Commercial Property with Residential Studios in Enschede

Located at Bentstraat 4 in the city of Enschede, this property presents a unique opportunity for investors and developers interested in a mixed-use building with significant potential. The property is being offered through an online forced sale auction via VastgoedVeiling.nl, with the auction scheduled to take place on April 14, 2026. As this is a forced sale, no asking price has been set, which means the final sale price will be determined entirely by the bidding process.

The property is officially registered in the cadastral records under the municipality of Lonneker, Section E, number 5619. The total plot area measures 329 square meters. The building was originally constructed in 1930, giving it a historical character that reflects the architectural style of that era. The total living area is recorded at 238 square meters, with a volume of 560 cubic meters. The property is classified as a detached single-family home with the possibility of double occupancy.

The current layout of the property reveals an interesting history of adaptations and modifications. The former commercial space at the front of the building along Bentstraat has been converted into three residential studios. It is important to note that this conversion has not been permitted or legalized according to official records. This means that the current use as three separate studios does not comply with the applicable zoning regulations and building permits. Any prospective buyer should carefully consider the implications of this situation and investigate the possibilities for legalizing the current configuration or reverting to an approved layout.

The entrance at the front of the building provides access to a hallway, a communal area, and a staircase leading to the upper floor. From the upper floor hallway, there is access to two studios, one located at the front and one at the rear of the building. The third studio is situated on the ground floor at the back and can be reached via a driveway on the left side of the property, which leads to an inner courtyard.

Behind the ground floor studio, accessible via a flat roof section, is the commercial space at the rear of the property. This commercial area has its own separate entrance, providing independent access for business purposes. The layout suggests that the property could potentially function as a combination of residential and commercial use, subject to obtaining the necessary permits and approvals.

The plot extends beyond the fence on the left side of the property, where it serves as a driveway with a carport. This provides parking facilities for the property. Additionally, there is a passage on the right side of the front facade that leads to a closed door of the commercial space, offering another potential access point.

Viewings are not possible for this property. This is a common restriction for forced sale properties, where the seller typically has no involvement in the sale process and cannot facilitate inspections. Prospective buyers must base their assessment entirely on the available documentation, cadastral information, and any external observations they can make from public spaces.

The property is being sold under the "as is, where is" principle. This means that the seller provides no guarantees whatsoever and accepts no liability regarding any information provided about the property, whether explicitly stated, previously communicated, or omitted. The buyer accepts the property in all respects based on this principle, including the structural, legal, environmental, technical, and factual condition of the property. This standard clause in forced sales places all risk and due diligence responsibility on the buyer.

The auction will be conducted using a bidding method that includes both ascending bids and descending bids. There is an entry premium that deviates from standard terms, and prospective bidders should consult the specific auction conditions for details. The right of award applies, meaning the auctioneer has discretion in determining the successful bid. Transfer tax will apply to the transaction.

Interested parties have the option to submit a private bid before the auction takes place. Such bids must be submitted by March 30, 2026, at 23:59 using the form available on the VastgoedVeiling.nl website. This pre-auction bidding option allows potential buyers to potentially acquire the property without participating in the live auction process.

The property has no energy label available, which is not uncommon for older buildings and forced sale situations. The lack of an energy label means there is no official assessment of the energy efficiency of the building. Buyers should factor in potential energy renovation costs when considering their bid.

The cadastral designation under the former municipality of Lonneker reflects the historical administrative boundaries before the municipal reorganization that incorporated Lonneker into Enschede. This historical context may be relevant for certain legal or archival research purposes but does not affect the current location within the city of Enschede.

The combination of residential and commercial spaces, together with the unpermitted conversion to studios, presents both challenges and opportunities. For buyers with experience in property development and renovation, this property could represent a chance to create value through proper permitting and renovation work. The central location in Enschede, a city in the eastern part of the Netherlands near the German border, adds to the potential appeal of this property.

Enschede is known as a university city with a diverse economy and good connections to other major cities in the region. The presence of the University of Twente and various educational institutions ensures a steady demand for residential accommodation, which could be relevant given the current studio configuration of part of the building.

For further information about the auction process, bidding procedures, and specific conditions, interested parties are advised to visit the VastgoedVeiling.nl website or contact them directly by telephone. The notary office handling the transfer is Westvaer, located in Amsterdam, and they can be contacted for questions regarding the legal aspects of the transaction.

This property requires careful consideration and thorough due diligence from any prospective buyer. The combination of an unpermitted conversion, the "as is" sale condition, and the inability to view the interior means that buyers must be comfortable accepting a level of uncertainty. Professional advice from legal counsel, building inspectors who can assess from the exterior, and local planning authorities is strongly recommended before participating in this auction.