The costs of an informal care dwelling vary widely. The total price depends mainly on the size, level of finish, and whether you want a turnkey delivery (including foundation, transport, and utility connections) or only the basic unit.
Purchase price of the dwelling (indication)
The cost of the unit itself depends strongly on the type and execution:
- Compact prefab models: Prices start at approximately €30,000 to €50,000. This often excludes foundation, transport, and connections.
- Complete prefab dwellings: Most turnkey informal care dwellings fall between €50,000 and €150,000.
- High-end and custom builds: Fully custom dwellings or very high-quality finishes can exceed €150,000.
On average, you can calculate a guideline of €2,000 to €4,500 per m². For a complete 50 m² dwelling, this means a minimum investment of at least €100,000, often more once additional costs are included.
What is usually included in the base price?
When comparing quotations, it is crucial to understand what the “base price” includes. Typically, the base price contains:
- The structural shell including walls, roof, floor, and insulation
- Standard finishing of interior walls and flooring
- Basic installations for electricity and heating
- A simple kitchen and bathroom (note: this may be an additional cost with some suppliers)
Important: Always check whether prices are including or excluding VAT. Some suppliers list a low entry price for the unit, while others quote a complete turnkey price.
Additional on-site costs
Besides purchasing the unit itself, there are usually extra costs on the location:
Foundation and substructure
- Price indication: €3,500 – €15,000
- Depending on soil conditions and the chosen system (screw piles, concrete footings, or a concrete slab).
Utility connections
- Price indication: €3,000 – €7,000
- Costs for connecting water, electricity, gas (if applicable), and sewerage. Strongly dependent on the distance to existing connections and site accessibility.
Transport and crane work
- Price indication: €3,000 – €7,000
- Transport by low-loader and crane placement of the dwelling. Prices increase with distance or difficult locations.
Placement and assembly
- Price indication: from €3,900
- Final assembly and finishing on site. Sometimes this is included in the supplier’s transport package.
Some suppliers offer total prices including transport, placement, and utility connections. In that case, complete informal care dwellings are often quoted between €80,000 and €130,000, depending on size and specifications.
Advice, permits, and financing
In addition to construction costs, you should consider expenses for advice and procedures:
- Municipal fees (leges) 1:
Costs for processing a potential environmental permit application. - Drawings and advisory services:
Costs for structural calculations, architectural advice, legal or tax advice 2 on matters such as land lease, financing, and ownership.
These costs range from a few hundred to several thousand euros depending on complexity and custom requirements.
Interior and care-specific adjustments
After construction, additional costs may arise for interior work and care adjustments:
- Interior: Flooring, window coverings, lighting, and furniture
- Care adjustments: Modifications such as an adapted bathroom, wider doors, level floors, domotics and alarm systems 3
For intensive care situations, extra adjustments can easily fall between €5,000 and €20,000, depending on equipment and requirements.
Differences and creating a realistic budget
The amounts mentioned are market averages, not fixed rates. Total costs can vary based on:
- Local regulations and any permit requirements
- Accessibility of your property, foundation needs, or fire-safety rules
- Choices for custom builds, sustainable installations, and additional options
For a realistic budget, it is essential to request multiple quotations and consult your municipality in advance about local conditions.