The potential advantages of choosing to build a chalet rather than buy, whether in the Grand Massif 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 Grand Massif ski area. Commune by commune, they give you transparent 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 (bathroom), an indoor sauna and an outdoor jacuzzi, 145m² of living space, in a middle area of the Portes du Soleil, 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 Flaine?
Case study 1
The first owner is buying a plot of land in the Pelvoux district of Flaine. It’s an affordable area that is well located and popular with local residents. It’s a small plot of 250m², at 308€/m².
- Plot price: €77,000;
- Notary fees: €8,470, 11% of the total price of the plot.
All services are already connected.
As the outside spaces are not very large, the owner wants to focus on the interior decoration to compensate. She wanted the chalet to have a rustic winter sports feel. She went to a builder who worked with an interior designer. Once the project has been approved, the contractors manage the project from start to finish.
- Total value of the project: €506,000.
The owner asked for an impressive fireplace to be installed in the living room, as well as in two of the four bedrooms.
- Cost of the fireplaces: €32,000.
The owner has set up a partnership with a local business to simplify equipment hire. In addition, the week’s rental includes four hours of group lessons for beginners or guests who need a refresher course.
A fully-equipped ski room will be provided for easy storage of equipment.
- Storage for skis and snowboards: €550 ;
- Wall mounts or racks: €400 ;
- Robust binding systems: €200;
- Dryer for ski clothes and boots: €1,700;
- Coat racks or coat hooks: €150;
- Shelves for accessories: €300;
- Benches or stools: €450;
- Suitable lighting: €250.
This project to build a chalet in Flaine, at Grand Massif, adds up to €627,470.
Case study 2
This owner bought a plot in the Terrasses de Veret, an area described as prestigious by residents. The Terrasses de Veret combines panoramic mountain views with easy access to the slopes. The 845m² plot cost 664€/m².
- Land price: €561,080;
- Notary fees: €44,886, i.e. 8% of the total price of the plot.
There were access problems and costs to connect services:
- Connection to electricity: €6,500;
- Drinking water connection: €6,500;
- Gas connection: €14,500;
- Sewerage connection: €15,300.
The owner used the services of an architect, who works closely with a project manager.
- Total cost of the project, including furnishings: €840,000;
- Architect’s fees: €21,500;
- Project manager’s fees, 9% of the project: €75,600;
- Planning permission, 1.8% of the project value, €15,120.
The owner also used a landscaper to work on the outside areas,
- Landscaper: €4,000.
The total cost of this building project at Grand Massif in Flaine is €1,604,986.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Samoëns?
Case study 1
The first owner chose to buy a building plot in the quiet residential area of Les Allamands. It covers 462m² at a price of €388/m².
- Total price of the plot: €124,000;
- Notary fees: €9,800 8% of the purchase price.
The plot is slightly sloping and needs to be serviced.
- Connection to electricity: €2,000;
- Drinking water connection: €1,500;
- Gas connection: €2,300;
- Sewerage connection: €2,000.
The owner opted for an ecological approach and decided to design an eco-friendly chalet. The chalet was designed to showcase the outside space (large windows, wooden deck). The buyer decided to work with a builder specialising in sustainable buildings. He then called in an interior designer to maximise the use of eco-friendly materials.
- Builder’s price: €520,000;
- Architect’s fees: €15,000;
- Durable accessories and equipment: €7,000;
- Solar heating system: €15,000;
- Green roof for insulation: €12,500.
This project to build a chalet in Samoëns, at Grand Massif, is worth €711,100.
Case study 2
The second owner is buying a plot of land in Le Vallon, a popular area close to the town centre. The 785m² plot is being sold for €664/m².
- Total cost of the plot: €521,240;
- Estate agency fees (6% of the land price): €31,274;
- Notary’s fees: €44,305, 8.5% of the total price of the plot.
The investor plans to create a multi-purpose outdoor space dedicated to artistic events. This will attract travelling artists who need temporary accommodation while they are here. It will also capitalise on and promote the cultural aspect of the region.
- Removable stage and sound equipment: €35,000;
- Exterior lighting: €6,500;
- Outdoor signage to announce shows: €2,800.
The chalet will be decorated in a contemporary style and two of the bedrooms will be converted into dormitories to maximise the chalet’s capacity.
- Builder’s price: €470,000;
- Furnishings and decoration: €270,000.
The total cost of this building project in Samoëns, at Grand Massif, is €1,381,000.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Morillon?
Case study 1
The owner bought a plot of land in Morillon village. The 425m² plot cost 334€/m².
- Total price of the plot: €141,950 ;
- Notary fees: €12,775, 9% of the purchase price.
Site servicing (the site is relatively accessible):
- Connection to electricity: 1350€ ;
- Drinking water connection: €1,000;
- Gas connection: €1,780;
- Sewerage connection: €2,100.
The owner went through a builder and then called in an designer for the interior decoration. He wanted a rustic mountain decor, down to the smallest detail.
- Builder’s price: €350,000;
- Interior designer’s bill: €16,500;
- Planning permission: 1.8% of the value of the chalet: €6,300.
The rustic mountain theme was carried on through the decor.
- Rustic decoration and furnishings: €8,000 ;
- Installation of wood-burning stove: €3,000;
- Children’s dormitory room: €2,500;
- Materials, including beams: €6,000;
- Warm lighting: €1,500;
- Natural textiles, animal skin effect: €1,000;
- Photographs and artworks: €1,000.
The cost of the project to build a classic mountain chalet in Morillon, at Grand Massif, is €555,255.
Case study 2
The second owner has purchased a 900m² plot in Les Esserts, Morillon, at €537/m². This area is highly sought-after for its luxury chalets.
- Land price: €483,000;
- Notary fees: €33,831, 7% 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 called in a builder and an architect to work together. At their client’s request, the two will design a complete project costing €900,000.
A landscape gardener will also be working on the exterior to obscure the view of the nearest chalet. He will design a permanent barrier of vegetation, both in summer and winter.
- Cost of landscaper: €56,000.
This building project in Morillon, at Grand Massif, cost €1,472,000.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Les Carroz-d’Arâches?
Case study 1
The first owner acquires a 400m² plot of land at Les Servages, Les Carroz d’Arâches, for €298/m².
- Total price of the plot: €119,200;
- Notary fees: €9,536, representing 8% of the purchase price of the land.
Special efforts are being made to overcome accessibility problems at the site:
- Connection to electricity: €8,000;
- Drinking water connection: €9,000;
- Gas connection: €6,000;
- Sewerage connection: €8,000.
The owner calls on a builder who works with an interior designer.
- Builder: €320,0000;
- Interior designer: €6,500;
- Furnishing and decoration costs: €38,000.
The owner wants to make long-term savings on rental charges. That’s why he has decided to invest in the right facilities at the construction stage.
- Green roof: €20,000 ;
- Geothermal heating system: €31,000;
- Low-energy LED lighting: €9,000;
- Natural ventilation system: €18,000;
- Highly insulated double-glazed windows: €23,000.
This chalet construction project in Les Carroz-d’Arâches, Grand Massif, will cost €588,336.
Case study 2
Owner no. 2 was looking for an investment opportunity in Les Carroz d’Arâches, possibly in an affluent area such as Les Chalets de la Pia. He bought a 690m² plot of very steep land at 440€/m², offering splendid views over the valley.
- Total price of the plot: €303,600;
- Notary fees: €24,288 – 8% of the total price of the plot;
- Electricity connection: €4,500;
- Drinking water connection: €3,800;
- Gas connection: €5,700;
- Sewerage connection: €6,200;
- Planning permission: 1.7% of the plot, i.e. €5,161.
The owner decided to focus on leisure and well-being. He hired a well-known local architect to design a modern chalet with luxury facilities.
- Total cost of the project: €950,000;
- Architect’s fees: €30,000.
The chalet has an indoor swimming pool with panoramic views, a private cinema room and a top-of-the-range wine cellar.
- Indoor spa with steam room: €45,000;
- Fully-equipped fitness room: €15,000;
- Top-of-the-range security system: €18,000..
The project to build a chalet in Les Carroz-d’Arâches, Grand Massif, adds up to €1,411,000.
How much does it cost to build a chalet in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval?
Case study 1
Owner no. 1 is buying a plot of land in Le Fay, a popular area close to the centre of Sixt-Fer à Cheval. The plot measures 290m², and costs 320€/m².
- Total price of the plot: €92,800 ;
- Notary fees: €8,352, 9% of the purchase price.
Services:
- Connection to electricity: €2,350;
- Drinking water connection: €1,280;
- Gas connection: €3,180;
- Sewerage connection: €2,900.
Unfortunately, the high-speed internet connection, which is essential to attract guests who depend on reliable connectivity, is very unreliable.
The owner decided to install a satellite internet service at a cost of €7,000.
The rest of the project ran smoothly.
- Builder’s price: €310,000;
- Furnishings and decoration: €150,000;
- Exterior installations (trees and leisure equipment): €63,000.
This chalet construction project in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, Grand Massif, costs €640,862.
Cas numéro 2
The owner chose a plot of land in Le Fer-à-Cheval, a well-known area of Sixt close to hiking trails. The plot covers 750m² at 372€/m².
- Land price: €279,000;
- Notary fees: €22,320, 8% of the total price of the plot.
There were no particular problems connecting services.
- Connection to electricity: €1,350;
- Drinking water connection: €2,000;
- Gas connection: €1,980;
- Sewerage connection: €2,100.
The owner goes through a builder and hires an an interior designer for the interior decoration.
- Builder’s price: €433,000;
- Interior designer’s bill: €19,500;
- Planning permission: 1.8% of the value of the chalet – €8,100;
- Furnishings and decoration: €310,000.
The owner wanted to attract a fairly young clientele. He plans to install a computer room in his chalet with a large work surface in the centre (for creating plans or drawing) and a computer with a 49″ curved screen. He will also have a cinema or games room installed.
- Large central worktop: €1,200;
- Ergonomic chairs: €800;
- Art and creative equipment: €700;
- Adapted lighting: €300;
- Miscellaneous office supplies: €700;
- Computer with 49″ curved screen: €2,900;
- Additional computers: €3,500;
- Computer accessories (keyboards, mice, etc.): €500;
- High-resolution projector: €1,800;
The project to build a chalet in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, Grand Massif, adds up to €1,099,000.
Thanks to the case studies we have just analysed, we can conclude :
- Whichever Grand Massif commune you choose to build in, you’ll need to budget between €550,000 and €700,000 for a pleasant, comfortable mid-range chalet that sleeps 8. Whether or not you go from the low to the high end will depend on whether or not you equip your chalet with any special features to give it extra character (a ski room, library, ecological features, etc.).
- The cost of building a larger chalet in a popular area (usually at the foot of the slopes) is likely to be in the region of €1 to €1.5 million. Whatever the type of clientele you’re targeting, that’s how much it will cost for your property to qualify as a luxury chalet.
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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