Mountain news / September 15th, 2026

Buying a new-build property in the mountains: What are the advantages compared with existing properties?

Alpen Lodge - La Rosière - Appartement - Salon

Whether you are buying for pleasure, as a second home, as a rental investment or as a genuine base in the mountains, purchasing an apartment in a mountain resort should be viewed as a long-term investment. Compared with existing properties, which can sometimes be energy-inefficient and require renovation work, new-build properties offer a host of advantages: lower acquisition costs, excellent energy efficiency, builder’s warranties, contemporary comfort and spaces designed specifically for mountain living. These are all important factors to consider when comparing new-build and older properties and assessing the true cost of a property investment in a mountain resort.

New-build or existing property in the mountains: how do you compare the true cost of a purchase?

When comparing properties in similar locations and with comparable features and amenities, the asking price alone is not enough to decide between buying new-build or an existing property. The calculation should take into account all the costs associated with purchasing, maintaining and owning the property, including acquisition costs, any necessary works, energy-efficiency improvements, service charges, equipment and bringing the property up to current standards.

In this comparison, buying a new-build property offers several significant advantages:

Un couple est en train de signer un document afin de conclure un prêt immobilier

Lower notary fees

One of the most tangible advantages of buying new-build is the lower acquisition costs. Commonly referred to as “notary fees”, these generally amount to 2–3% of the purchase price for a new-build property, compared with 7–8% for an existing property, according to the French Notaries.

For an apartment purchased for €600,000, the difference can be significant. Using the midpoint figures of 2.5% for new-build and 7.5% for an existing property, the fees would amount to approximately €15,000 and €45,000 respectively, a difference of €30,000. The exact amount will, however, depend on the type of property, its location and the specific details of the transaction.

High energy-efficiency standards

With a new-build property, the buyer acquires an apartment that complies with the regulations applicable at the time of construction and delivers high levels of energy efficiency.

At altitudes of 1,000, 1,500 or 2,000 metres, winter conditions and significant temperature fluctuations make insulation, heating and building design particularly important. Energy efficiency is therefore not simply an environmental consideration: it directly contributes to the comfort and day-to-day enjoyment of an apartment in the mountains.

RE2020, the environmental regulation applicable to new-build construction in France, addresses three key areas:

•    Energy efficiency and the decarbonisation of energy
•    Reducing the carbon footprint of construction
•    Thermal comfort during periods of extreme heat

It therefore considers not only a building’s energy consumption but also its carbon emissions, including those associated with its construction.

This holistic approach represents a fundamental difference compared with existing properties. Buying a new-build property means benefiting from a building designed to meet contemporary standards of insulation and energy performance.

Enhanced thermal and acoustic insulation, efficient heating systems and carefully considered window and door openings, all contribute to year-round indoor comfort. This is particularly important in the mountains, where winter conditions and significant temperature fluctuations place greater demands on a property.

Pièce de vie dans un appartement de la résidence Akoya à Valmorel

Chambre à l'Alpen Lodge - La Rosière - Vue montagne

Less need for renovation work

There is another important consideration when it comes to protecting the long-term value of the property: buying a new-build property that meets todays standards can reduce the likelihood of having to undertake major structural or energy-efficiency renovation work in the short term.

With an existing property, buyers need to consider the possibility of work being required immediately after purchase or in the years that follow, including insulation, heating, windows, electrical systems, roofing or communal areas. In the mountains, where buildings are exposed to demanding weather conditions, their condition and thermal performance are particularly important considerations.

What guarantees protect the buyer of a new-build apartment?

This is one of the key differences between new-build and existing properties: a new-build property benefits from a range of statutory warranties designed to protect the buyer after construction is completed.

The one-year defects liability warranty covers defects reported when the property is formally handed over or that become apparent during the following year.
The two-year warranty covering the proper functioning of equipment applies to fixtures and equipment that are separate from the building itself, meaning they can be removed or replaced without causing damage to the structure.
The ten-year warranty, as its name suggests, runs for ten years from the formal handover of the completed works. It covers defects that compromise the structural integrity of the building or make it unfit for its intended use.
Dommages-ouvrage insurance
This insurance provides advance funding, subject to the terms of the policy and applicable regulations, for repairs covered by the ten-year warranty, without requiring a court decision to establish who is responsible. It is therefore an essential part of the protection framework associated with new-build construction.

A buyer purchasing an existing property may, of course, still benefit from certain warranties where they remain in force, particularly if the building is less than ten years old. However, they may not benefit from the same period of protection as the first-time buyer of a newly built property.

Do new-builds offer more space and comfort in the mountains?

Manaka - La Plagne - Pour votre confort - Pièce à vivre - Chambre

Manaka - La Plagne - Pour votre confort - Chambre

Simply comparing the floor areas of new-build and older properties would be misleading: a new-build apartment is not necessarily larger in terms of square metres. Its advantage lies rather in how that space is designed and equipped.

In the mountains, thoughtful organisation of an apartment’s available space becomes particularly important, as the apartment needs to accommodate outdoor and sports clothing, footwear, skis, bikes and other leisure equipment, while remaining a comfortable and welcoming space for family and friends. This is precisely where new-build developments can make a difference: well-planned layouts, generous living spaces, large windows, balconies or terraces, ample storage and additional spaces designed specifically for Alpine living.

At MGM Constructeur, this philosophy is reflected in the thoughtful provision of private cellars, ski lockers and covered parking spaces; a range of additional amenities designed to complement each apartment and enhance everyday comfort and convenience. Whether within a serviced residence or a traditional co-ownership development, MGM properties offer the same high standards of quality and attention to detail, with all these additional amenities provided as an integral part of the ownership experience.

Grand Bornand - Chalets de Joy - Spa Montagnes du Monde® - Bain Bouillonnant

Sauna disponible dans l'espace bien-être d'Akoya à Valmorel

Serviced residences also offer extensive 800m² of wellness facilities, with a heated swimming pool, hammam, sauna and hot tub. A fitness room and a range of treatments designed for relaxation further enhance this exceptional offering. The welcoming lounges and M’Bars offer gourmet and convivial experiences, adding genuine value to the property itself.

Chalets Bérénice à Samoëns, avec piscine en été

Chalets Bérénice à Samoëns, piscine intérieure

Chalets Bérénice à Samoëns, extérieur d'un chalet, en été

This commitment to high-end comfort and well-being continues today in a new and distinctive residential development: Chalets Bérénice in Samoëns. Currently under construction, the development offers one- to four-bedroom apartments, all featuring spacious balconies, fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms, a private cellar, individual ski locker and covered parking. The properties currently available range from 45 m² for a one-bedroom apartment to 121 m² for a four-bedroom apartment. Above all, this south-facing development benefits from a particularly rare feature: a heated swimming pool, available to residents all year round.

Buying a new-build in the mountains: comfort today and peace of mind for the future

Ultimately, comparing new-build and older properties means looking beyond the price per square metre and considering the full range of factors that contribute to their overall value. Taken as a whole, these factors demonstrate the enduring appeal of new-build properties as a sound long-term property investment and a valuable addition to a property portfolio. This philosophy lies at the heart of MGM Constructeur’s approach. For more than 60 years, the company has been developing properties across the Northern French Alps, bringing together architecture inspired by local traditions and the use of high-quality materials to create homes that combine comfort and functionality, while placing particular emphasis on selecting the most exceptional locations.

Buying a new-build apartment in the mountains means choosing a property designed to meet the needs of today, while anticipating the energy and investment requirements of tomorrow. Whether as a second home or a property investment, this long-term approach is undoubtedly one of the key advantages of new-builds over resale properties.