Renovator's Opportunity: Spacious 131m² Ground-Floor Apartment with Garden in Historic Haarlem

This ground-floor apartment located at Duvenvoordestraat 34 in Haarlem presents a unique opportunity for buyers who are willing to take on a complete renovation project. Situated in the desirable Garenkokerskwartier neighborhood, this property offers a generous living area of approximately 131 square meters along with a backyard garden measuring 72 square meters. The building dates back to 1895, which adds to its historical character and appeal.

The apartment is positioned at the head of the Garenkokerskade, providing residents with an attractive and unobstructed view. This waterfront location is considered one of the highlights of the property, as it offers a pleasant outlook that cannot be easily replicated in newer developments. The immediate surroundings feature the characteristic architecture and authentic streets that define this popular district of Haarlem.

It is important to note that the current condition of the property requires significant attention. The listing explicitly states that the state of maintenance is poor and that a full renovation is necessary. Additionally, a Quickscan Phase 0 foundation measurement has been conducted, and the results indicate a high risk regarding the foundation. This means that the foundation will need to be renewed as part of the renovation process. Prospective buyers should factor these substantial renovation costs into their calculations when considering this property.

The sale is being conducted under an as is, where is clause, which means the seller is not providing any warranties or guarantees regarding the condition of the property. Buyers are purchasing the apartment in its current state, with all its existing issues and required repairs. This type of sale is common for properties that require extensive renovation work.

The internal layout of the apartment is currently organized across the ground floor level only. Upon entering, there is a spacious hallway that includes a built-in storage cupboard. The kitchen is enclosed and currently contains a shower facility, which indicates the unconventional arrangement of the plumbing in this historic building. There is a separate toilet located elsewhere in the apartment.

Access to a cellar is available, providing approximately 8 square meters of additional indoor storage space. The living area is described as spacious and features a gas heater for warmth. The living room is divided into multiple sections or rooms, which offers future owners flexibility in how they choose to configure the space during their renovation.

The apartment contains three bedrooms, making it suitable for families or individuals who require multiple sleeping quarters or home office space. The exact dimensions of these bedrooms are not specified in the listing, but the overall living area of 131 square meters suggests that the rooms should be reasonably proportioned.

At the rear of the property, there is a backyard garden that measures 6 meters in depth and 12 meters in width, totaling 72 square meters. The garden is accessible via a rear path. Currently, the garden contains several old wooden sheds that provide external storage space. The listing mentions that the total external storage space amounts to approximately 53 square meters, which is a notable amount that could be valuable for storage purposes.

The Garenkokerskwartier neighborhood is well regarded for its charming atmosphere and convenient location. Residents can easily walk to the nearby bridges that cross the canal, providing direct access to Kenaupark and the bustling center of Haarlem. The city center offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, cultural venues, and entertainment options.

For daily necessities, the Zijlweg is located nearby and features various local shops including a large Albert Heijn supermarket. The listing specifically mentions a local sourdough bakery called Made by Ellen as a popular spot in the neighborhood for coffee and fresh bread.

Transportation options are excellent. Haarlem Centraal railway station is within walking distance, allowing for quick connections to Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport by train. For those who drive, the main arterial roads leading to surrounding cities can be reached within minutes. The coastal areas, including the dunes, Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, and the beaches at Bloemendaal and Zandvoort, are easily accessible by both bicycle and car.

The property is part of a Owners Association, known as a VvE in the Netherlands. The VvE is registered with the Chamber of Commerce and has a joint buildings insurance policy in place. A letter of intent has been signed indicating the intention to activate the VvE more formally. Currently, there is no annual contribution being collected, no reserve fund, no maintenance plan, and no annual meetings being held, which reflects the inactive state of the VvE at this time.

The energy label for the property is rated as E, and the listing indicates that there is no insulation present. Heating is provided by gas heaters, and hot water comes from a geiser, which is a type of gas water heater. These energy characteristics suggest that significant improvements could be made to the energy efficiency of the property during renovation.

Parking in the area is managed through a permit system, which is typical for residential neighborhoods in Dutch city centers.

The asking price for this property is 425,000 euros, which translates to approximately 3,244 euros per square meter of living space. This price point should be evaluated in the context of the substantial renovation costs that will be required, particularly the foundation work.

Open house viewing times have been scheduled for prospective buyers to visit the property. These sessions provide an opportunity to assess the current condition firsthand and better understand the scope of renovation work that will be needed.