In all proceedings for the estimation of damages for the taking of lands or other property under any general or special law, if the owner of the land, after an award made by the county commissioners, enters an appeal therefrom and fails to obtain a final judgment for an amount greater than the amount of the said award with interest thereon to the date of said judgment, he shall be subject to costs accruing after the date of said first award and the amount thereof may be applied in reduction of the sum required to be paid by said judgment.