Land Value Capture
Land value capture is a tool that recovers increased property values from public infrastructure to fund community projects.

September 30, 2025
What is Land Value Capture?
Land value capture is a public financing tool that recovers a portion of increased land values generated by infrastructure investments, such as new transit lines. Governments use it to fund public projects and affordable housing.
Why Land Value Capture Matters in Real Estate
It matters in real estate because infrastructure projects often raise nearby property values. Land value capture ensures public investment benefits are reinvested into communities rather than solely accruing to landowners.
Example of Land Value Capture in Action
A city imposes a levy on developers benefiting from a new subway extension to help fund affordable housing in the surrounding area.
Key Takeaways
- Recovers land value gains from public infrastructure projects.
- Funds public amenities and affordable housing.
- Ensures benefits are shared with communities.
- Prevents windfall profits for landowners alone.
- Used in transit-oriented development financing.
Related Terms
- Development Charges
- Impact Fees
- Inclusionary Housing Policy
- Transit-Oriented Development
- Urban Planning


Building height changes from the previous master plan apllcation. (Peterson)
An overview of Blake Village and the phasing plan. (Peterson)
An overview of Blake Village and planned open space. (Peterson)









Hudson’s Bay vacated about as much space as Target did in 2015. (JLL)

A rendering of Frame in East Vancouver. (Peterson)
The Tesla facility set for 908 Raymur Avenue in Vancouver. (Beedie)
Phase One of Sen̓áḵw in Summer 2025. (OPTrust, Nch’ḵay̓)
(QuadReal Property Group, Westbank)
The two-tower Cascades project under construction in mid-2025. (Ledcor)
A rendering of Perla near Central Park. (Polygon Homes)
Phase One of Concord Metrotown is located at the corner of Kingsway and Nelson Avenue in Burnaby. (Concord Pacific)
Myriad will complete Concert Properties’ Heart of Burquitlam community. (Concert Properties)
SOCO 2 (left) in Coquitlam. (Drew Powell, LinkedIn)
King George Hub in Surrey. (Submitted by PCI Developments)