








Spacious 4-Room Apartment with IJ Views and West-Facing Balcony
Key Features
Description
This well-positioned apartment is located on Houtmankade in the Spaarndammerbuurt-Noordoost neighborhood of Amsterdam. The property offers a total living area of 68 square meters distributed across the third floor, with an additional attic room of over 12 square meters on the fourth floor. The asking price is 550,000 euros, costs to be paid by the buyer.
The apartment is situated on freehold land, which means there is no ground lease to consider. This is a notable advantage in Amsterdam where many properties are subject to leasehold. The building dates back to 1937 and retains several original character elements that give the residence its distinctive charm.
Upon entering the apartment on the third floor, you are welcomed into the entrance hall. From here, the layout flows logically through the different living spaces. The living room is positioned at the front of the apartment and features a bay window that provides an abundance of natural daylight throughout the day. The bay window also offers unobstructed views over the Houthavens, the Westerkanaal, and the IJ waterway. These views are a particular highlight of the property, as they will never be built out and provide a constant connection to the water and the dynamic skyline of Amsterdam.
The original Bruynzeel wooden parquet floors from 1937 have been preserved throughout the apartment. These floors are considered a quality feature and add warmth and character to the interior spaces. Maintaining such original elements is relatively uncommon and speaks to the care taken by previous owners.
The kitchen is centrally located at the rear of the apartment. While the listing does not provide extensive details about the kitchen fixtures and appliances, its position in the middle of the layout allows for efficient use of the available space.
The two bedrooms are located at the rear of the apartment. Both bedrooms have access to the balcony, which faces west. The balcony measures approximately 5.91 meters in length and 1 meter in width, totaling nearly 6 square meters of outdoor space. A west-facing orientation means the balcony receives afternoon and evening sun, making it an pleasant spot to relax after work during the warmer months. The balcony overlooks a quiet inner courtyard, ensuring privacy without direct overlooking from neighboring properties. It should be noted that maintenance of the balcony painting is the responsibility of the owner.
The bathroom is equipped with a shower, toilet, and washbasin. The listing does not specify the exact condition or finish of the bathroom, so potential buyers would need to assess this during a viewing.
A significant feature of this apartment is the internal fixed staircase leading to the attic room on the fourth floor. This additional space measures over 12 square meters and is fully fitted with heating, making it usable year-round. The attic room has two windows at the front, providing the same unobstructed views as the main living room. This space can serve various purposes, such as a home office, guest room, hobby room, or additional storage. Having this extra floor with no neighbors above provides a sense of privacy and quiet that is valued in apartment living.
The apartment is located on the third floor of the building. Because the attic occupies the fourth floor, there are no upstairs neighbors, which contributes to reduced noise disturbance from above.
In terms of energy efficiency, the property has been assigned an energy label D. The windows feature partial double glazing, and heating is provided by a gas-fired combination boiler from 2017. The boiler is rented rather than owned, which is worth noting for budgeting purposes. While the energy label is not the highest rating, the partial double glazing and relatively modern boiler provide a baseline of energy efficiency for a building of this age.
The roof covering was renewed in 2017, which is an important maintenance item that has been addressed. The foundation has been assessed using the Brainbay risk classification system and received a rating that is not elevated, specifically categories A, B, or C. The foundation consists of wooden piles with concrete caps. This assessment provides reassurance regarding the structural integrity of the building, which is particularly relevant for properties from this era in Amsterdam.
The homeowners association, known in Dutch as VvE, is self-managed rather than professionally managed. The current owner holds a one-quarter share in the association. Monthly service costs are 100 euros, which is relatively modest for Amsterdam. The VvE reserve fund balance as of mid-April 2026 is projected to be 16,135.71 euros. This healthy reserve indicates that the association has been building funds for future maintenance. The VvE checklist confirms that the association is registered with the Chamber of Commerce, holds annual meetings, collects periodic contributions, maintains a reserve fund, has a maintenance plan, and has building insurance in place.
The location of Houtmankade is one of the property's strongest attributes. The Spaarndammerstraat, with its variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, is within walking distance. The popular Haarlemmerdijk, Haarlemmerstraat, and the Jordaan neighborhood are just a few minutes away by bicycle. Westerpark, including the Westerunie event venue and the Westergasfabriek cultural complex, is located just around the corner, offering green space and cultural activities.
A ferry connection to Amsterdam Noord is available at a distance of 250 meters, located next to the Pontsteiger building. This provides quick access to the northern part of the city, which has become increasingly popular with its trendy restaurants, cultural venues, and the Eye Filmmuseum.
Parking in the area is through a paid parking system, which is standard for central Amsterdam locations. Public transportation options are likely accessible given the central location, though specific details are not provided in the listing.
The property is available for transfer by mutual agreement regarding the timing. Both an age clause and an asbestos clause apply to the sale, which is standard practice for properties of this age in the Netherlands.
With a price per square meter of approximately 8,088 euros, the property is positioned within the Amsterdam market for this type of apartment in this location. The combination of freehold land, original character features, water views, a west-facing balcony, and an additional attic room creates a distinctive offering in this popular neighborhood.
The Spaarndammerbuurt-Noordoost area has undergone significant development in recent years while maintaining its historical character. The proximity to the Houthavens, which has been redeveloped into a modern residential and commercial area, adds to the appeal of this location. The combination of historical charm and modern amenities makes this neighborhood attractive to a range of potential buyers, from young professionals to couples and small families.

