Pennsylvania Gas and Water Company v. Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

In Pennsylvania Gas and Water Company v. Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, 428 Pa. 74, 236 A.2d 112 (1967), our supreme court set forth two requirements for proving the highest and best use of property. The condemnee must show that, at the time of condemnation: (1) the land was physically adaptable to a particular use; (2) there was a need, or market, for the use in the area. Id. In a condemnation proceeding, just compensation is the difference between the fair market value of the condemnee's property immediately before and after the condemnation. Section 602(a) of the Code, 26 P.S. 1-602(a). Fair market value is the price that a willing and informed seller and buyer would agree to, taking into consideration the highest and best reasonably available use of the property and its value for such use. Section 603 of the Code, 26 P.S. 1-603.