In theory, the advantages of choosing to build a chalet rather than buy, in the Lake Annecy area are numerous: tax advantages, building it to your own requirements, and better amortisation of maintenance costs over the long term.
We’ve also looked into the various 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, focusing here on various communes in the Lake Annecy area
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 an average area around Lake Annecy, with a cosy decor;
- A chalet for 14 people, 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 325m² of living space, wellness facilities, and 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 property in Annecy?
Case study 1
The first owner is buying a plot of land in Cran-Gevrier, a very comfortable area just a short distance from the town centre. The plot measures 250m², at 833€/m².
- Total price of the plot: €208,250;
- Notary fees: €18,742, 9% of the purchase price;
- Land servicing: €13,000.
The owner uses a builder.
- Builder’s price: €320,000;
- Planning permission: 1.4% of the value of the chalet, €4,480;
- Planning permission for the terrace: €2,500;
- Furnishings and decoration excluding terrace: €133,000.
The outdoor spaces are small and almost entirely wooded. There is little room to install a swimming pool or spa, which would in any case be quickly damaged by the tree roots. The owner wanted to turn this weakness into a selling point. He commissioned the design of a charming 40m² terrace, to be arranged around the existing trees, to create a cosy, intimate atmosphere.
- Tree allowance for 40m²: €2,300;
- Specialist architect’s fees for plans: €3,400;
- Specialist tradesmen and joiners to install the made-to-measure terrace: €13,800;
- Price of raw materials: €100 per square metre, a total of €5,000-worth of wood;
- Exterior decorator to decorate the terrace: €900 for a mood board;
- Value of decorative accessories including lighting, faux fur rugs and a designer coffee table: €17,000;
- Small outdoor jacuzzi: €2,800.
This chalet construction project in Annecy will cost €745,172
Case study 2
The second owner is buying a plot of land on the shores of Lake Annecy. The chalet will have direct access to the lake and an unbeatable view. The 560m² plot was purchased for €2,256/m².
- Total cost of the plot: €1,263,360;
- Estate agency fees: 4% of the land price, €50,534;
- Notary fees: €88,435, 7% of the total cost of the plot.
The owner works with a builder and an interior designer.
- Builder’s price: €950,000;
- Planning permission: 1.4% of the value of the chalet, €47,000;
- Furnishings and decoration excluding terrace: €343,000.
The owner wants to make the most of the proximity to the lake.
- Fitting out a storage area for sailing equipment: €35,000.
- Purchase of kayaks, pedalos and canoes for holidaymakers: €46,000;
- Terrace with direct access to the lake: €58,000;
- Levelling of a fishing area: €12,000;
- Fishing equipment: €14,000;
- Construction of a shelter and furnishings: €6,000.
This project to build a chalet on the shores of Lake Annecy is estimated to cost €2,900,000.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Talloires?
Case study 1
This owner wanted to build a family chalet in Menthonnet, a very friendly and lively area. She envisaged an indoor and outdoor play area where families can enjoy an unforgettable holiday with their children.
She bought a 320m² plot for €333/m².
- Total price of the plot: €106,560;
- Notary fees: €8,524, 8% of the purchase price of the land.
The investor hires professionals to design, build and decorate the interior of the chalet.
- Construction of a family chalet with safety features for children: €380,000;
- Colourful interior decoration: €60,000;
- Family-friendly furnishings: €90,000;
- Games room with board games, consoles and reading corner: €25,000;
- Themed children’s bedroom with bunk beds and play area: €15,000.
Outside, there will be a play area so that children can enjoy the great outdoors.
- Wooden tree house with slide: €20,000;
- Play area with swings and sandpit: €15,000;
- Fencing around the outdoor area to ensure children’s safety: €8,000.
The total cost of this building project in Talloires, on Lake Annecy, is €728,084.
Case study 2
The second owner has acquired an exceptional plot of land in Angon, an area on the edge of the lake, much sought-after for its peace and quiet, as well as its proximity to nature. The 620m² plot was purchased for 800€/m².
- Total cost of the plot: €496,000;
- Estate agency fees: 4% of the price of the plot: €19,840;
- Notary fees: €39,680, 8% of the total price of the plot.
Connecting services did not present any particular problems:
- Connection to electricity: €2,150;
- Drinking water connection: €3,280;
- Gas connection: €3,500;
- Sewerage connection: €2,000.
The owner is keen to highlight local traditions. He plans to work with local craftsmen to incorporate authentic decorative elements. He is also calling on a builder and an interior designer to design the chalet.
- Building the chalet: €750,000;
- Builder’s fee: €38,000;
- Interior designer’s fees and furnishings: €293,000;
- Purchase of local crafts (joinery, ironwork, sculptures): €75,000;
- Traditional-style interior decoration: €35,000.
The project to build a chalet in Talloires, on the shores of Lake Annecy, will cost €1,757,000.
How much does it cost to build a property in Veyrier-du Lac?
Case study 1
This owner found a building plot in Les Vignes, a pleasant area close to amenities. She bought a 298m² plot for 311€/m².
- Total price of the plot: €92,678;
- Notary fees: €7,414, 8% of the purchase price.
The builder worked with an interior designer and decorator.
- Total project cost: €456,000.
The owner wants her chalet to be equipped with top-of-the-range features for relaxation and well-being.
- Indoor spa area with sauna, steam room and hot tub: €50,000;
- Fully-equipped massage room: €20,000;
- Fitness room with modern equipment: €25,000;
- Heated outdoor swimming pool with mountain views: €89,000;
- Relaxation area around the pool with sun loungers and parasols: €16,000;
- Outdoor sauna: €15,000.
The total cost of this project to build a chalet in Veyrier du Lac, on Lake Annecy, is €771,092.
Case study 2
The second owner is buying a 560m² plot at the harbour at €581 per m².
- Land price: €325,360;
- Notary fees: €27,655 8.5% of the total price of the plot.
The plot is already partially serviced.
- Levelling work: €24,000;
- Connecting services: €5,600.
This owner brought in an architect, who, in turn, worked with a project manager.
- Total cost of the project (including furnishings and decoration): €1 million;
- Architect’s fees: €28,500;
- Project manager’s fees: €66,600;
- Planning permission: €13,320.
The owner is targeting a particular category of guest: professionals on business trips or organising seminars, training courses or other corporate events.
- Outdoor sports field: €19,000;
- IT and multimedia equipment for the hall: €39,000;
- Top-of-the-range kitchen appliances: €79,000;
- Large table football table: €1,300;
- Table tennis table: €1,500;
- Complete top-of-the-range outdoor spa for 12 people: €59,500;
- Indoor swimming pool with massage jets for 8 people: €105,000.
This chalet project to build in Veyrier-du-Lac, on Lake Annecy, will cost €1,795,000.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Menthon ?
Case study 1
Owner no. 1 is buying a sunny, south-facing plot of 392m², costing 168€/m². The plot is located in Les Glières, a small neighbourhood within easy reach of amenities and the lake.
- Total price of the plot: €65,856;
- Notary fees: €4,609, 7% of the price of the plot.
The owner wants his chalet to be based on self-sufficiency, with a large vegetable garden and a greenhouse so that holidaymakers can pick their fruit and vegetables right outside their windows.
- Construction of an eco-responsible chalet with adjoining greenhouse: €360,000;
- Interior decoration inspired by nature: €28,000;
- Durable, comfortable furnishings: €100,000;
- Fitting out the greenhouse (planting tables, tools, plants): €12,000;
- Open-air vegetable garden: €7,000;
- Organic farming equipment: €10,000;
- Compost bin to reduce food waste: €3,000;
- Rainwater recovery system for watering the garden: €8,000.
The total cost of this project to build a chalet in Menthon, on Lake Annecy, is €598,465.
Case study 2
The second owner has purchased a plot of land ideally located in Les Moulins, a district very close to the lake. The 588m² plot was purchased at €220/m².
- Total cost of the plot: €129,360;
- Notary fees: €10,995, 8.5% of the total price of the plot.
The owner wants to delegate the design and management of the chalet as far as possible, with the aim of letting it out as soon as possible.
- Engaging a turnkey construction company to carry out a market study and design the chalet: €234,000;
- Outsourcing of administrative management: €22,000;
- Construction of the chalet: €780,000;
- Fees for an architect and interior designer: €51,000;
- Furnishings and decoration: €256,000.
The project to build a chalet in Menthon, on Lake Annecy, will cost €1,300,000.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Sévrier?
Case study 1
This owner buys a 304m² plot of land at €388/m² in Les Pommaries.
- Total price of the plot: €117,952;
- Notary fees: €9,436, 8% of the purchase price.
He wanted to design a classic chalet and set it apart by reserving a room for the arts, equipped for painters or sculptors, with a view over Lake Annecy.
- Construction of the chalet: €290,000;
- Interior decoration inspired by local craftsmanship: €30,000;
- Comfortable, authentic furnishings: €110,000;
- Patio window in the art room: €60,000;
- Easels, canvases and various art supplies: €10,000;
- Storage space for works in progress: €2,000.
The total cost of this project to build a chalet in Sévrier, in the Lac d’Annecy area, is €647,388.
Case study 2
This owner purchased a plot of land at Clos du Prés, on the edge of the lake. The land was purchased at €1,400/m², for 500m².
- Total cost of the plot: €700,000;
- Notary fees: €56,000, representing 8% of the total price of the plot;
- Site servicing work: €15,000.
The owner calls in an architect, who works closely with a project manager.
- Total cost of the project: €690,000;
- Architect’s fees: €23,500;
- Project manager’s fees: 11% of the project value, €75,900;
- Planning permission: 1.8% of the project value, €12,420;
- Spa and wellness facilities: €89,000;
- Professional decoration: €59,000.
The owner wanted to create a unique chalet with an observatory in the attic.
- Decorating the observatory and workshop: €28,000;
- Telescopes: €7,800;
- Telescope stands: €950;
- Eyepieces: 800€;
- Filters: 770€;
- Computer + celestial mapping software: €2,500;
- Overhead projector: 350€ ;
- Red lighting: €100;
- Outdoor observation space (naked eye): €6,000.
The project to build a chalet in Sévrier, on Lake Annecy, amounts to €1,768,000.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Doussard?
Case study 1
The owner is buying a plot of land at Les Glaisins, Doussard, that is already fully serviced. It’s a small plot of 250m², for 493€/m².
- Land price: €123,250;
- Notary fees: €12,325, i.e. 10% of the total price of the plot.
As the exterior spaces are not very large, the owner wants to make a greater effort in the interior decor to compensate. So he goes through a builder who works in partnership with an interior designer. Once the project has been approved, the contractors manage it from start to finish.
- Total value of the project: €506,000.
This project to build a chalet in Doussard, on Lake Annecy, will cost €641,575.
Case study 2
This owner is buying a building plot in Les Balcons du Lac, an elevated area with panoramic views over Lake Annecy. The plot covers 505m² at 656€/m².
- Land price: €331,280;
- Notary fees: €23,189, 7% of the total price of the plot.
Development of the site, which has access problems:
- Connection to electricity: €2,500;
- Drinking water connection: €6,500;
- Gas connection: €1,500;
- Sewerage connection: €3,300.
The owner used the services of an architect, who worked with a project manager.
- Total cost of the project, including furnishings: €820,000;
- Architect’s fees: €31,500;
- Project manager’s fees, 9% of the project: €64,800;
- Planning permission, 1.5% of project value, €10,800.
The owner also took on a landscaper to work on the outside spaces.
- Landscaper: €5,000.
The total cost of this building project in Doussard, on Lake Annecy, is €1,300,000.
Thanks to the case studies we have just analysed, we can conclude that:
- At Lake Annecy, the cost of building a mid-range chalet sleeping 8 will average between €650,000 and €750,000;
- The cost of building a larger chalet in a lakeside area will average €1.8 million;
- In all the villages around Annecy, you can find very affordable plots of land in pleasant neighbourhoods. However, the price per square metre rises considerably by the lake. In some places, it reaches €3,500 per square metre. It is this factor that considerably increases the cost of some building projects.
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.
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