in a building where the council has reserved the land for a new road. Hoping to cash out, he tries to force the council to buy each flat individually. The council rejects his requests, explaining that the reservation only concerns the undivided land shares.

Practical application:

The 1982 ruling means Marc cannot compel the authority to purchase his individual lots; he must treat the situation as an undivided co-ownership. He should join the co-owners' association to collectively negotiate with the authority or explore selling his shares to another private investor. He should document all correspondence and consider a legal consultation to protect his financial interests.

Maître Cécile Zakine

About the author

Maître Cécile Zakine — Lawyer at the Alpes-Maritimes Bar, Doctor of Law. Every article in this magazine is based on the analysis of a real court decision, commented and put into perspective by Maître Zakine’s team.

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Disclaimer: The analysis presented on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalised legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation, contact a qualified lawyer.

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