Energy-efficient new-build apartment with west-facing balcony in Harfsens Hart

The property is building number 16, part of the Harfsens Hart development project located in Harfsen, a village in the municipality of Lochem in the Netherlands. This apartment is situated on the second floor of the complex at Lochemseweg 134-136, positioned at the corner of the Lochemseweg and the Reeverweg. The development represents a complete redevelopment of the existing site, where the current buildings will be demolished to make way for 19 new apartments spanning both the purchase and rental sectors, along with a commercial space.

The apartment offers a living area of 50 square meters, making it a compact yet efficiently designed residential space. The layout has been described as playful, featuring an open plan living room and kitchen area. From the living space, residents have direct access to the balcony, which faces west and provides an ideal spot to enjoy the evening sun. The bedroom is of a good size and includes an en-suite bathroom, providing privacy and convenience. Additionally, there is a separate toilet, a meter cupboard, and internal storage space accessible from the hallway.

The entrance to the apartment is reached through a shared entrance and gallery, which is characteristic of a gallery flat design. The complex is equipped with both a staircase and a lift installation, ensuring accessibility to all floors for residents and visitors.

One of the standout features of this development is its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. The apartments are designed to meet current sustainability requirements and achieve an A+++ energy label based on preliminary calculations. This exceptional energy performance is achieved through a combination of excellent insulation throughout the building, including roof insulation, wall insulation, and floor insulation. The heating system utilizes a heat pump, which is an energy-efficient alternative to traditional gas heating. Additionally, solar panels are installed to generate renewable electricity, further reducing the environmental impact and energy costs for residents. Hot water is provided through an electric boiler system.

The delivery of the apartment is scheduled for 2026, with sanitary fixtures included in the purchase price. However, the kitchen is excluded from the delivery, allowing future owners to personalize this space according to their own preferences and requirements. This arrangement provides flexibility for buyers to choose their own kitchen design, appliances, and finishes.

Every owner in the complex automatically becomes a member of the Vereniging van Eigenaars (VvE), which is the Dutch equivalent of a homeowners association. Membership requires the payment of monthly service costs, which contribute to the maintenance and management of the shared areas and facilities within the complex.

The location of Harfsens Hart offers a desirable living environment. The complex is directly adjacent to the pleasant market square, which hosts a weekly market on Tuesday afternoons, providing residents with easy access to local products and a vibrant community atmosphere. The surrounding area is described as being located on a quiet road and in a wooded environment, suggesting a peaceful residential setting despite the proximity to the village center amenities.

Each apartment in the development comes with an external storage space of 5 square meters. This particular unit also includes its own parking space on the rear terrain of the property, addressing the practical need for vehicle parking. The parking is located on the property's own grounds, providing convenient and secure parking for residents.

The total volume of the apartment is 178 cubic meters. The building is classified as new construction, with the expected completion year being 2026. The property is offered with full ownership (volle eigendom), and the cadastral information references ALMEN B 3648, indicating the property is registered in the Almen section of the land registry.

The apartments within the Harfsens Hart project vary in size from 48 square meters to 89 square meters, distributed across three residential floors. This particular unit, building number 16, represents one of the smaller configurations in the development, making it suitable for individuals or couples seeking a low-maintenance, energy-efficient home in a convenient location.

The asking price for this apartment is set at 315,000 euros, offered vrij op naam (v.o.n.), which means the buyer is responsible for transfer tax and notary costs related to the transfer, while the seller covers certain property-related costs. The price per square meter works out to 6,300 euros, which reflects the new construction quality, energy efficiency features, and the desirable location of the property.

The availability status is listed as available, and this is noted as the last available unit of this particular type within the Harfsens Hart project. This scarcity may appeal to buyers who have been following the development and prefer this specific layout and size configuration.

The acceptance terms are described as in consultation (in overleg), which is standard for new construction projects where the exact completion and handover dates may be subject to minor adjustments during the building process.

The village of Harfsen itself is situated in the eastern part of the Netherlands, within the province of Gelderland. It is part of the municipality of Lochem, which is known for its attractive countryside, forests, and historic character. The area offers a range of recreational opportunities, including walking and cycling routes through the surrounding natural landscapes. Despite its rural character, Harfsen maintains good connections to larger towns and cities in the region, making it a practical choice for those who work elsewhere but prefer a quieter residential setting.

The decision to redevelop the Lochemseweg 134-136 site reflects a broader trend in Dutch urban planning, where older buildings are replaced with modern, energy-efficient housing that meets contemporary standards for sustainability and comfort. The inclusion of both purchase and rental apartments in the project demonstrates an approach to creating mixed communities within new developments.

The gallery flat typology, where apartments are accessed via an external gallery or corridor, is a common housing form in the Netherlands that allows for efficient land use while maintaining good access to natural light and ventilation for individual units. The presence of a lift in the Harfsens Hart complex ensures that this accessibility is maintained for residents of all ages and mobility levels.

The specification of a warmtepomp (heat pump) for heating represents current best practice in Dutch new construction, where gas-free buildings are increasingly becoming the norm. Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the outside air or ground and transferring it indoors, providing an efficient heating solution that significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to gas boilers. Combined with the excellent insulation levels and solar panels, this system contributes to both lower energy bills for residents and reduced environmental impact.

The provision of a separate external storage space (berging) of 5 square meters is a practical feature that allows residents to store items such as bicycles, gardening equipment, or seasonal items without cluttering the living space. This is particularly valuable in a compact apartment where internal storage may be limited.

The inclusion of an own parking space is another significant practical benefit. In many urban and village center locations in the Netherlands, parking can be challenging, and having a dedicated space adds considerable convenience and value to the property. The fact that parking is provided on the rear terrain of the complex also helps maintain the attractive streetscape at the front of the building.

The west-facing orientation of the balcony is a particularly appealing feature for those who enjoy spending time outdoors in the evening. West-facing outdoor spaces receive afternoon and evening sun, making them ideal for relaxation after work or for entertaining during the warmer months. This orientation maximizes the usability of the balcony during the times when most people are actually at home.

The en-suite bathroom arrangement, where the bathroom is directly accessible from the bedroom, is a practical layout feature that enhances privacy and convenience. Residents can move between the bedroom and bathroom without passing through communal areas, which is especially valued in smaller apartments where space efficiency is important.

The delivery excluding the kitchen provides buyers with flexibility and control over one of the most personal spaces in a home. Kitchen preferences vary significantly between individuals, from minimalist designs to fully equipped gourmet kitchens. By allowing buyers to select and install their own kitchen, the developer ensures that each owner can create a space that truly suits their lifestyle, cooking habits, and aesthetic preferences.

The Vereniging van Eigenaars (VvE) structure ensures that the shared elements of the complex, such as the entrance, gallery, lift, and exterior maintenance, are properly managed and funded. All owners contribute through monthly service costs, which are used for ongoing maintenance, insurance of common areas, and potentially building up reserves for future larger maintenance projects. This collective approach to property management is standard in Dutch apartment buildings and helps maintain the quality and value of the development over time.

The fact that this is the last available unit of this type in the project creates a sense of urgency for interested buyers. Once this unit is sold, prospective purchasers interested in this particular size and layout will have missed their opportunity within Harfsens Hart, potentially needing to look at alternative developments or wait for future projects in the area.