Charming apartment with sunny southwest balcony near Utrecht city center

This charming two-room apartment is situated on Justus van Effenstraat in Utrecht, specifically within the Hooch Boulandt area. The property occupies a quiet location just behind the singels, offering residents a peaceful living environment while remaining within walking distance of everything that makes Utrecht such a beloved city. The apartment features a sunny balcony facing southwest, making it an attractive spot to enjoy the evening sun after a day of work or exploration.

The building itself dates back to the beginning of the previous century, with construction completed around 1910. Despite its historic origins, the structure underwent a comprehensive transformation in 2011, during which it was carefully converted into seven high-quality residential units. The renovation was carried out with attention to detail, ensuring that authentic elements from the original building were preserved and integrated with modern living comforts. The result is a residence where historical character and contemporary convenience coexist seamlessly.

The apartment is located on the second floor of the building, accessible via a shared entrance. Upon entering, residents are welcomed into a hallway that leads to the light-filled living room. The living space features a warm wooden floor that immediately catches the eye and contributes to the inviting atmosphere of the home. The open kitchen has been custom-built and is equipped with quality built-in appliances from reputable brands including Bosch and Siemens. The kitchen inventory includes a refrigerator with freezer compartment, a combined washer and dryer unit, a dishwasher installed in 2024, and an induction cooktop installed in 2025. These relatively recent appliance additions indicate that the kitchen facilities are up to date and ready for immediate use.

French doors in the living area open directly onto the southwest-facing balcony. This outdoor space, though compact at approximately one square meter, provides a pleasant spot to sit outside and enjoy the afternoon and evening sun. The southwest orientation ensures good sun exposure during the latter part of the day, which is often considered the most desirable for outdoor relaxation.

The bedroom is designed to comfortably accommodate a double bed along with a spacious wardrobe. While the overall apartment has a living area of 25 square meters, the layout has been planned efficiently to maximize the usability of the available space. The total volume of the apartment is 75 cubic meters, which is consistent with the square footage and ceiling height typical of apartments in converted historic buildings.

The bathroom is neatly finished and includes a walk-in shower, a toilet, a sink, and a design radiator. The inclusion of a design radiator adds a contemporary touch to the bathroom while serving a practical heating function. The entire apartment has been carefully finished and is described as immediately habitable, requiring only the arrival of personal belongings.

In terms of energy efficiency, the property holds an energy label C. Various insulation measures have been implemented, including roof insulation, double glazing, HR glass, and floor insulation. Heating and hot water are provided by a gas-fired combination boiler from 2012, which is owned rather than rented. This means the boiler is the property of the apartment owner and does not involve ongoing lease payments to a third party.

The service costs for the apartment amount to 150 euros per month. This monthly fee includes an advance payment for gas and electricity consumption, internet and television services, and maintenance of the central heating system. Gas and electricity usage is settled through sub-meters, meaning residents pay for their actual consumption rather than a fixed estimate. An intercom system is present for visitor communication.

The VvE, or homeowners association, is described as active and healthy. The association is registered with the Chamber of Commerce, holds annual meetings, collects periodic contributions, maintains a reserve fund, has a maintenance plan in place, and has arranged building insurance. These factors indicate a well-organized and financially responsible VvE, which is beneficial for the long-term maintenance and value retention of the property.

The location of this apartment is one of its strongest attributes. Within a few minutes walk, residents can reach Utrecht Centraal station or find themselves in the middle of the historic city center. The Catharijnesingel, a popular spot for walking or running, is literally around the corner. The Twijnstraat, known for its variety of shops and eateries, is nearby, as is the Ledig Erf, a well-known location for enjoying a drink in a lively setting. For those traveling by car, the ring road is easily accessible, providing good connections to surrounding areas and beyond.

The combination of a quiet residential setting with the proximity to urban amenities makes this location particularly appealing. Residents can enjoy the peace and quiet of their home environment while having the vibrant city life of Utrecht readily available whenever desired.

The asking price for this apartment is 295,000 euros, which is offered under the costs buyer condition, meaning the buyer is responsible for additional costs such as transfer tax and notary fees. The price per square meter works out to approximately 11,800 euros, which reflects the central Utrecht location and the quality of the renovation. The property is classified as a portiekflat, which is a common apartment type in Dutch urban areas characterized by a shared entrance and stairwell.

The apartment is available and the handover date can be arranged in consultation, with the possibility of a quick transfer if desired. The listing indicates that the property can be viewed by scheduling an appointment, allowing interested parties to experience the living environment in person.