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Land Acquisition: How We Choose the Right Site for Development
At Mgroup Properties, our commitment to building high-quality townhouse developments in Christchurch starts long before the first design sketch or the first brick is laid. It begins with the land — and choosing the right site is one of the most important decisions we make.
In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes of our land acquisition process and explain what makes a piece of land the “right fit” for a successful development.
🧭 1. It Starts with Location, Always
In real estate, location is everything — and in development, it’s even more critical.
We focus on acquiring land in well-connected, high-demand suburbs across Christchurch. Whether it’s Addington, St Albans, Sydenham, or Riccarton, we look for sites that offer lifestyle benefits to future residents, including:
- Access to public transport and motorways
- Proximity to shops, schools, parks, and cafes
- Walkability and safety
- Future growth potential
Our goal is to develop homes that aren’t just well-built — they’re well-located.
📝 2. Zoning and Development Potential
Before we make any commitments, we carefully assess the zoning of a property. Christchurch has specific rules around what can be built where, and understanding those rules is key to unlocking a site’s potential.
We look at:
- Zoning under the Christchurch District Plan (e.g. Medium Density Residential Zone)
- Maximum building heights and site coverage limits
- Setback, boundary, and height-to-boundary requirements
- Resource consent viability
If a site allows for townhouses that suit our design standards — and the local demand — it's a strong contender.
🔍 3. Due Diligence and Risk Assessment
A beautiful site can hide serious problems beneath the surface — literally. That’s why our due diligence process is thorough.
Before we acquire a site, we investigate:
- Geotechnical conditions (soil testing, liquefaction risk)
- Flood and drainage risks
- Service availability (water, power, sewer connections)
- Title restrictions or easements
- Historical site usage and contamination risks
This ensures we don’t run into expensive surprises down the line — and gives peace of mind to our future homeowners.
🏗️ 4. Feasibility Studies: Does It Stack Up?
Every site must pass the numbers test. Even if the location and zoning are ideal, a project has to be financially viable. We run feasibility studies to calculate whether a development will be successful — for us, our investors, and ultimately, our buyers.
We consider:
- Site acquisition costs
- Construction and infrastructure costs
- Market pricing for finished homes
- Return on investment (ROI)
- Market absorption rates
Only sites that tick all the boxes move forward.
🏘️ 5. Respecting the Neighbourhood
At Mgroup Properties, we don’t just build — we contribute to the urban fabric of Christchurch. We choose sites where our townhouses can complement and enhance the existing character of the neighbourhood.
We consider:
- Architectural consistency
- Streetscape impact
- Sunlight, shading, and privacy
- Community feedback (where applicable)
Our developments are designed to add value to the surrounding area — not just fit in.
✅ The Mgroup Approach
Our approach to land acquisition is strategic, data-driven, and rooted in experience. Every site we purchase represents a long-term commitment — not just to profitability, but to quality, community, and sustainability.
Whether you’re a buyer, investor, or landowner looking to sell, you can trust that Mgroup Properties makes smart, future-focused decisions about where and what we build.
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