Charming Upper-Floor Apartment with Balcony in Valkenboskwartier
Key Features
Upsides
- Freehold ownership with no ground lease payments, providing long-term financial advantage
- Prime location in the desirable Valkenboskwartier with excellent access to shops, restaurants, public transport, and cycling distance to the beach and city center
- Recently updated key elements including a 2021 Vaillant central heating boiler and 2022 laminate flooring
- Well-managed active VvE with a reserve fund and long-term maintenance plan through 2035
- Balcony with afternoon and evening sun and pleasant green views
Downsides
- Energy label D rating indicating limited energy efficiency, partly due to remaining single-glazed windows
- Second bedroom is only accessible through the principal bedroom, limiting privacy and flexibility for certain household configurations
- No elevator in the building, requiring stairs to reach the second-floor apartment
- Building from 1907 will have age and materials clauses in the purchase contract, indicating potential maintenance considerations
- Limited electrical installation with only 6 circuits, which may be insufficient for modern high-demand usage
Description
The property is located at Copernicusstraat 219 in The Hague, situated in the highly sought-after Valkenboskwartier district. This upper-floor apartment spans approximately 72 square meters of living space according to the NEN 2580 measurement standard, with an additional 3 square meters of building-related outdoor space in the form of a balcony.
The building dates back to 1907 and is located within a municipally protected townscape area, which speaks to the historical character and architectural significance of the neighborhood. The Valkenboskwartier is known for its attractive 1930s architecture and vibrant yet welcoming atmosphere, creating a desirable living environment that combines urban convenience with residential charm.
Upon arrival, access to the apartment is gained via a staircase leading to the entrance on the first floor. The entrance hall provides access to a meter cupboard and practical storage space, allowing for organized storage of coats, shoes, and household items. This practical entry point sets the tone for the well-considered layout that follows.
The living room is a particularly appealing feature of this apartment. Formerly arranged as an en-suite room, it retains a charming built-in cabinet at the front, which adds character and provides additional storage. The room is described as spacious and inviting, offering ample space for various furniture arrangements to suit different lifestyles. French doors open onto the balcony, which enjoys afternoon and early evening sun and overlooks lush greenery. This connection between indoor and outdoor living space enhances the sense of light and airiness throughout the apartment. The living room also includes a convenient utility cupboard with space for a washing machine and dryer, keeping these practical appliances neatly tucked away while remaining easily accessible.
The kitchen is equipped with a freestanding Smeg refrigerator and a separate gas hob with an oven and combination oven. The kitchen also provides direct access to the balcony, creating an alternative route to the outdoor space and allowing for convenient al fresco dining or simply enjoying a morning coffee while taking in the green views.
The bathroom has been fitted with modern fixtures and fittings, including a wall-mounted toilet, a bath with shower combination, a double washbasin with vanity unit, a designer radiator, and mechanical ventilation. This generous bathroom space offers both functionality and comfort, with the double washbasin being a particularly practical feature for a two-bedroom property.
The principal bedroom is accessed from the kitchen and is described as spacious and bright. This room provides ample space for a double bed and additional furniture such as wardrobes or a desk. From the principal bedroom, the second bedroom can be reached, creating a flexible arrangement that could suit various household configurations. The second bedroom is equally suitable as a guest room, home office, dressing room, or walk-in wardrobe, depending on the needs of the occupant. This room also houses the central heating boiler.
In terms of technical specifications, the property features a Vaillant ecoTEC Plus CW4 central heating boiler, which was installed in 2021. This relatively recent installation provides peace of mind regarding the heating and hot water systems. The electrical installation comprises 6 circuits, 2 residual-current devices, and a main switch. The property is partly fitted with uPVC window frames with double glazing and partly with timber window frames with single glazing, indicating a partial upgrade of the windows while retaining some original features. Attractive laminate flooring was installed in 2022, providing a contemporary and easy-to-maintain floor surface throughout the living areas.
The apartment holds a 1/6th share in an actively managed homeowners association. The VvE charges a monthly contribution of 185 euros, which covers collective building insurance and contributes to the reserve fund. A long-term maintenance plan covering the period from 2021 to 2035 is in place, providing clarity on future maintenance requirements and financial planning for the building. The presence of a reserve fund, regular annual meetings, and proper KvK registration indicates a well-organized and professionally managed VvE.
The energy label for the property is D, which reflects the partial nature of the insulation upgrades. While the property benefits from some double glazing and a modern boiler, the remaining single-glazed windows and the age of the building contribute to the current energy rating. Prospective buyers should consider the potential for further energy efficiency improvements.
The property is situated on freehold land, meaning there is no ground lease to pay, which represents a significant financial advantage over properties that are subject to ground lease arrangements.
The location of Copernicusstraat offers excellent connectivity and convenience. The Valkenboskwartier neighborhood provides all daily amenities within easy reach, including supermarkets, specialty shops, cafes, and restaurants. The popular Reinkenstraat and Fahrenheitstraat shopping streets are within walking distance, offering a wide range of retail options. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, both the beach and the dunes can be reached by bicycle in approximately 15 minutes, while The Hague city center is less than 10 minutes away by bike. Public transport connections to the beach, city center, and major railway stations are described as excellent, facilitating easy travel throughout the region.
Parking is available on the public road directly in front of the property, subject to the applicable parking permit regulations for the area.
Given the age of the property, dating back to 1907, the purchase agreement will include both an age clause and a materials clause. These standard clauses provide protection for the seller regarding the condition of older properties and acknowledge that buyers of historic buildings accept a certain level of maintenance responsibility inherent to properties of this age.
The delivery date is described as being open to consultation, with the possibility of a quick transfer if desired. The purchase agreement will be drawn up in accordance with the standard NVM model, which provides a recognized and tested framework for property transactions in the Netherlands.
The asking price is 375,000 euros, which translates to approximately 5,208 euros per square meter of living space. This pricing should be considered in the context of the desirable Valkenboskwartier location, the freehold ownership, and the character features of the property.
The architectural context of the Valkenboskwartier adds significant value to properties in this area. The neighborhood is characterized by its distinctive 1930s architecture, featuring buildings with ornamental facades, varied rooflines, and thoughtful urban planning that creates a cohesive yet varied streetscape. Living in a protected townscape area means that the character of the neighborhood is preserved for future generations, which can contribute to property value stability and the overall desirability of the location.
The balcony, while modest in size at 3 square meters, serves as an important extension of the living space. The afternoon and evening sun orientation makes it suitable for relaxing after work or enjoying meals outdoors during warmer months. The view over greenery provides a pleasant outlook that enhances the sense of tranquility despite the central urban location.
The layout of the apartment, with the second bedroom accessed through the principal bedroom, offers both advantages and considerations. This arrangement can work well for couples who wish to use the second room as a dressing room, home office, or guest room. It may be less ideal for households requiring completely separate sleeping quarters. Prospective buyers should consider their current and anticipated future needs when evaluating this aspect of the property.
The presence of a combination bath and shower in the bathroom provides flexibility for different preferences and routines. The double washbasin is a practical feature that adds convenience, particularly for a two-person household where morning routines might otherwise conflict.
The partial window replacement, with some uPVC double-glazed units and some original timber single-glazed windows, represents a common situation in properties of this age where upgrades have been undertaken progressively. The remaining single-glazed windows will contribute to higher energy costs and potential comfort issues during colder months. Future window replacement could be anticipated as a potential improvement project, subject to any restrictions imposed by the protected townscape status.
The electrical installation with 6 circuits may be adequate for current usage patterns but could be a consideration for buyers planning significant upgrades or who have high electrical demands from modern appliances and technology.
The VvE contribution of 185 euros per month should be evaluated in the context of what it covers and the financial health of the association. The presence of a reserve fund and a long-term maintenance plan are positive indicators that suggest responsible financial management. Prospective buyers would be well-advised to request copies of the VvE financial statements, the reserve fund balance, and the detailed maintenance plan to fully understand the financial obligations and anticipated future costs.
The protected townscape designation, while contributing to neighborhood character and potentially property values, may impose restrictions on exterior modifications. Buyers considering significant facade alterations, window replacements, or other exterior changes should verify what permissions would be required and whether their planned improvements would be permitted.
The flat roof construction, as indicated in the property features, is typical for this type of portiekflat apartment. Buyers should be aware that flat roofs require periodic maintenance and may have a finite lifespan before replacement is needed. The presence of a maintenance plan through 2035 should provide information about the anticipated timeline for any roof-related works.
The absence of an elevator in this portiekflat building should be considered by buyers with mobility concerns or those who anticipate difficulty with stairs. The second-floor location means climbing one full flight of stairs to reach the apartment, which may become a consideration for aging in place.
The proximity to both the Reinkenstraat and Fahrenheitstraat shopping streets provides excellent retail variety, from daily groceries to specialty items and services. These established shopping areas contribute to the walkable lifestyle that many urban residents seek, reducing dependence on car travel for routine errands.
The quick cycling distance to the beach and dunes represents a significant lifestyle advantage, particularly during warmer months when coastal recreation becomes a priority for many residents of The Hague. This proximity to natural areas provides a balance to the urban environment and contributes to the overall quality of life in this location.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
Listing explicitly mentions 'ligbad-/douchecombinatie' (bath/shower combination) in the bathroom.
Bathtub
Listing explicitly mentions 'ligbad-/douchecombinatie' (bath/shower combination) in the bathroom.
Ensuite Bathroom
The 'voormalig ensuite' refers to the living room's historical layout, not a current ensuite bathroom. The bathroom is accessed from the hallway, not directly from a bedroom.
Guest Toilet
Only one toilet is mentioned, which is located in the main bathroom. No separate guest toilet is described.
Bidet
No bidet is mentioned anywhere in the listing.
Rain Shower
No specific mention of a rain shower head or rain shower system.
Double Shower
No mention of a double shower setup.
Shared Shower
This is a private apartment with its own bathroom, not a shared facility.
Shared Toilet
This is a private apartment with its own bathroom, not a shared facility.
His And Hers Sinks
Listing explicitly mentions 'dubbele wastafel met meubel' (double washbasin with vanity unit).
Bathroom Heated Floor
No mention of underfloor heating in the bathroom. Heating is provided via CV-ketel and a design radiator only.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
The listing explicitly mentions a balcony multiple times, including a 3 m² external space.
Rear Garden
The property is an upper-floor apartment with no mention of a garden.
Front Garden
The property is an upper-floor apartment with no mention of a front garden.
Side Garden
The property is an upper-floor apartment with no mention of a side garden.
Terrace
The listing only mentions a balcony, not a terrace.
Rooftop Terrace
The listing mentions a balcony on the first floor, no rooftop terrace.
Barbecue Area
No mention of a barbecue area in the listing.
Fenced Yard
The property is an upper-floor apartment with no yard.
Patio
The listing mentions a balcony, not a patio.
Veranda
No veranda is mentioned in the listing.
Guest House
The property is a 72 m² apartment with no guest house.
Waterfront
The property is located in Valkenboskwartier, not directly on the water.
Kitchen Garden
The property is an upper-floor apartment with no kitchen garden.
Equestrian Facilities
No equestrian facilities are mentioned or expected for an urban apartment.
Small Livestock Facilities
No small livestock facilities are mentioned or expected for an urban apartment.
Private Outdoor Pool
No private outdoor pool is mentioned in the listing.
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
No private outdoor jacuzzi is mentioned in the listing.
Private Tennis Court
No private tennis court is mentioned in the listing.
Remarkable Mountain View
The property is located in The Hague, Netherlands, which has no mountains.
Remarkable City View
The listing emphasizes green and quiet views from the balcony rather than a remarkable city view.
Remarkable Garden View
The listing explicitly highlights a balcony with a view of greenery ('uitzicht op groen' and 'groen uitzicht').
Remarkable Sea View
The beach is 15 minutes away by bike; there is no sea view from the property.
Remarkable Harbour View
No harbour view is mentioned or implied in the listing.
Remarkable Landmark View
No landmark view is mentioned in the listing.
Interior Comfort
Air Conditioning
No air conditioning mentioned anywhere in the listing.
Central Heating
Explicitly mentions Vaillant Ecotec Plus CW4 combi boiler from 2021 for central heating.
Fireplace
No fireplace mentioned in the listing.
Hardwood Floors
Listing specifically mentions laminate flooring installed in 2022, not hardwood.
Laminate Flooring
Explicitly states 'fraaie laminaatvloer 2022' (attractive laminate flooring 2022).
Carpeted Floors
No carpeting mentioned; laminate flooring is specified instead.
Underfloor Heating
Only central heating via CV-ketel is mentioned; no underfloor heating specified.
Walk In Closet
Second bedroom mentioned as potentially usable as walk-in closet, but it is a room that can be adapted, not a purpose-built walk-in closet.
Home Office
Second bedroom mentioned as potentially ideal as home office, but it is a potential use of a bedroom, not a dedicated home office.
Skylight
No skylight mentioned in the listing.
Exposed Beams
No exposed beams mentioned in the listing.
Bay Window
No bay window mentioned; there is a built-in cabinet but not described as a bay window.
Private Indoor Pool
Extremely unlikely in a 72m² apartment from 1907; not mentioned.
Private Indoor Sauna
Not mentioned and highly implausible in this type of property.
Built-In Wardrobes
Only a built-in cabinet in the living room is mentioned; no built-in wardrobes in bedrooms specified.
French Doors
Explicitly mentions 'openslaande deuren' (French doors) leading to the balcony from the living room.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
No Scandinavian design elements mentioned such as light woods, minimalist style, or hygge aesthetics.
Modern
Listing mentions 'modern comfort' but it's a 1907 building with mixed old and new elements, not a strong modern aesthetic.
Industrial
No industrial elements mentioned such as exposed brick, metal accents, concrete, or loft-style features.
Mediterranean
No Mediterranean features mentioned such as terracotta tiles, warm colors, or Mediterranean-style elements.
Classic
1907 building in a protected townscape with characteristic period details, former en-suite layout, and built-in cabinet typical of classic style.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
Built in 1907, features characteristic details, and located in a protected townscape.
Early 20th Century
The building was constructed in 1907, which falls squarely into the early 20th century.
Post War Functional
The building dates back to 1907, predating the post-war era.
Modernist
Built in 1907 with characteristic period features, not a modernist style.
Newly Build
The building was constructed in 1907 and is explicitly described as 'bestaande bouw' (existing construction).
Kitchen
Dishwasher
No dishwasher mentioned in the kitchen description, and major appliances are typically listed
Oven
Explicitly mentioned as 'gas hob with oven/combination oven'
Refrigerator
Explicitly mentioned as 'freestanding Smeg refrigerator'
Kitchen Island
No mention of kitchen island in a 72m² 1907 apartment; unlikely given the size and era
Open Plan Kitchen
Layout description indicates kitchen is separate from living room; accessed from hallway area
Pantry
No pantry mentioned in the property description
Stove
Explicitly mentioned as 'gas hob' (gaskookplaat)
Induction Stove
Explicitly stated as gas hob, not induction
Build In Coffee Maker
No built-in coffee maker mentioned in the kitchen description
Boiling Water Tap
No boiling water tap such as Quooker mentioned in the property features
Downdraft Extractor
No downdraft extractor mentioned in the kitchen description
Shared Kitchen
This is a private apartment, not shared housing
Design Kitchen
Has a Smeg refrigerator (designer brand) but described as 'gezellige' (cozy) rather than design-focused; older building with likely original kitchen layout
New Kitchen
Building from 1907 with no mention of kitchen renovation; other updates like floor (2022) and boiler (2021) are mentioned but not kitchen
Parking & Storage
Parking
Listing states parking is available on the public road in front of the property and lists 'Parkeervergunningen' (parking permits) as the parking type.
Storage Room
Listing mentions 'praktische bergruimte' (practical storage space) in the hallway and a 'praktische kast' (practical closet) in the living room for washer/dryer.
Garage
No mention of a garage anywhere in the listing.
Automatic Garage Door
No garage exists, so no automatic garage door.
Double Garage
No garage exists, so no double garage.
Attic
No mention of an attic. The apartment is on the 2nd floor with no indication of additional attic space.
Cellar
No mention of a cellar or basement in the listing.
Covered Parking
No mention of covered parking facilities.
Underground Parking
No mention of underground parking.
Ev Charging
No mention of EV charging facilities.
Workshop
No mention of a workshop in the listing.
Shed
No mention of a shed or outbuilding.
Street Parking Free
Listing indicates parking permits are required ('Parkeervergunningen'), suggesting street parking is not free.
Street Parking Permit
Features section explicitly lists 'Parkeervergunningen' (parking permits) as the parking type.
Parkspot Rent Price Month
No mention of a rentable parking spot or monthly rental price for parking.
Parkspot Sale Price
No mention of a parking spot for sale.
Rules
Owners Association
The listing explicitly states there is a 1/6th share in an active VvE (Homeowners' Association).
Leasehold
The listing explicitly states 'eigen grond' (freehold) and 'situated on freehold land (no ground lease)'.
Oa Chamber Of Commerce Registered
The VvE checklist section explicitly states 'Inschrijving KvK Ja' (Chamber of Commerce registration Yes).
Oa Annual Meeting
The VvE checklist section explicitly states 'Jaarlijkse vergadering Ja' (Annual meeting Yes).
Oa Fees
The listing states a monthly VvE contribution of €185 and the checklist confirms 'Periodieke bijdrage Ja'.
Oa Reserve Fund
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Reservefonds aanwezig Ja' (Reserve fund present Yes).
Oa Maintenance Plan
The listing mentions a long-term maintenance plan (MJOP) for 2021-2035, and the checklist confirms 'Onderhoudsplan Ja'.
Oa Buildings Insurance
The listing mentions a collective building insurance, and the checklist confirms 'Opstalverzekering Ja'.
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The listing describes it as a 'Portiekflat' (walk-up apartment) built in 1907 and specifies access 'via de trap' (via the stairs), indicating there is no elevator.
Private Entrance
Access is via a shared staircase (portiek), which is typical for this type of apartment, so there is no private street-level entrance.
Automatic Gate
The property is a city apartment with public street parking, making an automatic gate highly unlikely and unmentioned.
Gated Community
The apartment is located on a public street in a city center neighborhood, not in a gated community.
Wheelchair Accessible
The apartment is located on the second floor and is accessible only via stairs with no elevator, making it not wheelchair accessible.
Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine Connections
The listing mentions a designated space for a washing machine and dryer ('opstelplaats voor wasmachine en droger'), which implies connections are present.
Laundry Room
The appliances are located in a practical closet in the living room ('praktische kast in de woonkamer'), not in a separate laundry room.
Ventilation System
The listing explicitly states there is 'elektrische ventilatie' (mechanical ventilation) in the bathroom.
Water Softener
Water softeners are highly unusual in Dutch residential properties and are not mentioned in the listing.
Energy Efficiency
Solar Panels
No mention of solar panels anywhere in the listing. Given the protected townscape status and energy label D, solar panels are unlikely to be present.
Double Glazing
The listing explicitly states 'deels voorzien van kunststof kozijnen met dubbelglas en deels houten kozijnen met enkel glas' (partly fitted with uPVC window frames with double glazing and partly with timber window frames with single glazing). The features section also confirms 'Gedeeltelijk dubbel glas' (partial double glazing).
Triple Glazing
No mention of triple glazing in the listing. The property has partial double glazing and partial single glazing, but triple glazing is not referenced.
Heat Pump
The listing specifies a Vaillant Ecotec Plus CW4 central heating boiler from 2021, which is a gas combi-boiler, not a heat pump. No heat pump is mentioned.
Home Battery
No mention of a home battery system anywhere in the listing. Given there are no solar panels mentioned, a home battery would be unlikely.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
The main energy efficiency measures mentioned are: 1) Partial double glazing on uPVC frames, 2) A relatively new high-efficiency gas combi-boiler (Vaillant Ecotec Plus CW4, installed 2021), and 3) Mechanical ventilation in the bathroom. However, parts of the property still have single glazing in wooden frames, and the overall energy label is D, indicating limited overall energy efficiency improvements. The property's status as a protected townscape may limit certain energy upgrades.
Location
History
No history available for this listing.