Whether you want to buy or build a new house, its price per square meter gives an interesting indication of its cost. This price can vary according to many parameters: type of house, choice of builder, location, environmental standards… Not to mention the costs that we do not always think about, but which enter into the cost per square meter.
1 – What type of house do you want?
The price per square meter differs depending on whether it is a new house of the traditional or contemporary type, or an ecological house with a wooden frame, or passive, etc. If the average price of a house is currently hovering around 1500 euros per square meter, the actual price range is much wider. It should be noted that the prices are generally indicated excluding land and specific site costs.
Traditional new house: classic and economical
The traditional house uses materials such as brick or concrete block and adapts to the style of its region. At the entry level, this type of house costs only 1000 euros per m2. But the price rises to 2100 euros at the top of the range, depending on the quality of the finishes and fittings.
Contemporary new house: the cost of originality
The contemporary style harmonizes different materials: concrete block or brick, but also wood, glass and metal. Some trends have a cost that can be significant: large glazed surface, flat roof, rare materials… In the end, the price per square meter for this type of house fluctuates between 1300 and 3000 euros.
Timber frame house: style at a reasonable price
The Scandinavian trend has established itself well in France, bringing a warm and authentic style that is increasingly sought after. The wooden frame house has an advantage: it is quick to assemble. This is what allows this type of house to remain affordable, while benefiting from an aesthetic and renewable material. The cost differs depending on whether it is built in wooden panels (the most economical), in posts and beams (kind of half-timbering) or in fuste (logs and trunks). Its price per square meter varies from 1000 to 2500 euros.
Bioclimatic house: energy saving
Bioclimatic houses, some with passive energy, offer a wide range of prices. The entry level is in the national average. Their price per square meter indeed fluctuates between 1500 and 3000 euros. These houses are entirely designed to limit their energy needs and their environmental impact. Their initial additional cost (materials, insulation, etc.) is offset by several advantages: low heating cost, possibility of green loans, tax benefits, easier resale and rental.
Kit house: not expensive!
The assembly of a house made of prefabricated materials is quick and economical. Of course, we are not looking for the originality of the plan or the style. But it is undoubtedly the cheapest type of house on the market, with a price per square meter between 500 and 1000 euros.
2 – Which manufacturer? With or without an architect?
If you are building a new house, the choice of builder affects the price per square meter.
With an architect: tailor-made
The intervention of an architect is mandatory (since 2017) if the living area of your future home exceeds 150 m2. For a smaller surface area, you can also hire an architect for various reasons: complexity of the site, personalized construction, monitoring of the work, management of administrative costs, etc. About 5% of the sites are entrusted to architects. If their presence brings comfort and security, it also has a cost. Count between 65 and 95 euros in fees per square meter. The fees of an architect being free, they are often negotiable. Note that an architect’s house costs on average 1700 euros per square meter. That said, everything exists: with the help of an architect, you can design a house for a price ranging from 1200 to 2500 euros per square meter! Prices that reflect the difference between a simple house or a more complex villa with varying volumes…
The home builder: the additional guarantee
The majority of owners call on a builder, or even a craftsman. A builder’s service takes into account the protections associated with the Construction Contract-Law 1990. This contract imposes a guarantee of delivery according to specified prices and deadlines and insurance. The cost of this contract is offset by the materials rates negotiated by the builder. On average, a builder’s house costs around 1350 euros per m2. This cost is slightly higher (about 1400 euros) if you call on a craftsman.
Self-construction: low price
The brave who build their own house (often as a kit) are rewarded with an unbeatable price per square meter: 1200 euros on average.
3 – In which region? Localization has a price…
The price per square meter can vary considerably from region to region, or even from city to city. In addition to the known distinction between the Paris region and the provinces, there are price disparities throughout the country.
- The regions the most expensive are Ile de France, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. On the other hand, the price per square meter is particularly attractive in the Centre-Val de Loire region and in Occitanie.
- Rural areas are on average cheaper to build than urban areas. Close to metropolises or large cities, the price of builders and the cost of building materials are higher.
- The climate of the region impacts the price of the house. Construction areas located in continental climates require reinforced insulation (therefore more expensive). A new house will therefore cost 100 to 200 euros more per square meter.
- The lay of the land sometimes requires major development work to be carried out. The construction is more complex on a ground with a strong unevenness, for example. The price goes up too.
- remoteness of a house in the city and any form of public transport can contribute to lowering its price per square meter.
4 – The house: shape, plan, technical choices…
The price per square meter of a house also depends on the specific choices that went into its construction.
- The shape and the plan home first. Indeed, the more the plan and the layout of the volumes are rich and complex, the more the price increases. The price of a compact house, designed according to a simple rectangular plan, is significantly lower than that of a house with a garage, basement, etc.
- The materials of construction do not all have the same performance. Some are more expensive, others favor the speed of construction, still others are more insulating…
- Technical choices of construction affect the final price. Among them we can count the type of masonry, the insulation, the heating system, the equipment, the floor coverings, the decoration, and even the outdoor facilities (terrace, garden, etc.). The heating method in particular can significantly vary the price per square meter.
5 – Miscellaneous taxes and fees
Do not overlook the cost of taxes and fees related to the purchase of the land and the construction; they also enter into the amount of the price per square meter.
Purchase of land, notary fees:
- Transfer duties, i.e. 5.80% of the purchase price of the land;
- Notary fees, approximately 1% of the purchase price of the land;
- Additional costs (urban planning certificate, mortgage situation, etc.): approximately 1500 euros;
- Land registration and publicity fees;
All these taxes are the responsibility of the future owner.
Construction of the house:
- Construction VAT at 20% (see quote from the builder or architect);
- Urban planning taxes (the development tax for example);
- Work damage insurance.
Landscaping:
If the land needs to be serviced after purchase, it is better to provide for the costs of soil study, demarcation and connection to the networks. This can amount to 3000 to 15,000 euros.
6 – Environmental regulations
The new RE 2020 standard is not without consequences on the price per square meter of a house.
- By strengthening the obligations in terms d’isolation and encouraging the use energies renewablethe law influences certain construction choices.
- The RE 2020 requires a new house to comply with the Bbio, or climatic need coefficient. Depending on whether the house is located in a hot or cold region, on the plain or at altitude, the insulation and energy needs are different.
- Compliance with RE 2020 implies a construction energy efficient. This induces an additional cost in construction but a big energy saving in use (often by half!).
- On resale, the energy classification is clearly valued. A home with an A or B rating sells for more and faster. However, these two ratings correspond to houses that comply with the RE 2020 standard. The other houses, being classified from D to E, or even G, are less valued.
- The houses passives go beyond the RE 2020 standard. Able to provide warmth in winter and coolness in summer with almost no energy input, they are valued around 20% more expensive than other houses.
But the price per square meter does not say everything about a new house. It is not enough to know at what level of range it is located, nor to know its particular qualities, in particular garden and outdoor facilities. On the other hand, keep in mind that the smaller the surface area of the property, the higher the price per square meter, due to construction costs and incompressible costs.