Characterful Commercial Residence in Historic Tongeren Center

Located in the very heart of Tongeren, which holds the distinction of being the oldest city in Belgium, this characterful commercial house presents an interesting opportunity for both investors and entrepreneurs. The property is situated at Graanmarkt 3, positioned directly at the iconic Vrijthof square, which is considered one of the most significant historical locations in the city. The building was originally constructed in the year 1850, giving it a substantial historical background that adds to its distinctive character and appeal.

The total living area of the property measures 619 square meters, spread across three living levels. The ground area of the plot is 185 square meters, while the total volume of the building reaches 2,352 cubic meters. With 19 rooms in total, including four bedrooms and three bathrooms, the property offers considerable space that can be utilized in various configurations. The current layout allows for the commercial section and the residential section to function independently, as each has its own separate entrance. This separation means that living and working under one roof can be maintained with clear boundaries between the two functions.

The commercial portion of the building previously operated as a restaurant known as 't Vrijthof. This section features a spacious interior that could accommodate various hospitality or retail concepts. Additionally, there is a terrace area that provides a view of the historical basilica situated on the Vrijthof. This outdoor space offers a unique setting where visitors can experience the atmosphere of the city square while enjoying the historical surroundings. The location on the Vrijthof is considered a premium position in Tongeren, as this square is a central gathering place and a focal point for both residents and tourists visiting the city.

The residential section of the property contains the four bedrooms and three bathrooms, along with additional living spaces. Having three full bathrooms for four bedrooms provides a practical and comfortable ratio for a family home or for potential guest accommodation. The separate entrance to the residential area ensures privacy from the commercial activities that might take place on the ground floor or in other parts of the building.

One notable aspect of this property is the possibility to divide the building into two separate entities. This flexibility means that a prospective buyer could potentially acquire only a portion of the building rather than the entire structure. This option makes the property particularly interesting for different types of buyers, including those who might not need the full 619 square meters but would like to establish themselves in this prime location.

The building is classified as a terraced house or herenhuis, which translates to a townhouse or mansion house. It was built in 1850, placing it firmly in the 19th century architectural tradition. The roof structure is described as a flat roof covered with tiles, which is an interesting architectural detail for a building of this age and style. The windows feature wooden frames with double glazing, which provides a reasonable level of insulation while maintaining the historical appearance of the facade.

Heating is provided through a gas-fired combination boiler that serves both the central heating system and the hot water supply. The boiler is owned by the property, meaning it is included in the sale. Gas heating is a common and relatively efficient heating method in Belgium. The energy label is noted as not available, which is not uncommon for older buildings that have not recently undergone a formal energy audit or certification process.

From a regulatory and urban planning perspective, the property is situated in a residential area designated for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic value. This zoning classification reflects the protected nature of the historic city center where the building is located. The G-score for the building and the P-score for the plot are both rated as A, which indicates favorable scores in terms of urban planning considerations in the Belgian system.

The property is confirmed as not being in a flood-prone area, which is an important consideration for real estate in Belgium. There are no judicial restoration measures or administrative measures imposed on the property, and no building permit or subdivision permit has been filed in relation to the current offering. The as-built certificate is noted as not being available, which is something potential buyers should be aware of and investigate further. Information regarding protected heritage status, renovation obligations, and pre-emption rights is listed as not entered, meaning these aspects would need to be verified through official channels.

The cadastral income before indexing is 4,434 euros, which gives an indication of the property's official registration value for tax purposes. The asking price is set at 449,000 euros, which translates to approximately 725 euros per square meter of living space. This price per square meter reflects the commercial potential and the prime location rather than purely residential value, as the price per square meter is relatively modest for the amount of space included.

Parking at the property consists of public parking options in the surrounding area, as there is no private parking garage or dedicated parking space included with the property. This is typical for properties located in historic city centers where space is limited and on-site parking is often not available.

The property is offered by De Woonmakers in cooperation with Nedafmakelaardij, which is described as a trusted partner operating throughout both the Netherlands and Belgium. The listing specifies that interested parties are requested to respond exclusively via email or through the Funda platform, after which the agents will make contact. The representative for this property is Dieter Kersten, who can be reached by phone for inquiries.

It should be noted that the surface areas mentioned in the listing are described as indicative, and De Woonmakers states that they cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the provided data. This is a standard disclaimer that suggests prospective buyers should verify the exact measurements independently.

The property is currently available and marked as new on the platform. The acceptance terms are described as subject to agreement, which allows some flexibility in the timing and conditions of the transfer. For buyers seeking a renovation project in a guaranteed top location with historical character and commercial possibilities, this building on the Vrijthof in Tongeren presents a noteworthy opportunity that combines architectural heritage with practical potential for various uses.