I have an option on a parcel of land near the west coast of France. The land has planning permission to build a house on it. I would like to ask members of the community if they crude ideas as to what a typical build cost would be per square meter in this area. I want to do some initial calculations and clearly an idea of build costs would help.

Hi Mike, there are alot of 'package' build companies in France which the French tend to use alot for their new homes, they charge around 1100-1200 euros per m2 but you will be required to paint it, fit kitchen and pay seperately for services, landscaping etc - see www.maisons-france-confort.com as an example.

We got quotes from some of the German companies for a package and they work out around 1700-1800 euros per m2 for the entire package but you get a great contemporary house with super finish, including kitchen. They will help you with all the planning issues in France and deliver/erect house etc in France but they will require you to have the slab built first and install services as appropriate - see www.KD-haus.co.uk as an example.

We haven't got as far as quotes from individual builders so can't help with that I'm afraid.

Jo

Hi Jo,
Most helpful - Thanks alot. I like the idea of the German package and will explore further. Do you know if there are any labour restrictions for bringing in lower cost labour?

I'm sorry Mike, I don't know anything about employing labour in France, other than I know to start a business in France is quite tough - lots of paperwork to produce and I believe you have to prove you have used registered labour to get a house registered for Habitation ie have services connected etc. There is alot of this sort of info on Anglo Info forum.

If you use the German companies they will come and do all the work in the price - about 100 times faster than UK builders do!!!

You also have to employ an Architect if the house is over a certain size - about 130m2 I think in order to get a Planning Approval. When you get a Permis de Construire (Build Permit) this is only like Outline Planning Permission and you need to get the detailed consent - much like here. They will want to know all sorts of details at that stage.

Jo

Once again thanks. The house I'm planning will probably be in the order of 300 sq mtrs internal with maybe a basement of 120-150sq mtrs. I already have some 'tame' architects that I can use. With regard to planning - This is in process and proceeding well. I guess it is just down to the numbers now and putting a capable project manager in place. No panic on timing - I can take my time with it - unlike your barn !!

Good luck Mike, sounds an exciting project.

Jo

Thanks again Jo. I will keep you posted as things develop. All the best for now.