Compact 2-Room Apartment with Surprisingly Spacious West-Facing Garden in Leiden
Key Features
Upsides
- The garden is remarkably large at 40 square meters for an apartment with only 38 square meters of living space, and it faces west for optimal afternoon and evening sunlight.
- The location is highly convenient with a shopping center directly across the street, NS station De Vink around the corner, and Leiden center only 15 minutes away by bicycle.
- Recent window frame upgrades with HR++ glass improve insulation and energy efficiency, and the property has no gas connection with low electricity costs of approximately 40 to 50 euros per month.
- The homeowners association is well-organized with a maintenance plan, reserve fund, building insurance, and proper KvK registration, providing security for future maintenance.
- The apartment is available immediately, which is advantageous for buyers who need to move quickly without waiting for a chain to complete.
Downsides
- The living space is very compact at only 38 square meters, which may feel restrictive even for a single person over time.
- The monthly VvE contribution of 203.42 euros is relatively high, though 85 euros of this is a heating advance, leaving 118.42 euros for general VvE costs.
- The energy label is E, indicating below-average energy efficiency despite the recent window upgrades, which may affect comfort levels and future resale value.
- Block heating provides less individual control over temperature and heating costs compared to having a personal heating system.
- The price per square meter of 8,026 euros is quite high, reflecting the premium paid for the garden and location rather than the actual living space.
Description
This two-room apartment is situated on the ground floor of a building constructed in 1984 and presents a practical living solution for a single person seeking their own home with outdoor space in a central location. The property is located in Leiden and is available for immediate occupancy.
The entrance to the apartment is reached through a central hallway with mailboxes, leading to the front door of the residence. Upon entering, you are welcomed by a hallway that provides access to the meter cupboard and offers space for a coat rack and shoes. This entrance area sets the tone for the efficient use of space that characterizes the entire apartment.
To the left of the entrance hall, the bathroom is positioned. This room is equipped with a walk-in shower, a vanity unit with washbasin, and a wall-hung toilet. The bathroom also houses the electric boiler for hot water and the connection point for the washing machine. This arrangement demonstrates thoughtful planning, as it centralizes the plumbing and utility functions in one area, freeing up other spaces in the apartment for living purposes.
The living room is bright and has been arranged in a functional manner. The floor is finished with laminate, providing a clean and low-maintenance surface. The living area features an open kitchen layout, which creates a sense of spaciousness despite the compact overall dimensions of the apartment. The kitchen itself is fitted with a four-burner induction cooktop, a dishwasher, an extractor hood, and a refrigerator. These appliances cover the essential needs for daily meal preparation.
One of the most notable features of this apartment is the garden, which is accessible directly from the kitchen. The garden faces west, which means it receives ample sunlight during the afternoon and evening hours. This is often considered the most desirable orientation for a garden, as it allows residents to enjoy outdoor space after work or during weekend afternoons. The garden measures 7.40 meters in depth and 5.45 meters in width, totaling 40 square meters. For a ground-floor apartment with only 38 square meters of indoor living space, this outdoor area is remarkably generous in proportion. Additionally, the garden features a rear access path and a freestanding wooden storage shed, which is suitable for storing bicycles and additional items.
The bedroom is located at the front of the property and offers sufficient space for a double bed. A built-in closet runs the full depth of the room, providing ample storage capacity for clothing and personal belongings. This built-in storage solution is particularly valuable in a compact apartment, as it eliminates the need for freestanding wardrobes that would consume additional floor space.
The building features three residential floors in total, with this apartment situated on the ground floor. The roof is a flat roof covered with bituminous roofing material. Recent improvements to the property include the installation of new window frames with HR++ double glazing, which contributes to better insulation and energy efficiency.
Heating is provided through a block heating system, which means the apartment does not have its own individual boiler. The property is not connected to the gas network. Electricity costs are reported to be approximately 40 to 50 euros per month, which indicates relatively low consumption, likely due in part to the efficient use of electric systems and the recent window upgrades. The energy label for the property is E, and insulation is present in both the walls and the floor.
The location of this apartment offers several practical advantages. A shopping center is located directly across the street, providing convenient access to daily necessities. Public parking is available in the area for residents and visitors. The center of Leiden can be reached by bicycle in approximately fifteen minutes, making it easily accessible for work, study, or leisure activities. The NS train station De Vink is situated around the corner, offering direct rail connections for commuters and travelers.
The apartment is part of a homeowners association that appears to be well-organized. The monthly VvE contribution is 203.42 euros, of which 85 euros is an advance payment for heating costs. The association is registered with the Chamber of Commerce, holds annual meetings, has a maintenance plan in place, maintains a reserve fund, and has building insurance arranged. These factors indicate a professionally managed residential complex.
The property is offered at a price of 305,000 euros, which translates to approximately 8,026 euros per square meter of living space. This price is payable on a costs koper basis, meaning the buyer is responsible for transfer taxes and notary fees in addition to the purchase price. The property is held in full ownership, and the cadastral designation is listed as VOORSCHOTEN C 2061.
In summary, this apartment represents a practical entry-level home for a single person who values having their own outdoor space and prioritizes a central location with good transport connections. The efficient floor plan, the unexpectedly large west-facing garden, and the proximity to amenities and public transport are the main characteristics of this property. The recent window upgrades and the absence of a gas connection align with contemporary energy efficiency goals, while the active and well-structured VvE provides reassurance regarding the maintenance and management of the building.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
The description explicitly mentions an 'inloopdouche' (walk-in shower) in the bathroom.
Bathtub
No bathtub is mentioned in the description or features list.
Ensuite Bathroom
The bathroom is accessed via the hallway, not directly from the bedroom.
Guest Toilet
There is only one toilet located in the main bathroom.
Bidet
No bidet is mentioned in the listing.
Double Shower
No mention of a double shower in the description.
Shared Shower
The apartment is a single unit, so the shower is private to the tenant.
Shared Toilet
The apartment is a single unit, so the toilet is private to the tenant.
His And Hers Sinks
Only a single 'wastafelmeubel' (sink cabinet) is mentioned.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
The listing describes a ground floor apartment with a garden but does not mention a balcony.
Rear Garden
Listing explicitly mentions a 40 m² west-facing rear garden (achtertuin).
Front Garden
No mention of a front garden in the description or features.
Side Garden
No mention of a side garden in the description or features.
Terrace
No mention of a terrace; outdoor space is described as a garden.
Rooftop Terrace
The property is a ground floor apartment.
Patio
No mention of a patio in the description.
Veranda
No mention of a veranda in the description.
Guest House
Property is a 38 m² 2-room apartment with no separate guest house.
Waterfront
Features explicitly list 'aan water' (at water) under location.
Kitchen Garden
No mention of a kitchen garden.
Equestrian Facilities
Not applicable for a 38 m² apartment in a residential area.
Small Livestock Facilities
Not applicable for a 38 m² apartment in a residential area.
Private Outdoor Pool
Not mentioned and highly unlikely for this property type.
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
Not mentioned and highly unlikely for this property type.
Private Tennis Court
Not mentioned and highly unlikely for this property type.
Remarkable Mountain View
Property is located in Leiden, which is flat and has no mountains.
Remarkable City View
Ground floor apartment in a residential neighborhood; no city view mentioned.
Remarkable Garden View
Has a garden but the view is not described as remarkable.
Remarkable Sea View
Leiden is an inland city with no sea views.
Remarkable Harbour View
No harbour view mentioned; located in a residential area.
Remarkable Landmark View
No landmark views mentioned in the description.
Interior Comfort
Air Conditioning
No air conditioning is mentioned, which is typical for a 38 m² apartment in the Netherlands from 1984.
Central Heating
The listing explicitly states that the property uses 'blokverwarming' (block heating) and that the property is off gas, meaning there is no individual central heating boiler.
Fireplace
No fireplace is mentioned in the description or features list.
Hardwood Floors
The living room is specifically described as having a laminate floor (laminaatvloer), not hardwood.
Laminate Flooring
The description explicitly states the living room is provided with a 'laminaatvloer' (laminate floor).
Carpeted Floors
Laminate flooring is explicitly mentioned in the living room, and there is no mention of carpet anywhere.
Underfloor Heating
The property uses block heating (blokverwarming) and there is no mention of underfloor heating.
Walk In Closet
The bedroom has a full-depth built-in closet (inbouwkast), which is distinct from a walk-in closet.
Home Office
It is a compact 38 m² 2-room apartment suitable for one person, with no space or mention of a home office.
Skylight
No skylights are mentioned. The building has a flat roof and natural ventilation is listed as a feature, but skylights are not.
Exposed Beams
No exposed beams are mentioned; it is a standard 1984 apartment with a flat roof.
Bay Window
No bay window is mentioned in the layout or features.
Private Indoor Pool
A private indoor pool is impossible in a 38 m² ground floor apartment.
Private Indoor Sauna
A private indoor sauna is not present in this small apartment.
Built-In Wardrobes
The listing explicitly states: 'Over de volledige diepte van de kamer is een inbouwkast aanwezig' (A built-in closet is present over the full depth of the room).
Ornamental Plasterwork
The apartment is a practical 1984 build described as compact and efficient, with no mention of ornamental plasterwork.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
The listing describes a compact, practical 2-room apartment from 1984 with a laminate floor and standard fixtures, with no mention of Scandinavian design elements.
Modern
While the building is from 1984, it features recent updates such as new window frames with HR++ glass, an open kitchen, and an induction cooktop, giving it a somewhat modernized feel.
Industrial
There are no industrial elements mentioned such as exposed brick, concrete, or metal fixtures.
Mediterranean
There are no Mediterranean features like terracotta floors, arched doorways, or specific color palettes mentioned.
Classic
Built in 1984, it lacks classic architectural features such as ornamental plasterwork or panel doors, presenting rather as a standard practical unit.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
Built in 1984, which does not qualify as traditional or historic.
Early 20th Century
Built in 1984, not an early 20th-century building.
Post War Functional
Built in 1984, post-war functional style typically applies to 1945-1970, though it shares functional mass-production traits.
Modernist
Built in 1984, standard residential block without distinct modernist architectural features mentioned.
Newly Build
Built in 1984 and listed as existing construction (bestaande bouw).
Kitchen
Dishwasher
The description explicitly mentions a 'vaatwasser' (dishwasher) in the kitchen.
Oven
An oven is not mentioned in the list of kitchen appliances, which typically implies its absence.
Microwave
A microwave is not mentioned in the provided listing details.
Refrigerator
The description explicitly lists a 'koelkast' (refrigerator).
Kitchen Island
The property is a compact 38 m² 2-room apartment, making a kitchen island highly improbable and unmentioned.
Open Plan Kitchen
The listing describes an 'open keuken' (open kitchen) connected to the living room.
Pantry
No pantry is mentioned, and the compact layout makes it unlikely.
Stove
The kitchen has a 4-burner induction cooktop ('4-pits inductiekookplaat').
Induction Stove
The listing explicitly specifies an 'inductiekookplaat' (induction cooktop).
Build In Coffee Maker
A built-in coffee maker is not listed among the kitchen appliances.
Boiling Water Tap
There is no mention of a boiling water tap (such as a Quooker) in the description.
Downdraft Extractor
The listing mentions an 'afzuigkap' (extractor hood), which traditionally refers to a standard wall or ceiling hood, not a downdraft extractor.
Shared Kitchen
The listing is for an independent apartment ('eigen woning') with its own kitchen, not a shared facility.
Design Kitchen
The kitchen is described as 'practical' and 'efficient' rather than luxurious or design-focused.
New Kitchen
The building is from 1984, and while new window frames were recently installed, the kitchen itself is not mentioned as new.
Parking & Storage
Parking
Listing states 'Openbaar parkeren' (public parking) is available.
Storage Room
Listing explicitly mentions 'Externe bergruimte 5 m²' (external storage space) and a built-in closet in the bedroom.
Garage
No garage is mentioned anywhere in the listing.
Automatic Garage Door
No garage exists, so no automatic garage door.
Double Garage
No garage is mentioned in the listing.
Attic
The apartment is a ground floor unit ('Benedenwoning', 'Gelegen op Begane grond'). No attic mentioned.
Cellar
No cellar or basement is mentioned in the listing.
Bike Storage
Listing mentions both 'Gedeelde (fiets)berging' (shared bike storage) and a wooden shed suitable for bikes in the garden.
Covered Parking
Only 'Openbaar parkeren' (public parking) is mentioned, which typically refers to uncovered on-street parking.
Underground Parking
No underground parking is mentioned in the listing.
Workshop
No workshop is mentioned in the listing.
Shed
Listing explicitly mentions 'Vrijstaande houten berging' (freestanding wooden shed) in the garden.
Parkspot Rent Price Month
No parking spot rental is mentioned; only public parking is available.
Parkspot Sale Price
No parking spot for sale is mentioned in the listing.
Rules
Owners Association
The listing explicitly mentions a healthy and active VvE (owners association) with a monthly fee of €203,42.
Leasehold
The listing states 'Eigendomssituatie: Volle eigendom' (full ownership).
Oa Chamber Of Commerce Registered
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Inschrijving KvK: Ja'.
Oa Annual Meeting
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Jaarlijkse vergadering: Ja'.
Oa Fees
The VvE checklist explicitly states a periodic contribution (Periodieke bijdrage) of €203,42 per month.
Oa Reserve Fund
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Reservefonds aanwezig: Ja'.
Oa Maintenance Plan
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Onderhoudsplan: Ja'.
Oa Buildings Insurance
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Opstalverzekering: Ja'.
Open Viewing
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Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine
The listing mentions a connection for a washing machine but does not state that the machine itself is included.
Washing Machine Connections
The description explicitly states 'de aansluiting voor de wasmachine gesitueerd' (the washing machine connection is located) in the bathroom.
Laundry Room
There is no separate laundry room mentioned; the washing machine connection is located in the bathroom.
Dryer
No dryer or dryer connections are mentioned anywhere in the listing.
Smart Home
The property is a basic 2-room apartment from 1984 with no mention of smart home features or systems.
Ventilation System
The features list explicitly includes 'Natuurlijke ventilatie' (natural ventilation).
Cable Tv
The features list explicitly includes 'TV kabel' (TV cable).
Water Softener
No water softener is mentioned in the description or features list.
Energy Efficiency
Double Glazing
Listing explicitly states 'Recent voorzien van nieuwe kozijnen met HR++ glas' which is high-efficiency double glazing.
Triple Glazing
HR++ glass is a type of double glazing, not triple glazing.
Wall Insulation
Explicitly listed under Energy section as 'Muurisolatie' (wall insulation).
Floor Insulation
Explicitly listed under Energy section as 'Vloerisolatie' (floor insulation).
Heat Pump
The property uses block heating (blokverwarming) and an electric boiler for hot water. No heat pump is mentioned.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
The property has been taken off gas and uses district block heating (blokverwarming) for space heating and an electric boiler for hot water. New window frames with HR++ glass have been recently installed. Wall and floor insulation are present. However, the energy label E indicates the overall efficiency remains relatively low, likely due to missing roof insulation or other factors related to the 1984 construction.
Location
History
No history available for this listing.