The potential advantages of choosing to build a chalet rather than buy, whether in Les 3 Vallées or elsewhere, are numerous: tax advantages, building it to your own requirements, and better amortisation of maintenance costs over the long term. 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 the 3 Vallées ski area.
Are you planning to build a chalet? Our performance consultants will support you every step of the way, helping turn your vision into a successful project.
Here are the details of the case studies we investigated:
- A chalet for 8 people, with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an indoor sauna and an outdoor hot tub, 145m² of living space, in an average area of the Portes du Soleil, with a cosy decor;
- A 14-person chalet, with 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 325m² of living space, wellness facilities, a spacious living room designed for large groups (family reunions or business events) in a high-demand area near the ski slopes, with top-of-the-range finishes and more work in the decor.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Courchevel
Case study 1
The first owner decided to invest in a plot of land in Courchevel 1550, also known as Courchevel Village, an area with a good location and reputation. She selected a 278m² plot at €750/m².
- Cost of the plot: 208,500€;
- Notary fees: 18,765€, or 9% of the price of the plot;
- Planning permission: 2% of the plot price: 4,170€.
The plot has no particular problems. It requires partial servicing.
- Electricity connection: 2,800€;
- Gas connection: 2,000€;
- Sewerage connection: 2,500€.
The owner wanted to create a modern, family-friendly chalet with a focus on outdoor activities. She called in an architect who specialised in contemporary designs.
- Architect’s fees: 18,000€ ;
- Cost of construction and furnishings: 580,000€.
The chalet will be equipped with a games room and areas for family get-togethers.
- Cost of the games room: 25,000€ ;
- Built-in bookcase with reading corner: 8,500€ ;
- Modern fireplace: 15,000€.
A children’s play area will be set up in the garden, with safety equipment that complies with required standards.
- Cost of play area : 10,000€.
The cost of this project to build a chalet in Courchevel, in the 3 Vallées, is 895,235€.
Case study 1
The second owner has bought a plot of land in Courchevel 1650, one of the most upmarket areas of the resort. She bought a 760m² plot at 1,250€/m².
- Cost of the plot: 950,000€ ;
- Notary costs: 76,000€, or 8% of the plot price.
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 ensure that her chalet stands out from the competition, the owner wants to focus on well-being and relaxation.
- Construction and furnishing of the chalet: 970,000;
- Decoration: 89,000€;
- Installation of a sports room in an outdoor annex: 23,000€;
- Cost of gym equipment: 67,000€;
- Creation of private spa areas for each room: 385,000€;
- Landscaping to create a soothing atmosphere: 19,000€;
- Space for outdoor yoga: 5,000€;
- Exterior landscaping with swimming pool, spa, barbecue and terrace: 227,000€.
This project to build a chalet in Courchevel, in the 3 Vallées, will cost 2,782,000€.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Meribel?
Case study 1
The first owner decides to invest in a plot of land in Le Maz, a quiet, pleasant residential area in Méribel. He chose a 370m² plot at a price of 698€/m².
- Plot price: 258,260€ ;
- Notary costs: 18,078€ – 7% of the plot 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: 25,000€;
- Electricity connection: 2,000€;
- Drinking water connection: 1,800€;
- Gas connection: 2,500€;
- Sewerage connection: 2,200€.
The owner wanted to create a chalet focused on relaxation and well-being. He opted for a modern approach with touches of Scandinavian style. He worked with a builder renowned for his expertise in mountain construction.
- Cost of building and furnishing the chalet: 550,000€;
- Cost of the wellness area: 40,000€;
- Outdoor wooden Nordic bath: 8,000€;
- Outdoor mood lighting for the terrace: 2,500€.
The investor plans to work with a local chef so that his guests can enjoy a unique gastronomic experience. He therefore wants to create an sociable tasting area: an open kitchen with a wine bar.
- Cost of the kitchen and wine bar: 70,000€.
This project to build a chalet in Méribel, in the 3 Vallées, will cost 980,338€.
Case study 2
The second owner has acquired an exceptional plot of land in Méribel Centre. The 820m² plot was purchased at €1,180/m².
- Total cost of the plot: 967,600€;
- Estate agency fees: 4% of the land price: 38,704€;
- Notary fees: 77,408€, i.e. 8% of the total cost of the plot.
Site servicing (the site is relatively accessible):
- Electricity connection: 3,350€;
- Drinking water connection: 3,280€;
- Gas connection: 3,180€;
- Sewerage connection: 2,900€.
The owner wants to showcase local tradition. 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: 59,000€;
- Interior designer’s fees and furnishings: 370,000€;
- Cost of local crafts (joinery, ironwork, sculptures): 75,000€;
- Traditional-style interior decoration: 35,000€.
This project to build a chalet in Méribel, in the 3 Vallées, is worth 2,384,000€.
How much will it cost to build a chalet in Brides-les-Bains ?
Case study 1
Owner no. 1 decided to buy a plot of land in La Gare, an area of Brides-les-Bains close to all amenities. She went through an estate agent and decided on a 290m² plot, listed at 578€/m².
- Plot price: 167,620€;
- Estate agency fees: 5% of the land price, 8,381€;
- Notary fees: 13,409€, 8% of the purchase price of the land.
The plot is already partially serviced. It also has a slight slope. A detailed study is required to ensure the stability of the construction.
- Cost of earthworks and stabilisation: 11,000€;
- Connection to electricity: 2,200€;
- Drinking water connection: 1,800;
- Gas connection: 3,000€.
He then hired a local builder with a very good reputation in the region.
- Cost of building and furnishing the chalet: 550,000€;
- Interior decorator’s services: 34,000€ (fees + purchases).
The chalet will be equipped with a relaxation area and a spacious terrace. Both will be arranged so that holidaymakers can enjoy the view all around the chalet.
- Cost of the relaxation area and terrace: 45,000€;
- Landscaping of the alpine garden:15,000€.
This project to build a chalet in Brides-les-Bains, in the 3 Vallées region, will cost 851,410€.
Case study 2
Owner no. 2 bought a 578m² plot at €844/m² in Brides-les-Bains, at Le Pontet, an area prized for its charm, tranquillity and easy access to services.
- Total cost of the plot: 487,832€;
- Estate agency fees: 4.5% of the land price: 21,952€;
- Notary fees: 43,904€, i.e. 9% of the total cost of the plot;
- Site servicing work: 23,500€.
The owner is planning to build a chalet designed to host professional events (training, conferences, workshops, team-building).
- Total cost of the chalet (design, construction, furnishings, decoration): 990,000€;
- Interior fittings for meetings and training courses: 65,000€;
- Coworking space with state-of-the-art IT equipment: 88,000€;
- Fully-equipped meeting room (audio, video, professional furniture): 45,000€;
- Professional kitchen for catering services: 80,000€;
- Outdoor space for team-building activities: 35,000€;
- Exterior landscaping with spa, swimming pool, table tennis table and sports area: 250,000€.
The project to build a chalet in Brides-les-Bains, in the 3 Vallées region, will cost €2,130,000.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Orelle?
Case study 1
Owner no. 1 intends to build a chalet in Orelle, a district close to the town centre. He selected a 300m² plot at a cost of 570€/m².
- Land price: 171,000€;
- Notary fees: 16,245€, 9.5% of the land price.
The plot has a slight slope.
- Connection to electricity: 3,500€;
- Drinking water connection: 2,800€;
- Gas connection: 4,000€;
- Sewerage connection: 3,500€.
The owner wanted to create a top-of-the-range chalet focused on well-being and comfort. He took on a renowned architect to design a residence that combines contemporary elegance and mountain authenticity.
- Cost of building the chalet: 322,000€;
- Furnishings and decoration: 157,000€;
- Interior designer’s fees: 11,500€.
The chalet will feature a private spa including a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi and gym. A sophisticated home automation system will be installed to allow residents to control lighting, temperature and audiovisual systems.
- Cost of wellness area and spa: 87,000€;
- Home automation system: 25,000€.
The owner also decided to include an underground garage with a private lift to ensure easy and discreet access to the chalet.
- Cost of underground garage with lift: 60,000€.
This project to build a chalet in Orelle, at Les 3 Vallées, is worth €863,545.
Case study 2
This owner has purchased a plot of land in the centre of Orelle, close to the ski slopes. The land was purchased at 950€/m², for 670m².
- Total cost of the plot: 636,500€;
- Notary fees: 50,920€, representing 8% of the total price of the plot;
- Site servicing work: 19,000€.
The owner hired an architect, who in turn works closely with a project manager.
- Total cost of the project: 890,000€;
- Architect’s fees: 23,500€;
- Project manager’s fees, 11% of the project, 86,900€;
- Planning permission, 1.8% of project value: 16,020€;
- Spa and wellness facilities: 89,000€;
The owner wanted to create a unique chalet with an escape game room.
- Engagement of a company specialising in the creation of escape game scenarios: 25,000€;
- Fitting out the escape game room (puzzles, decor, audiovisual installations): 55,000€;
- Security system for the escape game: 9,000€;
- Creation of a game master application: 45,000€.
This project to build a chalet in Orelle, in the 3 Vallées, is estimated at €2,000,000.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Val Thorens?
Case study 1
Owner no. 1 wanted to build a unique chalet in Val Thorens. He chose Le Slalom, a well-known area, albeit slightly out of the town centre, and opted for a 370m² plot at 680€/m².
- Plot price: 251,600€ ;
- Notary costs: 22,644€, 9% of the plot price.
Servicing the plot presents no particular problems. All that is required is some light earthworks.
- Earthworks: 3,000€ ;
- Connecting electricity: 2,600€ ;
- Drinking water connection: 2,600€ ;
- Gas connection: 2,500€ ;
- Sewerage connection: 1,800€.
The owner wanted his chalet to stand out from the competition. He wanted a circular structure, with the entire living space arranged around a beautiful central fireplace. He is working with an architect who specialises in unique constructions.
- Design, construction and fitting out of the round chalet: 650,000€;
- Architect’s fees: 35,000€.
- Central fireplace: 23,000€;
- Custom panoramic windows: 25,000€.
This project to build a round chalet in Val Thorens, in the 3 Vallées, is priced at €1,020,000.
Case study 2
Owner no. 2 has acquired a scenic plot of land in Les Balcons, a highly sought-after area of Val Thorens. The 900m² plot was purchased for 1,090€/m².
- Total cost of the plot: 981,000€;
- Estate agency fees: 4% of the land price, 39,240€;
- Notary fees: 78,480€, 8% of the total cost of the plot.
The servicing and construction of the plot takes place in the usual way.
- Electricity connection: 3,350€;
- Drinking water connection: 3,280€;
- Gas connection: 3,180€;
- Sewerage connection: 2,900€;
- Construction of the chalet: 710,000€;
- Builder’s fee: 49,000€;
- Interior designer’s fees and furnishings: 390,000€.
The owner wanted to create a chalet designed for small weddings, with outdoor facilities for memorable ceremonies.
- Creation of an outdoor terrace for ceremonies: 45,000€;
- Installation of a small chapel, open all year round for weddings: 55,000€;
- Indoor hall with stage: 60,000€;
- Installation of an outdoor stage: 35,000€;
- Creation of a luxury bridal suite with panoramic views: 80,000€;
- Construction of a professional kitchen for the caterer: 70,000€.
- Dedicated dressing room for the bride and bridesmaids: 28,000€;
This project to build a chalet in Val Thorens, in the 3 Valleys, is estimated at 2,543,000€.
How much does it cost to built a chalet in Les Menuires ?
Case study 1
Owner no. 1 intends to build a chalet in Les Menuires, in Les Fontanettes, an area that offers affordable housing options close to the town centre. He is buying a 313m² plot of land, offered at 750€/m².
- Land price: 234,750€;
- Notary fees: 18,780€, 8% of the purchase price;
- Planning permission, 1.5% of the total price of the plot: 3,521€
The plot is relatively flat and presents no obstacles to construction. It is already serviced.
The owner wants to create a pet-friendly chalet. He is working with a builder, who in turn is working with an interior designer.
- Total cost of the project (design, construction and furnishings): 656,000€;
- Interior designer’s fees: 19,600€.
The owner opts for a dedicated rest area for pets, complete with heated beds, interactive toys and easy, secure access to the garden. An outdoor shower with hot water will be provided for cleaning up after walks.
- Cost of the pet-friendly rest area: 9,000€;
- Outdoor shower: 3,000€;
- Garden landscaping with adapted fencing: 10,000€;
- Various toys: 300€;
- Accessories and other supplies: 300€.
This project to build a chalet in Les Menuires, in the 3 Vallées region, comes to €955,251.
Case study 2
Owner no. 2 is buying a 560m² plot of land at €1030/m² in Les Menuires, in the highly sought-after Les Bruyères district.
- Total cost of the plot: 576,800€;
- Estate agency fees: 3.5% of the land price: 20,188€;
- Notary fees: 54,796€, 9.5% of the total cost of the plot.
Development of the site, which has major accessibility problems:
- Connection to electricity: 8,000€;
- Drinking water connection: 9,500€;
- Gas connection: 15,500€;
- Sewerage connection: 13,600€.
The owner called on the services of an architect working with a project manager.
- Total cost of the project: 805,000€;
- Architect’s fees: 21,500€;
- Project manager’s fees: 13% of the project value, 104,650€;
- Planning permission: 1.5% of the project value, 12,075€.
The owner has a sustainable vision for her chalet, wishing to minimise environmental impact while offering a welcoming space.
- Chalet furnishings: 440,000€;
- Handcrafted decorative items or antiques: 145,000€;
- Installation of solar panels for a renewable energy supply: 55,000€;
- Interior plant walls for ecological decoration: 30,000€.
- Rainwater recovery system for a sustainable garden: 12,000€.
She wants to go even further in the services it offers holidaymakers.
- Provision of electric bikes for holidaymakers: 15,000€;
- Provision of skis and snowboards: 7,000€.
The project to build a chalet in Les Menuires, in the 3 Vallées region, is worth €2,345,000.
Thanks to the case studies we have just analysed, we can come to the following conclusions:
- Whatever the commune in the 3 Vallées, the price of building a mid-range chalet sleeping 8 will average between €900,000 and €1.1 million. The move from the low to the high end will depend on whether or not you set out to create a distinctive identity for your chalet, equipping it with particular elements that will constitute its brand image;
- The cost of building a top-of-the-range chalet in the 3 Valleys, with a large capacity and in a sought-after area (generally at the foot of the slopes) will be in the region of 2.3 to 3 million euros. Depending on the type of clientele you are targeting, the investment could quickly exceed €3 million.
Are you planning to build a chalet? Our performance consultants will support you every step of the way, helping turn your vision into a successful project.
Find out how much you can earn by renting out your property using our free rental income calculator.
And for property management tips, expert commentary and the latest news from the holiday rental industry, subscribe to our Industry Insider Newsletter.
Did this article appeal to you? Check out other related topics such as:
