Government land taking imposes severe restrictions on private properties. Consequently, the possible beneficial uses and exchange value of a property are adversely affected. What is even worse is that it may take a number of years before a property is physically taken thereby delaying compensation. Two cases of road-widening projects in London, England and Lu-Ju, Taiwan are examined to uncover how property owners and tenants take actions against the adversity brought on by the uncertainties of a land taking. Empirical evidence shows that a significant number of property owners and tenants have taken legal, market-oriented, and even political measures to reduce their possible loss, in addition to their appeal for a higher compensation.