Your guide to buying land
June 18, 2021

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Opting to build over buy is becoming increasingly popular right across Australia. With house prices on the rise in the hugely competitive market, building can be a way for prospective homeowners to get their dream house. 

If you want to know more about the benefits of building over buying, check out our recent blog post.

But if you’re already thinking about taking the exciting plunge, it isn’t always as straightforward as just picking a block you like - size, shape and location and just a few of the things you’ll need to consider. 

Zoning

This is an absolutely crucial step when buying land. Find out what zoning or development codes the council has in the area, and whether the area is likely to have higher density or large lot residential constructions down the track. This could easily impact the feel of the area. Could your current view be interrupted by a high rise apartment block? 

Soil, rocks and trees 

If the land you’re looking at hasn’t had a soil test, get this done as soon as possible. Soil classes E, H and P can be difficult and costly to stabilise. In addition, rocky surfaces can make building problematic and tree removal is a costly exercise, so consider this when looking at your budget. 

Restrictions 

This is particularly relevant if you’re buying land in a new estate. There are often developer restrictions that might limit the height, bulk and style of your home, as well as exterior finishes. You’ll notice that estate houses are often consistent in style and shape, so you might need to comply with certain regulations. 

Future changes

Are there plans for new highways or roads to be built in the future? Will this have an impact on traffic flow and increase noise? Even if this doesn’t bother you, having a nearby highway will impact your property’s resale or rental value, so it’s worth keeping this in mind. 

Easements

In short, an easement is the right to cross over or use part of somebody else's land. There are various types of easements so do your research - they can be both a benefit and a burden depending on the easement rights of that particular block. 


M+J Builders are always happy to give advice on buying land to suit your future home vision - just get in touch with us. 

Open-air patio with a view of the forest. Sliding glass door leads to an interior kitchen.
Beige bungalow with a metal roof, louvre windows, and a small awning. Green lawn.
Patio with open sliding doors to an interior kitchen; forest backdrop.

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Building KFC Stuart Park

By Michael Hawkes • December 18, 2024
The recent completion of the KFC in Stuart Park highlights our ability to meet the demands of a high-profile franchise while maintaining a focus on quality and efficiency. The Project Situated at 43 Stuart Highway, next to Sweet Brew Café, the new KFC Stuart Park stands on a site that was once a vacant single allotment. We transformed the unused land into a fully operational restaurant designed to meet KFC’s strict global specifications. The project was completed on time, and the restaurant opened its doors in November 2024. Key Achievements Franchise Standards: Meeting KFC’s global requirements, we ensured every detail—from kitchen equipment to interior finishes—aligned with their brand identity. Efficient Design: The layout was optimised for high-volume service, durability, and operational efficiency. Local Impact: The project created 50 new jobs, contributing to the economic growth of the Darwin community. Why M+J Builders? We specialise in delivering complex commercial projects. Whether it’s a national brand or a bespoke development, we bring the same level of dedication to every build.
A modern pavilion with steps leading up, palm trees, and a sunset sky.

Revitalising Cullen Bay: Enhancing Darwin's Premier Waterfront Precinct

By Michael Hawkes • December 18, 2024
Cullen Bay has always been a favourite spot for locals and visitors, offering a laid-back, tropical waterside lifestyle just moments from Darwin’s CBD. Recently, the precinct has undergone a revitalisation aimed at strengthening the connection between the beachfront and marina, while enhancing the area’s appeal with new greening and cooling initiatives. Role in the Revitalisation As part of the Cullen Bay revitalisation project, M+J Builders played a key role in transforming the precinct into a more vibrant, accessible space: Shade Structures: We installed three new shade structures around the marina, providing much-needed relief from the harsh tropical sun and creating spaces for visitors to relax in comfort. Seating & Gathering Spaces: Our team worked on installing informal seating areas, paving, and concrete works, plus arbours over shops to create inviting spots for social interaction and relaxation. Artistic Lighting: To bring the precinct to life at night, we added lighting that creates stunning art effects, making the space a lively destination after dark. Accessibility Improvements: We made sure that Cullen Bay is accessible to everyone by building pathways for disabled access to the beach and gardens. Overcoming Challenges This project came with its share of challenges, including managing pedestrian traffic, navigating council property constraints, and coordinating works around busy roads and local businesses. With careful planning and execution, our team ensured the area remained accessible throughout the process, minimising disruptions to the public as the site always has high numbers of foot traffic. A Collaborative Effort The revitalisation was a joint effort led by the Northern Territory Government and Cullen Bay Marina Management Corporation, with funding and oversight focused on creating cooler, more attractive spaces that would draw both locals and tourists. The goal was to improve liveability and bring more visitors to this prime location in Darwin. Experience the New Cullen Bay Cullen Bay now features a refreshed streetscape with shade trees, lawns, and tropical plants, making it a much cooler and inviting place. The improvements not only enhance the look and feel of the area but also support local businesses by encouraging more foot traffic. We invite you to visit Cullen Bay and see the transformations for yourself. Whether you’re relaxing by the water, dining at one of the local cafes, or soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Cullen Bay offers something for everyone. At M+J Builders, we’re proud to have contributed to this exciting project and helped make Cullen Bay an even more special place.