Character Upper Apartment in Helpman with Two Bedrooms and Balcony
Key Features
Description
This charming upper apartment, situated at Helper Weststraat 6-A in the highly sought-after Helpman neighborhood of Groningen, offers a unique blend of historical character and modern comfort. Originally constructed in 1916, this distinctive property has been thoughtfully renovated while preserving the authentic features that make such homes so appealing. The apartment spans two living levels with a total living area of approximately 91 square meters, featuring high ceilings reaching 3.2 meters, a solid oak floor in Hungarian point pattern, generous window sections that flood the space with natural light, and a practical layout that maximizes both space and functionality.
The current owners have invested significantly in modernizing the property in recent years. Major improvements include a completely new kitchen installed in 2025, a new bathroom from 2024, a renewed facade, and fresh exterior paintwork completed in 2025. These updates ensure that the new owner can enjoy a home with contemporary amenities without the concerns of deferred maintenance, all while appreciating the original character elements that give this property its distinctive charm.
Helpman is widely regarded as one of the most desirable residential areas in Groningen. This leafy, peaceful neighborhood offers an ideal balance of tranquility and accessibility. The area is known for its distinctive character, featuring wide lanes, authentic 1920s architecture, and a strong sense of community. For daily shopping needs, the Helperplein shopping center is within comfortable walking distance, offering supermarkets, a pharmacy, and various specialty shops. The atmospheric dining and entertainment venues along Paterswoldseweg are also nearby, providing excellent options for socializing and leisure.
Accessibility is excellent from this location. The vibrant center of Groningen and the Central Station can be reached by bicycle in approximately ten minutes. Public bus services provide quick connections to the city center, while the A28 highway offers direct access to the broader region, making this location convenient for both local commuting and longer journeys.
Upon entering the property through the ground-floor entrance, residents ascend stairs to reach the first living level. Here you'll find a spacious living room benefiting from abundant natural light through large windows and enhanced by the impressive 3.2-meter ceiling height. The elegant floor in Hungarian point pattern was installed in 2024, adding a touch of timeless sophistication to the space. The open kitchen, completely renewed in 2025, comes fully equipped with modern built-in appliances including a cooktop, oven, range hood, refrigerator-freezer combination, and dishwasher. From the kitchen, French doors lead to the eastern-facing balcony, which includes practical exterior storage space.
Continuing up the fixed staircase in the living room, residents access the landing on the second living level. To the right front side is the newly renovated bathroom (2024), featuring a shower, vanity unit, and toilet. To the left front side is the first bedroom measuring approximately 11 square meters, accessible through a walk-in closet. At the rear is the second bedroom of about 10 square meters with a skylight and enclosed storage area.
The eastern-facing balcony of approximately 7 square meters provides a pleasant outdoor space in the heart of the city. Receiving morning sun, it can be conveniently accessed from the kitchen, making it an ideal spot for enjoying a morning coffee or growing container plants.
Additional features of this property include energy label C rating, indicating reasonable energy efficiency. The heating system consists of an Intergas HRE 28-24 CW4 with A-pump combination central heating boiler (gas-powered, installed in 2021, with most recent maintenance in 2025), which is owned rather than rented. Energy efficiency is further enhanced by six solar panels installed in 2021, a renewed electrical panel, roof covering replacement from 2022, and insulation including roof insulation, HR glass, wall insulation, and floor insulation. The property also benefits from fiber optic cable connectivity and mechanical ventilation in addition to natural ventilation options.
The property is part of a sleeping VvE (Homeowners Association) consisting of 2 apartment rights, registered with the Chamber of Commerce, with joint building insurance in place. An age clause applies to this property due to its construction year of 1916. The asking price for this characterful upper apartment is € 319,000 subject to buyer's costs (k.k.).
This property presents an exceptional opportunity for those seeking a home that successfully combines historical character with modern convenience in one of Groningen's most beloved neighborhoods. The thoughtful renovations, practical layout, and desirable location create a living environment that balances aesthetic appeal with everyday functionality.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
The listing explicitly states the bathroom is equipped with 'een douche' (a shower).
Bathtub
The bathroom amenities only list a shower, sink, and toilet, which strongly implies there is no bathtub.
Guest Toilet
The only toilet mentioned is inside the upstairs bathroom; there is no mention of a separate guest toilet on the ground floor.
Bidet
The bathroom features are listed as a shower, toilet, and sink, with no mention of a bidet.
Double Shower
The text mentions 'een douche' (singular), implying it is a single shower setup.
Shared Shower
This is a private apartment for sale, meaning the shower is not shared with parties outside the household.
Shared Toilet
This is a private apartment for sale, meaning the toilet facilities are private.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
The listing explicitly mentions a balcony on the east side of approximately 7 m² with sliding doors.
Rear Garden
It is an upper floor apartment ('bovenwoning') and only a balcony is mentioned as outdoor space.
Front Garden
It is an upper floor apartment and no front garden is mentioned.
Side Garden
It is an upper floor apartment and no side garden is mentioned.
Terrace
The listing mentions a balcony, but does not mention a terrace.
Rooftop Terrace
There is no mention of a rooftop terrace in the listing.
Barbecue Area
There is no mention of a barbecue area.
Fenced Yard
There is no mention of a fenced yard.
Patio
There is no mention of a patio.
Veranda
There is no mention of a veranda.
Guest House
There is no mention of a guest house.
Waterfront
The property is not described as being on the waterfront.
Kitchen Garden
There is no mention of a kitchen garden.
Equestrian Facilities
There is no mention of equestrian facilities.
Small Livestock Facilities
There is no mention of small livestock facilities.
Private Outdoor Pool
There is no mention of a private outdoor pool.
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
There is no mention of a private outdoor jacuzzi.
Private Tennis Court
There is no mention of a private tennis court.
Remarkable Mountain View
The property is located in Groningen, which is a flat area with no mountains.
Remarkable City View
The apartment has large windows and is located in the city, but a remarkable city view is not explicitly mentioned.
Remarkable Garden View
There is no mention of a garden view.
Remarkable Sea View
The property is inland in the city of Groningen, with no sea view mentioned.
Remarkable Harbour View
There is no mention of a harbour view.
Remarkable Landmark View
There is no mention of a landmark view.
Interior Comfort
Air Conditioning
No mention of air conditioning anywhere in the listing.
Central Heating
CV-ketel (central heating boiler) explicitly mentioned: Intergas HRE 28-24 CW4 from 2021, owned property.
Fireplace
No fireplace mentioned in the description or features list.
Hardwood Floors
'Massief eikenhouten vloer in Hongaarse punt' explicitly mentioned, installed in 2024.
Laminate Flooring
Solid oak hardwood floor explicitly mentioned, making laminate unlikely.
Carpeted Floors
No carpet mentioned; solid oak floor is the primary flooring noted.
Underfloor Heating
No mention of underfloor heating; heating is via CV-ketel (central heating boiler).
Walk-In Closet
'Inloopkast' (walk-in closet) explicitly mentioned providing access to the first bedroom.
Skylight
'Dakraam' (skylight) explicitly mentioned in the second bedroom.
Exposed Beams
No exposed beams mentioned despite high 3.2m ceilings and character features.
Private Indoor Pool
No mention of a pool; this is a standard apartment.
Private Indoor Sauna
No mention of a sauna anywhere in the listing.
French Doors
'Openslaande deuren' (French doors/folding doors) explicitly mentioned providing access to the balcony from the kitchen.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
No Scandinavian design elements mentioned; the property emphasizes character and classic features from 1916.
Modern
Recently renovated with new kitchen (2025), bathroom (2024), and new front facade (2025), but retains classic character elements.
Industrial
No industrial elements such as exposed brick, steel, or concrete mentioned anywhere in the listing.
Mediterranean
No Mediterranean design elements mentioned; typical Dutch architecture from 1916.
Classic
Built in 1916, described as 'karakteristieke bovenwoning' with high 3.2m ceilings, large windows, Hungarian point solid oak floor, and twenties architecture in the neighborhood.
Exterior Style
Traditional / Historic
The listing describes it as a characteristic upper floor apartment built in 1916 with 'jaren-twintig architectuur' (1920s architecture) and preserved character.
Early 20th Century
The building was constructed in 1916 and explicitly mentioned as having 'jaren-twintig architectuur'.
Post-War Functional
The building was built in 1916, pre-dating the post-war functionalist style.
Modernist
The interior has been modernized with a new kitchen and bathroom, but the building style is traditional.
Newly Built
The listing states 'Bouwjaar: 1916' and 'Soort bouw: Bestaande bouw' (existing construction).
Kitchen
Dishwasher
The listing explicitly mentions a 'vaatwasser' (dishwasher) among the built-in appliances.
Oven
The listing explicitly mentions an 'oven' among the built-in appliances.
Refrigerator
The text mentions a 'koel-vriescombinatie' (fridge-freezer combination), which includes a refrigerator.
Freezer
The text mentions a 'koel-vriescombinatie' (fridge-freezer combination), which includes a freezer.
Kitchen Island
There is no mention of a kitchen island in the listing, which is typical for an upstairs apartment layout.
Open Plan Kitchen
The listing explicitly states 'open keuken' (open kitchen) in the description.
Pantry
There is no mention of a pantry in the description.
Stove
The text explicitly mentions a 'kookplaat' (cooktop/stove).
Built-in Coffee Maker
The listing details the built-in appliances, and a coffee maker is not among them.
Shared Kitchen
The property is a private apartment, so the kitchen is not shared.
Designer Kitchen
The kitchen is described as new (2025) with built-in appliances, but no specific designer brand is mentioned.
New Kitchen
The text explicitly states 'nieuwe keuken (2025)' and 'De open keuken uit 2025'.
Parking & Storage
Parking
The listing mentions 'Betaald parkeren, openbaar parkeren en parkeervergunningen' (paid parking, public parking and parking permits).
Storage Room
There is a 'buitenberging' (outside storage) on the balcony and an 'afgesloten bergruimte' (closed storage space) in the second bedroom, plus 1 m² of 'overige inpandige ruimte' (other indoor space).
Garage
No garage is mentioned anywhere in the listing.
Automatic Garage Door
No garage is mentioned, so no automatic garage door.
Double Garage
No garage is mentioned anywhere in the listing.
Attic
The property is an upper floor apartment over two living levels with a 'dakraam' (skylight) and 'samengesteld dak' (combined roof), but no dedicated attic space is described.
Cellar
No cellar or basement is mentioned in the listing.
Bike Storage
No bicycle storage is mentioned anywhere in the listing.
Covered Parking
Only public street parking is mentioned; no covered parking is described.
Underground Parking
No underground parking is mentioned in the listing.
EV Charging Station
No mention of electric vehicle charging facilities anywhere in the listing.
Workshop
No workshop or hobby room is mentioned in the listing.
Shed
A 'buitenberging' (outdoor storage shed) on the balcony is explicitly mentioned.
Free Street Parking
The listing states 'Betaald parkeren' (paid parking), so free street parking is not available.
Street Parking Permit
The listing explicitly mentions 'parkeervergunningen' (parking permits) as a parking option.
Rules
Owners Association
The listing explicitly mentions a 'Slapende VvE' (sleeping HOA) consisting of 2 appartementsrechten (apartment rights).
Leasehold
The kadastrale gegevens section states 'Volle eigendom' (full ownership), indicating freehold rather than leasehold.
Chamber of Commerce Registered
The listing states 'ingeschreven bij KvK' and the VvE checklist confirms 'Inschrijving KvK: Ja'.
Annual Meeting
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Jaarlijkse vergadering: Nee' (annual meeting: No).
Owners Association Fees
The VvE checklist states 'Periodieke bijdrage: Nee' (periodic contribution: No).
Reserve Fund
The VvE checklist states 'Reservefonds aanwezig: Nee' (reserve fund present: No).
Maintenance Plan
The VvE checklist states 'Onderhoudsplan: Nee' (maintenance plan: No).
Buildings Insurance
The listing mentions 'opstalverzekering gezamenlijk' and the VvE checklist confirms 'Opstalverzekering: Ja'.
Other Rules
An 'Ouderdomsclausule' (age/duration clause) is mentioned under Bijzonderheden, which typically relates to the age of the property and limits liability for defects.
Open Viewing
No open viewing days are mentioned in the listing. The listing only invites interested parties to contact them for a viewing.
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The listing describes an upper house (bovenwoning) accessible via stairs from the ground floor and mentions a fixed staircase between floors, with no mention of an elevator.
Automatic Gate
There is no mention of an automatic gate for this property.
Gated Community
The property is located on a quiet road in a residential neighborhood with no mention of gated community features.
Wheelchair Accessible
The property is an upstairs apartment spanning two living levels accessed by fixed stairs, making it inaccessible for wheelchairs.
Utilities & Technical
Laundry Room
No mention of a dedicated laundry room. The property has an 'afgesloten bergruimte' (closed storage space) that could potentially house laundry.
Fibre Internet
Under 'Voorzieningen' (amenities), 'glasvezelkabel' (fiber optic cable) is explicitly listed.
Smart Home
No mention of smart home features or home automation in the listing.
Ventilation System
Under 'Voorzieningen', both 'mechanische ventilatie' (mechanical ventilation) and 'natuurlijke ventilatie' (natural ventilation) are explicitly listed.
Water Softener
No mention of a water softener in the listing.
Energy Efficiency
Solar Panels
The listing explicitly mentions '6 zonnepanelen (2021)' in the property details.
Double Glazing
The listing mentions 'HR-glas' (High Efficiency glass), which in the Netherlands typically refers to double glazing.
Triple Glazing
The listing only mentions 'HR-glas', which is standard double glazing. There is no mention of triple glazing.
Wall Insulation
The listing explicitly lists 'muurisolatie' (wall insulation) under the energy characteristics.
Floor Insulation
The listing explicitly lists 'vloerisolatie' (floor insulation) under the energy characteristics.
Roof Insulation
The listing explicitly lists 'Dakisolatie' (roof insulation) under the energy characteristics.
Heat Pump
The listing specifies a 'Intergas HRE 28-24 CW4' central heating boiler, which is a gas-fired boiler, indicating there is no heat pump.
Home Battery
There is no mention of a home battery or energy storage system anywhere in the text.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
The property features an energy label C, mechanical ventilation, and a renewed electrical panel.