The potential advantages of choosing to build a chalet rather than buy, whether in Les Sybelles 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 Les Sybelles ski area. They have looked at several communes to give you the lowdown on the details of the construction costs of two chalets for seasonal rental.
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.
The initial data for each case study are as follows:
- A chalet for 8 people, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an indoor sauna and an outdoor jacuzzi, 145mยฒ of living space, in a middle area of Les Sybelles, with a cosy decor;
- A chalet for 14 people, 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 325mยฒ 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 La Toussuire ?
Case study 1
Owner 1 acquires a plot of land in Les Plans, a district of La Toussuire close to amenities but affordable from a real estate point of view. The land extends over 354mยฒ for 576 โฌ/mยฒ.
- Total land price: โฌ203,904;
- Notary fees: โฌ16,312, or 8% of the purchase price of the land.
The servicing of the plot presents some obstacles.
- Electricity connection: โฌ3,000;
- Drinking water connection: โฌ2,500;
- Gas connection: โฌ6,500;
- Connection to sewerage: โฌ4,000.
The owner wants a classic construction and layout for his chalet. However, he wants to set up some ecological and sustainable facilities. He wants to respect the environment, but also to be able to save on his costs in the long term.
- Architectโs fee: โฌ22,000;
- Construction and builderโs fees: โฌ320,000;
- Furniture and decoration: โฌ142,000;
- Installation of solar panels: โฌ27,000;
- Rainwater collector: โฌ9,500;
- Ecological insulation: โฌ20,000;
- Creation of an outdoor green wall: โฌ15,000;
- Development of the land respecting the local flora: โฌ25,000.
This chalet construction project in La Toussuire, Les Sybelles, amounts to โฌ816,716
Case study 2
Owner 2 has acquired a quiet plot of land in Hauts de la Comborciรจre, a very fashionable area of La Toussuire. This plot of 723mยฒ cost โฌ952/mยฒ.
- Total cost of the land: โฌ688,296;
- Estate agency fees: 3.7% of the price of the land, or โฌ 25,466;
- Notary fees: โฌ48,180, or 7% of the price of the land.
- Chalet design and construction: โฌ780,000;
- Professional fees: โฌ103,000.
The owner wants to give a Scandinavian flavour to his chalet, both in terms of wellness facilities and decoration.
- Scandinavian decoration: โฌ84,000;
- Private spa facilities: โฌ95,000;
- Construction of an annex for hot yoga sessions: โฌ33,000;
- Installation of an outdoor jacuzzi: โฌ45,000;
- Purchase of weighted duvets and adjustable temperature mattresses: โฌ30,000;
- Nordic ambient lighting throughout the chalet for a soothing atmosphere: โฌ15,000;
- Equipping a gym: โฌ50,000;
- Meditation room with accessories: โฌ7,900.
This project to build a chalet in La Toussuire, Les Sybelles, amounts to 2 million euros.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Le Corbier?
Case study 1
This owner has bought a 368mยฒ plot of land, at โฌ214/mยฒ in Les Mรฉlรจzes, halfway between the busiest areas and quiet neighborhoods.
- Total price of the land: โฌ78,752;
- Notary fees: โฌ7,087, or 9% of the purchase price.
ERDF had to be called in to review the gas network: experts who came to the field found various problems.
- Redesign of the network: โฌ5,800.
The owner wants to rent very quickly. He is working with an architect who will take care of the design of the project, but also the building permit. This architect will also oversee the work.
- Architectโs price, including construction, furnishings and fees: โฌ513,000;
- Decoration (lighting, details, accessoriesโฆ): โฌ31,000.
He wants the chalet to be particularly suitable for families, especially those with small children.
- Child safety accessories, indoor and outdoor: โฌ5,000;
- Development of a master bedroom with a cot: โฌ11,000;
- Setting up a small nursery: โฌ15,000;
- Purchase of a special infant mattress: โฌ460;
- Purchase of a babycam with breath detection: โฌ350.
The total cost of the construction of this chalet in Le Corbier, Sybelles, is โฌ667,449
Case study 2
This owner used an estate agent to buy land at the Front de Neige, an area at the foot of the slopes. The land is 612mยฒ, for โฌ303/mยฒ.
- Total price of the land: โฌ261,300;
- Estate agency fees: 5% of the price of the land, or โฌ13,065;
- Notary fees: โฌ21,300, or 8% of the total price of the land.
- Chalet construction, including furnishings and decoration: โฌ789,000.
The owner himself will occupy his chalet for a few weeks a year during the high season. The accommodation will therefore be rented mostly in off-season. He wants to offer his guests activities other than winter sports.
The buyer plans to create a mini health trail in the garden of his chalet. This fitness trail would serve as a warm-up for hikers wishing to join the walking trail that passes just a short walk from the chalet.
- Levelling work on the entire outdoor area: โฌ25,600;
- Gravel for the trail: โฌ3,700;
- Landscaping: โฌ2,500;
- Creation and installation of explanatory panels for the exercise trail: โฌ1,500;
- Installation of sports equipment: โฌ5,000;
- Development of a multi-sport area; โฌ13,000;
- Outdoor pool: โฌ57,000;
- Fleet of mountain bikes for amateur cyclists: โฌ10,000.
This project to build a chalet in Le Corbier, Les Sybelles, will cost โฌ1,200,000
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Les Bottiรจres ?
Case study 1
The owner acquires land in Les Arolles, a sector that attracts customers looking for a good compromise between comfort and budget. This 405mยฒ plot sold for โฌ370/mยฒ.
- Price of the land: โฌ149,850;
- Notary fees: โฌ11,988 or 8% of the total price of the land.
The plot is already serviced
The owner wants to create a chalet focused on well-being and relaxation. In addition, he wants to optimize the chalet and outdoor spaces to highlight the view of the mountains.
- Design and construction: โฌ410,000;
- Heated panoramic terrace with outdoor jacuzzi: โฌ85,000;
- Landscape architect fee: โฌ30,000;
- Creation of a relaxation room with sauna and mountain views: โฌ40,000;
- Modern and elegant furniture: โฌ90,000.
The total cost of this construction project in Les Bottiรจres, Les Sybelles, is โฌ816,838.
Case study 2
This owner acquires a piece of land in Les Roches, a high-altitude neighborhood known for its calm. This land cost โฌ568/mยฒ and extends over 630mยฒ.
- Land price: โฌ357,840;
- Notary fees: โฌ28,627, or 8% of the total price of the land.
The land is already fully serviced, thanks to the work undertaken by the former owner.
The owner will collaborate with a builder and an architect working in tandem. Together, they create a tailor-made project with a total value of โฌ1.2 million, including fees, furniture, decoration and landscaping of outdoor spaces.
This construction project in Les Bottiรจres, Les Sybelles, amounts to โฌ2.086 million.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Saint-Colomban-des-Villards ?
Case study 1
The owner acquires a building plot in Les Grands Moulins, a mid-range district of Saint Colomban des Villards. This 313mยณ plot is worth โฌ175 per square metre.
- Total price of the land: โฌ54,775;
- Notary fees: โฌ4,382, or 8% of the price of the land.
The owner wishes to offer her future guests an exceptional wellness experience.
- Chalet design and construction: โฌ272,000;
- Architectโs fee: โฌ15,000;
- Wellness area with outdoor jacuzzi: โฌ70,000;
- Infrared sauna: โฌ26,000;
- Relaxation room with panoramic view: โฌ30,000;
- Modern and comfortable furniture: โฌ110,000.
The chalet will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to enhance the comfort and convenience of residents.
- Home automation system for light controls, heating and security: โฌ20,000;
- Intelligent LED lighting with different moods: โฌ15,000;
- Broadband connection and integrated audio system in each room: โฌ12,000.
This chalet construction project in Saint-Colomban-des-Villards, aux Sybelles, amounts to โฌ629,157.
Case study 2
The owner buys land at Chef-Lieu โ a plot of 800mยฒ at โฌ263/mยฒ. This area, with its authentic charm and traditional houses, is the historic centre of Saint-Colomban-des-Villards. It is the perfect place to host corporate events.
- Land price: โฌ210,400;
- Notary fees: โฌ16,832 or 8% of the total price of the land.
Services: sewerage was already connected and the inspection revealed no anomalies.
- Electricity connection: โฌ9,300;
- Drinking water connection: โฌ4,500;
- Gas connection: โฌ5,500.
The owner hired a reputable architect in the area, who herself worked closely with a contractor.
- Total project amount, decoration included: โฌ985,000;
- Architectโs fees, 7% of the project: โฌ59,850;
- Contractorโs fees, 6% of the project: โฌ51,300;
- Building permit, 1.5% of the project value: โฌ12,825.
The owner wants a chalet that combines comfort for working days and maximum relaxation for moments of rest.
- Outdoor basketball court: โฌ15,000;
- Fully equipped state-of-the-art meeting room (decoration, leather chairs, minibar, projection, audio, computers, etc.): โฌ83,000;
- Walkway between first and second floor: โฌ6,500;
- Cinema room, including sound insulation: โฌ34,000;
- Secure wine cellar: โฌ18,000 excluding bottles;
- Full outdoor spa, sauna, hammam, jacuzzi: โฌ73,000;
- Two indoor saunas for 6 people: โฌ28,000.
- An indoor game room with billiards, table football, table tennis: โฌ67,000.
This chalet construction project in Saint-Colomban-des-Villards, in Les Sybelles, amounts to โฌ1,680,000.
How much will it cost to build a chalet in Saint-Jean-dโArves ?
Case study 1
This owner is looking for an ideal plot to build her seasonal rental cottage in Saint-Jean-dโArves. She works with an estate agency, which finds a plot, already serviced, of 421mยฒ in Les รmenges, at โฌ299/mยฒ.
- Total price of the land: โฌ;125,879;
- Agency fees: โฌ6,293, or 5% of the purchase price;
- Notary fees: โฌ8,111, or 7% of the total price of the land;
- Construction of the rustic chalet with local materials: โฌ300,000;
- Building permit, 1.8% of the cost of the construction project established by the builder: โฌ5,400.
The owner wants to create a chalet that combines the rustic charm of traditional chalets with a modern and refined interior design, targeting a young clientele, including groups of friends looking for adventure.
- Modern interior design with touches of wood and metal: โฌ30,000;
- Design and comfortable furnishings: โฌ120,000;
- Outdoor area with jacuzzi, barbecue, table tennis and relaxation furniture: โฌ50,000.
The total cost of this chalet construction project in Saint Jean dโArves is โฌ645,683.
Case study 2
This owner acquired a remote plot in Le Chal, an area close to the slopes. The 650mยฒ plot was acquired at โฌ353/mยฒ.
- Total cost of the land: โฌ229,450.
- Estate agency fees: 4.2% of the price of the land, or โฌ9,636;
- Notary fees: โฌ18,356, or 8% of the total cost of the land.
The owner has the vision of a transparent chalet, silent and connected with nature.
- Construction of a modern chalet: โฌ940,000;
- Installation of smart bay windows to regulate opacity: โฌ90,000;
- Development of an outdoor terrace with comfortable furniture to enjoy the landscape: โฌ35,000;
- Creation of a campfire space for outdoor evenings: โฌ19,000;
- Installation of three small rooms with reinforced sound insulation: โฌ66,000;
- Meditation room (decoration and accessories): โฌ16,000;
- Indoor and outdoor spa facilities: โฌ100,000;
- Pyramid for outdoor meditation: โฌ700.
This project to build a chalet in Saint-Jean-dโArves, Les Sybelles, amounts to โฌ1,524,000.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Saint-Sorlin-dโArves?
Case study 1
The owner decides to invest in Saint-Sorlin-dโArves, in Les Sybelles.
They buy a 380mยฒ plot in the Chalmettes district, for a price of โฌ779/mยฒ. This plot is near a hiking trail.
- Total price of the land: โฌ296,020;
- Notary fees: โฌ23,681, or 8% of the purchase price of the land.
The owner wants to attract holidaymakers who are not necessarily keen on winter sports, or those looking for a rental in low season. She wants them to be able to enjoy other outdoor activities.
- Chalet construction: โฌ350,000;
- Architectโs fee: โฌ55,000;
- Warm interior design with modern comfort elements: โฌ30,000;
- Furniture: โฌ120,000.
- Secure bicycle storage room: โฌ10,000;
- Premium mountain bike fleet: โฌ15,000;
- Barbecue area and garden furniture: โฌ15,000;
- Relaxation area with hammocks and campfire area: โฌ10,000.
The total cost of this construction project in Saint-Sorlin-dโArves is โฌ924 701.
Case study 2
The owner acquires a 560mยฒ plot of land, at โฌ1,530/mยฒ, in Le Bourg, the historic heart of Saint-Sorlin-dโArves.
- Total land cost: โฌ856,800;
- Notary fees: โฌ68,544, or 8% of the total price of the land.
Services:
- Connection of electricity: โฌ3,000;
- Connection of drinking water: โฌ3,500;
- Connection of gas: โฌ2,800;
- Sewerage connection: โฌ4,600.
The owner uses an architect who works with a project manager.
- Total project amount: โฌ665,000;
- Furniture and decoration, with second-hand objects or antiques: โฌ150,000;
- Architectโs fee: โฌ21,500;
- Prime contractor rates, 13% of the project, โฌ86,450;
- Building permit: 1.5% of the project value or โฌ9,975.
The owner has a sustainable vision for his chalet. He wants to minimize his carbon footprint as far as possible and attract customers sympathetic to this lifestyle.
- Installation of solar panels for renewable energy supply: โฌ45,000;
- Interior plant walls: โฌ14,000.
- Indoor and outdoor composters: โฌ3,000;
- Rainwater recovery system: โฌ12,000.
- Provision of electric bikes for holidaymakers: โฌ15,000;
- Provision of a cargo bike to walk with young children: โฌ1,800.
This construction project in Saint-Sorlin-dโArves, Sybelles, amounts to โฌ1,962,000.
From the case studies we have just analysed, we can conclude:
- Whatever the area of Les Sybelles, the construction price of a mid-range chalet with a capacity of 8 people will average between โฌ620,000 and โฌ820,000.
- The cost of building a larger chalet in a popular area (at the foot of the slopes or downtown) is closer to 1.2 to 2 million euros.
- Some stations have an extremely wide range of prices per square meter, which can significantly increase the costs of your construction project. In Saint-Sorlin dโArves, for example, the land varies between 200 and nearly 2,000 โฌ/mยฒ.
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.
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