Charming 1930s Apartment with South-Facing Balcony in Helpman

Helper Brink 49A is situated in the Helpman district of Groningen, a neighborhood that originally functioned as an independent village and has managed to retain that distinctive village character despite its integration into the city. The apartment is located on the second floor of a building constructed in 1935, placing it within the architectural tradition of the 1930s era that is well represented throughout this part of Groningen. The street itself is described as broad and characteristic, contributing to an appealing residential atmosphere.

The living area of the apartment measures 59 square meters, which is distributed across a practical and well considered layout. Upon entering through the hall, residents are greeted by a fixed storage closet that provides immediate organizational space for coats, shoes, and other everyday items. The hall leads into the main living area, which functions as an open plan space combining the living room and kitchen.

The living room features an erker, which is a characteristic architectural element from the 1930s period that creates additional space and allows natural light to enter from multiple angles. A marble fireplace surround serves as a focal point in the room, adding to the period character of the interior. The authentic elements that have been preserved throughout the apartment contribute to the distinctive atmosphere that buyers seeking a 1930s property typically value.

From the living room, sliding doors open onto the balcony, which spans the full width of the rear facade. The south facing orientation means this outdoor space receives direct sunlight for a significant portion of the day, making it suitable for outdoor dining, relaxation, or growing plants. At 5 square meters, the balcony provides a meaningful extension to the living space during warmer months.

The open kitchen is equipped with a range of appliances that facilitate everyday cooking. These include a refrigerator, a combination oven that serves as both a conventional oven and a microwave, a dishwasher for convenient cleanup, and a four burner gas hob with a wok burner for more intensive cooking tasks. An extraction hood is installed above the cooking area. The kitchen also has its own access door to the balcony, which is a practical feature for outdoor dining situations.

The apartment contains two bedrooms, both of which feature built in closets. This built in storage eliminates the need for freestanding wardrobes and helps maintain a clean and organized appearance in the sleeping areas. The presence of two bedrooms makes the property suitable for various household compositions, from couples who want a home office or guest room to small families.

The bathroom was renovated in 2023 and therefore reflects current standards and tastes. It contains a shower cubicle, a washbasin, and a wall hung toilet. This recent renovation means that buyers can expect the bathroom to be in good condition without requiring immediate investment.

In terms of energy efficiency, the apartment holds a B energy label. A significant portion of the windows have been fitted with HR++ double glazing, which provides better insulation than standard double glazing. The heating and hot water are supplied by a Remeha gas fired combination boiler that was installed in 2019 and is owned rather than rented, which avoids ongoing rental costs for this essential equipment.

The property is part of an active homeowners association that appears to be well organized and financially healthy. The monthly VvE contribution is 130 euros. The association has a reserve fund, holds annual meetings, is registered with the Chamber of Commerce, has a maintenance plan in place, and has arranged building insurance. During the current year, the VvE is undertaking insulation work on the roof and walls, as well as renewing the bituminous roof covering. These improvements are expected to result in lower energy costs and potentially an improved energy label.

The building has a flat roof covered with bitumen, which is the type being renewed as part of the current VvE project. This maintenance work should ensure the roof remains watertight and functional for many years to come.

Residents have access to a detached wooden storage unit measuring 4 square meters, which provides space for bicycles, garden furniture, or other items that do not need to be stored inside the apartment. Given that Groningen is a cycling friendly city with high bicycle ownership rates, dedicated bicycle storage is a practical amenity.

The location opposite the Mozartstraat provides a free view, which means the apartment does not face directly onto another building at close range. This contributes to a sense of space and privacy that is not always available in urban apartment settings.

Parking in the area operates on a paid parking system with permit options available. Prospective buyers who own a car should investigate the current permit situation and costs with the municipality.

The Helpman neighborhood offers a range of amenities within walking distance. These include cafes and restaurants for dining and socializing, schools for families with children, sports facilities for active residents, and the open air swimming pool De Papiermolen for summer recreation. The village like character of the area means that daily necessities can often be accessed without traveling to the city center.

For commuters, the location provides good access to the main highways, with both the A7 and A28 reachable within approximately five minutes by car. The city center of Groningen can be reached by bicycle in about fifteen minutes, making this a practical location for those who work or study in the center while preferring to live in a quieter residential area.

The asking price is 249000 euros, which translates to approximately 4220 euros per square meter of living space. The property is offered with a buyer costs qualification, meaning that transfer taxes, notary fees, and other transaction costs are to be paid by the buyer in addition to the purchase price. The transfer date is to be determined by mutual agreement between buyer and seller.