The potential advantages of choosing to build a chalet rather than buy are numerous: tax advantages, building it to your own requirements, and better amortisation of maintenance costs over the long term.
Our analysis also looks at the list of costs to be taken into consideration when building a chalet.
In practice, however, there is little data available on the actual cost of building a chalet in the Alps.
In order to provide more concrete information, the team of experts at OVO Network looked into the subject. Commune by commune, we have listed the details of the construction costs of two chalets intended for seasonal rental.
The initial data for each case study are as follows:
- A chalet for 8 people, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (bathroom), an indoor sauna and an outdoor jacuzzi, 145m² of living space, in a middle area of Chamonix Mont Blanc, with a cosy decor;
- A chalet for 14 people, 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 325m² of living space, wellness facilities, a living room arranged for large group meetings (family reunions or professional events) in a high-demand area, near the ski slopes, with high-end finishes and decor.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Chamonix?
Case study 1
This owner bought a 420m² plot at €859/m² in Les Gaillands, an area popular for its easy access to outdoor activities.
- Total price of the plot: €360,780;
- Notary fees: €25,254, 7% of the purchase price.
Site servicing (the site is relatively accessible):
- Connection to electricity: €1,850;
- Drinking water connection: €1,600;
- Gas connection: €2,500;
- Sewerage connection: €2,200.
The owner goes through a builder and then hires an interior designer for the decoration, followed by a landscaper for the exterior.
- Builder’s price: €418,000;
- Interior designer’s bill: €14,500;
- Landscaping work: fixed price based on an estimate of €5,800;
- Planning permission: 1.6% of the value of the chalet, €6,688;
- Mid-range indoor wooden sauna for 6 people: €5,200;
- Outdoor Jacuzzi for 6 with mood lighting: €6,650;
- General furnishings: €120,000;
- Additional decoration: €18,000.
This project to build a chalet in Chamonix Mont-Blanc will cost €989,022.
Case study 2
The second owner bought a plot of land in Les Praz de Chamonix. The 710m² plot cost 2,049 €/m².
- Total price of the plot: €1,454,790;
- Notary fees: €116,383, 8% of the cost of the plot.
There are a number of problems with the servicing of the plot.
- Electricity connection: €4,350;
- Drinking water connection: €3,280;
- Gas connection: €5,180;
- Sewerage connection: €3,900.
To set their chalet apart from the competition, the owner wanted to focus on the relaxation areas offered by their chalet: holidaymakers will be able to pamper themselves after a day on the slopes.
- Construction of the chalet: €890,000;
- Decoration and furnishings: €270,000;
- Installation of a fully-equipped gym in an outdoor annexe: €43,000;
- Creation of private spa areas for each bedroom: €385,000;
- Installation of a ski room for sports enthusiasts: €38,000;
- Exterior landscaping with swimming pool, full spa, barbecue and terrace: €209,000.
The project to build a chalet in Chamonix is worth €3,318,000.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Les Houches?
Case study 1
The first owner is purchasing a small plot of 280m² at €1,001//m² in Le Darbelay.
- Land price: €280,280;
- Notary fees: €26,626, 9.5% of the total price of the plot.
- The plot is already fully serviced.
The plot has little potential in terms of outside space, so the owner wants to focus their efforts on the interior decoration.
They wanted to give their chalet a real “winter sports” atmosphere, and would mainly be renting it out during the winter. So they went to a builder who worked in partnership with an interior designer. Once the project has been approved, the contractors will manage it from start to finish.
- Total cost of building the project: €566,000;
- Central fireplace in the living room: €28,000.
The chalet will have a fully-equipped ski room for storage of outdoor equipment.
- Storage for skis and snowboards: €550 ;
- Wall mounts or special racks: €400 ;
- Robust binding systems: €200.
- Dryer for ski clothes and boots: €1,900 ;
- Coat racks and hooks: €150;
- Shelves for accessories: €300;
- Benches or stools: €450.
This project to build a chalet in Les Houches, Chamonix Mont-Blanc, is worth €904,856.
Case study 2
The second owner purchased a 691m² plot in Les Houches for €1,934.
- Total cost of the plot: €1,336,394;
- Estate agency fees: 3.5% of the land price, €46,773;
- Notary fees: €126,957, 9.5% of the total cost of the plot.
Development of the site, which has major accessibility problems:
- Electricity connection: €3,000;
- Drinking water connection: €4,500;
- Gas connection: €10,500;
- Sewerage connection: €13,600.
The owner approached an architect who worked with a project manager.
- Total value of the project: €1 million;
- Architect’s fees: €31,500;
- Project manager’s fees: 9% of the project value, €90,000;
- Planning permission: 1.5% of the project value, €15,000.
The chalet’s interior will be designed to attract guests looking for maximum comfort.
- Installation of solar panels: €55,000;
- Intelligent windows: €67,000;
- Indoor swimming pool: €134,000;
- Suites with private sauna: €94,000.
This building project in Argentières adds up to €2,900,000
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Argentière?
Case study 1
The first owner decided to build a mid-range chalet in La Frasse, an area with recognised appeal. They chose a 370m² plot for €790/m².
- Land price: €292,300;
- Notary fees: €20,461, representing 7% of the land price.
The site is on a slope, which means that earthworks are required to ensure the stability of the chalet.
- Cost of earthworks and stabilisation: €18,000;
- Electricity connection: €2,100;
- Drinking water connection: €1,500;
- Gas connection: €2,600;
- Sewerage connection: €2,100.
The owner wanted to create a chalet focused on relaxation and well-being and opted for a modern approach with touches of Scandinavian style. They worked with a builder known for their expertise in mountain construction.
- Cost of building and furnishing the chalet: €510,000;
- Cost of the wellness area: €39,000;
- Outdoor wooden Nordic bath: €9,500;
- Outdoor mood lighting for the terrace: €2,000.
The owner wants to integrate an open kitchen with a wine bar into the chalet’s living area. They’re banking on local gastronomy and several partnerships with local restaurateurs to attract guests with a love of good food.
- Cost of the fully-equipped kitchen with wine bar, excluding bottles: €70,000.
This chalet construction project in Argentière, Chamonix Mont-Blanc, will cost €969,561.
Case study 2
This owner is buying a plot of land in Les Grands Montets, near the slopes. The plot covers 654m² for 968€/m².
- Land price: €633,072;
- Notary fees: €50,645, 8% of the total price of the plot.
The plot is already fully serviced: the previous owner had started work on it but the project was abandoned.
The owner uses a builder and an architect who work together.
- Value of the design and build project: €1.5 million;
- Furnishings: €384,000;
- Decoration: €110,000.
This project to build a chalet in Argentière, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, amounts to €2,677,000.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Les Bosson?
Case study 1
This owner intends to build a chalet in Les Bossons, preferably in a slightly outlying residential area.
They are buying a 313m² plot of land, offered at €500 per m².
- Land price: €156,500;
- Notary fees: €12,520, 8% of the purchase price;
- Planning permission, 1.5% of the total price of the plot: €2,347.
The plot is relatively flat and presents no obstacles to construction. It is already serviced.
The owner wants to attract guests who travel with their pets. They’re working with a builder, who in turn is working with an interior designer specialising in this type of project.
- Total cost of the project, including furnishings and decoration: €696,000;
- Cost of a made-to-measure pet-friendly rest area: €9,000;
- Installation of a giant cat tree on an interior wall: €4,500;
- Outdoor shower: €3,000;
- Drying and grooming area: €6,200;
- Securing the garden with a suitable fence: €8,500;
- Various toys: €300;
- Accessories and other supplies: €1,500.
This project to build a chalet in Les Bossons, Chamonix Mont-Blanc, costs €900,367.
Case study 2
The second owner is looking for an investment opportunity in Les Bossons. They found a partially serviced plot of 571m² at 678€/m².
- Total price of the plot: €387,138 ;
- Notary fees: €27,099, 7% of the total price of the plot;
- Gas connection: €5,700;
- Sewerage connection: €6,200;
- Planning permission, 1.7% of the plot price: €6,581.
- Notary fees: €27,099, 7% of the total price of the plot;
- Gas connection: €5,700;
- Sewerage connection: €6,200;
- Planning permission, 1.7% of the plot price: €6,581.
The owner hired a well-known local architect to design a modern chalet with luxury features.
- Total cost of the project, including furnishings and decoration: €1.1 million;
- Architect’s fees: €30,000.
The owner wants the guests to feel as if they are in their own space, totally cut off from the outside world.
- Indoor spa with steam room: €45,000;
- Fully-equipped fitness room: €15,000;
- Top-of-the-range security system: €18,000;
- Garage with lift to guarantee total privacy for holidaymakers: €65,000;
- Private cinema: €32,000;
- Indoor mini-golf course: €23,000;
- Installation of an airlock to receive deliveries without leaving the chalet: €19,000.
This chalet construction project at Les Bossons in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc will cost €1,774,000.
Thanks to these case studies, we can conclude:
- Regardless of the commune in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the price of building a mid-range chalet sleeping 8 will average between €900,000 and €1 million.
- The cost of building a larger chalet in a sought-after area (usually at the foot of the slopes) is closer to €2.5 to €3.5 million. However, it is possible to find more affordable land in Les Bossons, and so envisage a building project costing less than €2 million.
If you’d like some advice on your rental investment project, don’t hesitate to contact OVO Network. With over 200 chalets under rental management, OVO Network can help you make the most of your mountain investment.
Find out how much you can earn by renting out your property using our rental income calculator.
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