Spacious 3-Bedroom Apartment with Eastern-Facing Balcony in Leiden
Key Features
Description
Welcome to this spacious and light-filled four-room apartment located in the Merenwijk district of Leiden. Situated on the first floor of a well-maintained apartment complex with elevator access, this property offers approximately 85 square meters of living space, providing an excellent opportunity for those seeking a comfortable home with plenty of potential.
The apartment features a bright living room, an enclosed kitchen, a bathroom, three well-proportioned bedrooms, and a balcony spanning the full width of the apartment on the eastern side. Additionally, there is a private storage unit located on the ground floor of the building. This property presents an ideal canvas for creating a beautiful personal living space tailored to your preferences and lifestyle.
Located in the Merenwijk neighborhood of Leiden, the apartment benefits from a convenient and family-friendly setting. The shopping center De Kopermolen is just a few minutes walk away, offering a wide range of daily amenities including grocery stores, specialty shops, and other essential services. Schools for various age groups are located in the immediate vicinity, making this an attractive option for families with children. Sports facilities and clubs are also easily accessible for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Public transportation options are excellent, with bus stops nearby providing connections throughout Leiden and to neighboring municipalities. The historic city center and main train station of Leiden can be reached within ten minutes by bicycle, offering access to a wealth of cultural attractions, restaurants, cafes, and shopping opportunities. For families with young children, there is a children's farm and playground in the area, adding to the neighborhood's appeal.
The location also offers excellent connectivity to major highways. The A4 and A44 motorways are easily accessible, providing efficient routes to cities such as The Hague, Utrecht, and Amsterdam. This makes the property particularly suitable for commuters who work in these cities but prefer to live in a quieter residential area.
Upon entering the building, you are greeted by a neat and well-maintained central entrance hall. This space features mailboxes, a doorbell panel, and an intercom system for secure access. The apartment is accessible via both the staircase and the elevator, ensuring convenience for residents and visitors alike. The building's accessibility features also make it suitable for elderly residents and those with mobility challenges.
Stepping inside the apartment on the first floor, you enter a spacious hallway that provides access to the various rooms. The hallway serves as a central hub, connecting the living areas and bedrooms while offering space for coat storage and other practical needs.
At the front of the apartment, you will find the enclosed kitchen. This space offers ample storage capacity through its cabinetry and provides sufficient room for a cozy dining area where family meals can be enjoyed. The kitchen also houses the boiler installation for hot water supply. While the kitchen is functional, it presents an opportunity for modernization to create a contemporary cooking space that meets current standards and preferences.
The living room is one of the standout features of this apartment. Generously proportioned, it benefits from abundant natural light thanks to the wide window section that spans the entire width of the property facing the eastern side. This thoughtful design creates a bright and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day. There is plenty of space to arrange both a comfortable seating area for relaxation and a sizeable dining setup for more formal occasions or larger gatherings.
From the living room, direct access leads to the balcony, which extends across the full width of the home. This outdoor space is covered and faces east, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the morning sunshine while having breakfast or reading a book. The balcony offers sufficient room for outdoor seating and potted plants, creating a pleasant extension of the living space during warmer months.
The apartment boasts three well-sized bedrooms, providing flexibility for various household compositions. Two of these bedrooms are located on the balcony side of the apartment, benefiting from the eastern orientation and pleasant views. The third bedroom faces the gallery side of the building. All bedrooms receive plenty of daylight through their windows, creating bright and inviting spaces.
The bedrooms offer versatility in their use. While they naturally serve as sleeping quarters, one of the rooms would serve excellently as a home office, particularly relevant in today's era of remote work. Alternatively, it could function as a hobby room, guest room, or children's play area, depending on the needs of the household.
The bathroom is equipped with a shower and a washbasin, providing the essential facilities for daily routines. The bathroom also accommodates the connections for a washing machine and dryer, making laundry tasks convenient and efficient. Adjacent to the bathroom, the toilet is situated separately, a practical arrangement that enhances privacy and convenience when multiple people are using the facilities simultaneously.
The building features a flat roof covered with bituminous roofing material, which is standard for construction from this period. The apartment benefits from double glazing, which contributes to improved insulation and noise reduction compared to single-glazed windows.
On the ground floor of the building, residents have access to a private storage unit. This space is invaluable for storing items such as bicycles, seasonal equipment, hobby supplies, or other belongings that are not needed daily but require a secure and dry location. Ample parking is available around the complex on a public basis, ensuring that residents and their visitors can typically find convenient parking spaces.
The property is heated through a block heating system, which is common in apartment complexes of this type and era. Hot water is provided through an electric boiler located in the kitchen. The property currently holds an E energy label, indicating that there is room for improvement in terms of energy efficiency, which could be addressed through modernization efforts.
The Homeowners Association, known as VvE in the Netherlands, is active and well-organized. The association is registered with the Chamber of Commerce and holds annual meetings where residents can participate in decision-making regarding the building's management and maintenance. The periodic contribution is €335.03 per month, which excludes the advance payment for heating costs. A reserve fund is in place for future maintenance and unexpected expenses, and there is an active maintenance plan guiding the upkeep of the building. Building insurance is also arranged through the association, providing coverage for the overall structure.
It is important to note that this is a former rental property that requires modernization to bring it up to contemporary standards. This presents an opportunity for buyers to customize the space according to their own taste and preferences, selecting finishes, fixtures, and colors that match their personal style. A self-occupation obligation applies to this property, meaning that rental to third parties is not permitted. This ensures that the building maintains a stable community of owner-occupiers.
The designated project notary for this sale is Boom Notariaat located in Voorschoten. The specific clauses applicable to this sale are described in detail in the property brochure, which prospective buyers are encouraged to review carefully.
The asking price for this property is €325,000, which translates to approximately €3,824 per square meter of living space. Given the property's features, location, and potential, this represents a competitive offering in the Leiden housing market.
In summary, this apartment offers a practical layout with generous living space, three bedrooms, and a wide eastern-facing balcony, all situated in a well-connected and family-friendly neighborhood of Leiden. With thoughtful modernization, this property has the potential to become a wonderful home that combines comfort, convenience, and personal style in one of the Netherlands' most historic and vibrant cities.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
The listing clearly states 'De badkamer is voorzien van een douche en wastafel' (The bathroom is equipped with a shower and sink).
Bathtub
No mention of a bathtub in the listing. Only shower is mentioned for the bathroom.
En-Suite Bathroom
The listing does not mention an en-suite bathroom connected to a bedroom. The bathroom appears to be a separate room accessed from the hall.
Guest Toilet
The listing states 'Het toilet is separaat gesitueerd en bereikbaar vanuit de badkamer' (The toilet is separately situated and accessible from the bathroom). This suggests a separate toilet area, not a guest toilet in a different location.
Bidet
No mention of a bidet in the listing. Only toilet, shower and sink are mentioned for the bathroom.
Double Shower
No mention of a double shower in the listing.
Shared Shower
This is a private apartment with its own bathroom facilities, not shared with others.
Shared Toilet
This is a private apartment with its own toilet facilities, not shared with others.
His & Hers Sinks
Only one sink (wastafel) is mentioned in the bathroom.
Heated Bathroom Floor
No mention of floor heating in the bathroom. The apartment has 'blokverwarming' (block heating) and needs modernization, making heated floors unlikely.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
Listing explicitly mentions a balcony on the east side spanning the full width of the apartment (16 m²)
Rear Garden
This is a first-floor apartment, no garden mentioned
Front Garden
This is a first-floor apartment, no garden mentioned
Side Garden
This is a first-floor apartment, no garden mentioned
Terrace
No terrace mentioned, only a balcony
Rooftop Terrace
Apartment is on the 1st floor, not on the roof
Barbecue Area
No barbecue area mentioned
Fenced Yard
Apartment without private yard
Patio
No patio mentioned, only a balcony
Veranda
No veranda mentioned
Guest House
Apartment, no guest house mentioned
Waterfront
No waterfront mentioned, located in residential area of Leiden
Kitchen Garden
No kitchen garden mentioned
Equestrian Facilities
No equestrian facilities, urban apartment
Small Livestock Facilities
No livestock facilities, urban apartment
Private Outdoor Pool
No pool mentioned
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
No jacuzzi mentioned
Private Tennis Court
No tennis court mentioned
Remarkable Mountain View
Netherlands is flat, Leiden has no mountain views
Remarkable City View
Not specifically mentioned, located in residential suburb area
Remarkable Garden View
No specific garden view mentioned, residential area
Remarkable Sea View
Leiden is inland, no sea view
Remarkable Harbour View
No harbour view mentioned
Remarkable Landmark View
No landmark view mentioned, residential suburb location
Interior Comfort
Air Conditioning
No air conditioning mentioned in the listing.
Central Heating
Uses 'blokverwarming' (block heating system) which is communal heating for the building, not individual central heating.
Fireplace
No fireplace mentioned in the listing.
Underfloor Heating
No underfloor heating mentioned. Uses block heating system.
Walk-In Closet
No walk-in closet mentioned in the listing.
Home Office
One bedroom is mentioned as suitable for home office use, but it's not a dedicated home office.
Skylight
No skylight mentioned. First floor apartment in a multi-story building with flat roof.
Exposed Beams
No exposed beams mentioned. Standard 1971 apartment construction.
Bay Window
Listing mentions wide windows but not specifically bay windows.
Private Indoor Pool
No pool mentioned. Standard apartment without such amenities.
Private Indoor Sauna
No sauna mentioned in the listing.
French Doors
No French doors mentioned in the listing.
Ornamental Plasterwork
No ornamental plasterwork mentioned. 1971 apartment needing modernization.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
No mention of Scandinavian design elements. Standard Dutch apartment from 1971 needing modernization.
Modern
Listing explicitly states the apartment needs modernization. It's a former rental property from 1971 with dated features.
Industrial
No industrial features mentioned. Standard Dutch apartment block construction.
Mediterranean
No Mediterranean elements mentioned. Typical Dutch apartment in Leiden.
Classic
Built in 1971 but no classic features mentioned. Standard apartment construction for that era.
Exterior Style
Traditional / Historic
Built in 1971 as a gallery flat, functional style not historic
Early 20th Century
Built in 1971, not early 20th century style
Post-War Functional
Built in 1971 as a galerijflat (gallery flat), typical post-war functional mass housing style
Modernist
1971 apartment block has some modern influences but primarily functional
Newly Built
Built in 1971, explicitly described as needing modernization
Kitchen
Kitchen Island
Kitchen is described as 'dichte keuken' (closed kitchen) at the front of the apartment, no mention of island
Open Plan Kitchen
Listing specifically states 'dichte keuken' which means closed/separate kitchen, not open plan
Shared Kitchen
This is a private apartment with its own kitchen, not shared
Designer Kitchen
Listing states apartment needs modernization and is a former rental property, suggesting a basic/standard kitchen rather than designer quality
New Kitchen
Listing explicitly states apartment needs modernization ('het appartement dient gemoderniseerd te worden') and is a former rental property, indicating kitchen is likely dated
Parking & Storage
Parking
The listing states 'rondom het complex is voldoende parkeergelegenheid aanwezig' (sufficient parking available around the complex) and lists 'Openbaar parkeren' (public parking).
Storage Room
The listing explicitly mentions 'een eigen berging in de onderbouw' (own storage in the substructure/basement) and 'Externe bergruimte: 8 m²' (external storage space).
Garage
No garage is mentioned anywhere in the listing. Parking is described only as public parking.
Automatic Garage Door
No garage is mentioned, so no automatic garage door.
Double Garage
No garage is mentioned, so no double garage.
Attic
This is a first-floor apartment in a gallery flat. No attic is mentioned.
Cellar
While there is a storage box in the 'onderbouw' (substructure), this is described as external storage space ('Externe bergruimte: 8 m²') and a 'Box', not a cellar proper.
Covered Parking
Only open public parking is mentioned around the complex. No covered parking described.
Underground Parking
No underground parking is mentioned. Only public surface parking is referenced.
Workshop
No workshop is mentioned. One room is described as potentially usable as a home workspace ('thuiswerkplek'), but this is not a dedicated workshop.
Shed
The listing explicitly states 'Schuur/berging: Box' (Shed/storage: Box) and mentions a separate storage box in the substructure.
Rules
Short-Term Rentals Allowed
The listing explicitly states 'zelfbewoningsplicht (verhuur niet toegestaan)' which means owner-occupancy obligation and renting is not allowed.
Long-Term Rentals Allowed
The listing explicitly states 'zelfbewoningsplicht (verhuur niet toegestaan)' which means owner-occupancy obligation and renting is not allowed.
Owners Association
The listing mentions an active V.v.E. (Vereniging van Eigenaren) with monthly contributions of €335.03.
Leasehold
No mention of erfpacht (leasehold) in the listing. It appears to be regular ownership, but this is not explicitly confirmed.
Chamber of Commerce Registered
The VvE checklist clearly states 'Inschrijving KvK: Ja' (Chamber of Commerce registration: Yes).
Annual Meeting
The VvE checklist clearly states 'Jaarlijkse vergadering: Ja' (Annual meeting: Yes).
Owners Association Fees
The listing states 'actieve V.v.E. bijdrage € 335,03 per maand exclusief voorschot stookkosten' and the VvE checklist confirms 'Periodieke bijdrage: Ja'.
Reserve Fund
The VvE checklist clearly states 'Reservefonds aanwezig: Ja' (Reserve fund present: Yes).
Maintenance Plan
The VvE checklist clearly states 'Onderhoudsplan: Ja' (Maintenance plan: Yes).
Buildings Insurance
The VvE checklist clearly states 'Opstalverzekering: Ja' (Building insurance: Yes).
Other Rules
The listing mentions: zelfbewoningsplicht (verhuur niet toegestaan) = owner-occupancy obligation, no renting allowed; projectnotaris is Boom Notariaat te Voorschoten = designated notary; voormalige huurwoning = former rental property; woning dient gemoderniseerd te worden = property needs modernization.
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
Listing explicitly mentions 'lift' multiple times - in the description ('appartementencomplex met lift') and in the features/kenmerken section under 'Voorzieningen: Lift'.
Intercom
The description clearly states the central entrance has 'een bellentableau en intercomsysteem' (a bell panel and intercom system).
Alarm System
No mention of an alarm system anywhere in the listing. Typical for a 1970s apartment that needs modernization.
Security Cameras
No mention of security cameras in the listing. The building has a central entrance with intercom but no cameras are described.
Private Entrance
The apartment has a 'centrale entree' (central entrance) shared with other units, accessible via stairwell or elevator. This is a gallery flat with communal access.
Automatic Gate
No mention of any automatic gate in the listing. The property is an apartment in a complex with standard entrance.
Gated Community
No indication of a gated community. The apartment is in a standard apartment complex with public parking and open access.
Wheelchair Accessible
Listing explicitly states 'Toegankelijk voor mensen met een beperking en toegankelijk voor ouderen' (Accessible for people with disabilities and accessible for the elderly). Elevator present.
Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine Connections
The listing explicitly states the bathroom has 'opstelplaats' (placement location) for a washing machine, which implies connections are available.
Laundry Room
No separate laundry room is mentioned. The washing machine and dryer are placed in the bathroom according to the listing.
Smart Home
No smart home features are mentioned. The property is described as needing modernization ('het appartement dient gemoderniseerd te worden').
Energy Efficiency
Solar Panels
No mention of solar panels anywhere in the listing. Given the E energy label and the fact that the apartment needs modernization, it's unlikely solar panels are present.
Double Glazing
Explicitly stated in the energy section: 'Isolatie: Dubbel glas' (Insulation: Double glass).
Triple Glazing
Only double glazing is mentioned. Triple glazing would typically be highlighted if present, especially given the E energy label.
Heat Pump
Not mentioned. The heating system is specified as 'blokverwarming' (block/district heating) and hot water is provided by an electric boiler (elektrische boiler).
Home Battery
No mention of a home battery or energy storage system anywhere in the listing.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
The property has double glazing and uses block heating (blokverwarming) which is a centralized heating system. Hot water is via an electric boiler. The E energy label indicates limited energy efficiency. The listing explicitly states the apartment needs modernization.