Completely Renovated City Center Apartment with Spacious Rooftop Terrace
Key Features
Upsides
- Energy label A+ achieved through comprehensive insulation, which is exceptional for a 1926 building and results in lower energy costs.
- Private rooftop terrace of 34 square meters facing southwest, offering generous outdoor space that is rare for city center apartments.
- Complete high-quality renovation completed in 2023, including all electrical systems, plumbing, sanitary fixtures, walls, floors, and ceilings, meaning the property is essentially move-in ready with modern standards.
- Prime location in Alkmaar's historic city center within a protected cityscape, with shops, restaurants, cafes, the famous market, and a supermarket all within walking distance.
- Underfloor heating throughout the entire apartment provided through a modern 2023 combi boiler, ensuring comfortable and even heat distribution.
Downsides
- The VvE is not properly established, with no reserve fund, no bank account, no maintenance plan, and no annual meetings currently taking place, which creates uncertainty about future maintenance and financial obligations.
- The second bedroom measures only 5 square meters, which is quite small and may be impractical as a full bedroom for adults or older children.
- No private parking is available, and residents must rely on paid parking, parking garages, or municipal permits, which adds ongoing costs and potential inconvenience.
- The utility arrangement uses sub-meters rather than direct connections, meaning residents pay an advance to the VvE and depend on proper administration for annual settlements.
- The 13 square meter storage building on the terrace is described as dated, which may require future renovation or replacement at the owner's expense.
Description
This three-room apartment presents a compelling combination of historical character and modern living standards, situated in the heart of Alkmaar's old city center. The property is located in a building originally constructed in 1926, yet it has undergone a comprehensive renovation in 2023 that has brought it fully up to contemporary expectations. The result is a home that retains the charm and atmosphere of its historic setting while offering the comfort, efficiency, and convenience that modern residents require.
The apartment spans approximately 47 square meters of living space and is positioned on the first floor of the building, which corresponds to the second living level. Access is gained through a shared entrance hall and staircase that will be used jointly with the future owner of the upper apartment at the same address. Upon entering the apartment, residents are welcomed into an L-shaped living room measuring around 26 square meters. This main living area features two large tilt-and-turn windows at the front, providing a lively view of the shopping street known as De Laat. The natural light entering through these windows contributes to the pleasant atmosphere of the space.
Throughout the entire apartment, the flooring consists of PVC with integrated floor heating, ensuring a comfortable and even temperature distribution during colder months. The walls and ceilings have been finished with smooth plasterwork in light color tones, creating a bright and spacious feeling despite the relatively compact dimensions of the property. This consistent and neutral finish provides an excellent backdrop for personal furnishing choices.
At the rear of the living room, the open kitchen has been integrated seamlessly into the living space. The kitchen arrangement includes a straight kitchen wall complemented by a cooking island that also functions as a bar or breakfast counter. The kitchen is equipped with Siemens built-in appliances of A-quality, including a refrigerator with freezer compartment, an induction cooktop, a dishwasher, and a combination oven and microwave. A fixed cabinet wall in the living area houses the connections for the washing machine, the central heating combi boiler, and the mechanical ventilation unit, keeping these practical elements neatly out of sight.
The sleeping quarters are located at the back of the apartment and consist of two bedrooms. The larger bedroom measures approximately 10 square meters, while the second bedroom is about 5 square meters in size. Both bedrooms have direct access to the outdoor terrace through their own doors, which is a particularly convenient feature for enjoying the outdoor space from the private rooms. The smaller bedroom may serve well as a home office, guest room, or nursery, depending on the needs of the residents.
The bathroom is fully tiled and designed with modern fixtures and fittings. It includes a wall-hung toilet, a washbasin, and a shower corner. Like the rest of the apartment, the bathroom benefits from floor heating, and mechanical ventilation has been installed to manage humidity effectively. The quality of the finishes in the bathroom aligns with the high standard maintained throughout the renovated property.
One of the most notable features of this apartment is the private rooftop terrace, which measures an impressive 34 square meters. For a city center apartment of this size, such an expansive outdoor space is relatively rare and adds significant value to the property. The terrace is oriented toward the southwest, which means it receives plenty of sunlight during the afternoon and evening hours, making it an ideal spot for outdoor dining, relaxing, or gardening. On the terrace, there is a stone storage building of approximately 13 square meters. The listing notes that this storage structure is dated in appearance, though it serves a multifunctional purpose and provides valuable additional storage space.
The location of the apartment is in a protected cityscape, which means the exterior of the building and the surrounding streetscape are subject to preservation regulations. This designation contributes to the historical atmosphere of the area but also means that any external modifications would require approval from the relevant authorities. The immediate surroundings offer a vibrant urban lifestyle with the famous Alkmaar Saturday market within walking distance, along with numerous restaurants and cafes. The main shopping street Langestraat and the picturesque Oudegracht canal are nearby, and a Jumbo supermarket is conveniently close for daily grocery shopping. The street De Laat itself has recently been renovated with new paving and increased greenery, enhancing the appeal of the immediate neighborhood.
From a technical perspective, the apartment achieves an energy label A+ rating, which is exceptional for a building from 1926. This high rating has been made possible through comprehensive insulation measures, including roof insulation, wall insulation, floor insulation, and high-efficiency glazing throughout. The heating is provided by an Intergas HRe gas-fired combi boiler installed in 2023, which represents current technology for efficient gas heating. The boiler is owned by the property rather than rented.
Regarding the homeowners association, the apartment forms part of a VvE that includes the commercial space on the ground floor and two upper apartments. The listing describes this as a so-called silent VvE, indicating that formal VvE activities have not yet been fully established. Following the sale of the commercial space and both apartments, the new owners will need to jointly set up and formalize the VvE structure. Currently, there is a communal building insurance policy in place, but there is no reserve fund and no dedicated bank account in the name of the VvE. A maintenance plan has not yet been established either. These are points that prospective buyers should consider and discuss with their advisors.
For utility costs, the apartment is equipped with sub-meters for gas and electricity consumption. Residents pay a monthly advance amount to the VvE, with an example amount of 150 euros mentioned, and an annual settlement is made based on actual consumption. This arrangement means that the building has a single main connection for utilities, with individual usage tracked through the sub-meters.
Parking in the area is available through paid parking facilities, parking garages, and permit systems. Residents will need to arrange their own parking solution through the municipal parking permit system or nearby parking facilities.
The asking price for this apartment is 325,000 euros, which is offered on a buyer's cost basis, meaning that transfer taxes and notary fees for the purchase are additional expenses for the buyer. This translates to approximately 6,915 euros per square meter of living space, which can be compared with similar properties in the Alkmaar city center market to assess value for money.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
The listing explicitly mentions a 'douchehoek' (shower corner) in the bathroom.
Bathtub
No bathtub is mentioned; only a shower corner is listed among the bathroom features.
Ensuite Bathroom
The bathroom is located at the rear alongside the bedrooms, but there is no mention of it being directly accessible from a specific bedroom.
Guest Toilet
There is only one toilet mentioned, and it is located inside the bathroom rather than in a separate guest toilet room.
Bidet
No bidet is mentioned, which is consistent with standard Dutch apartment layouts.
Double Shower
Only a single 'douchehoek' (shower corner) is mentioned, indicating one shower unit.
Shared Shower
The apartment is a private residence; the shower is for the exclusive use of the apartment's occupants.
Shared Toilet
The toilet is located inside the private apartment, not in a shared communal space.
His And Hers Sinks
The listing mentions 'wastafel' (sink) in singular form, indicating there is only one.
Bathroom Heated Floor
The listing explicitly states 'vloerverwarming' (underfloor heating) as a feature of the bathroom.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
The outdoor space is explicitly described as a rooftop terrace ('dakterras'), not a balcony.
Rear Garden
There is a rooftop terrace at the rear, but no ground-level garden is mentioned or present.
Front Garden
The property is an apartment on the first floor with no mention of a front garden.
Side Garden
No side garden is present or mentioned in the listing.
Terrace
The listing explicitly mentions a private outdoor space/terras of approximately 34 m².
Rooftop Terrace
The listing explicitly refers to the outdoor space as a 'dakterras / buitenruimte' of 34 m².
Fenced Yard
The property is a rooftop apartment without a ground-level yard.
Patio
The outdoor space is a rooftop terrace, not a ground-level patio.
Veranda
No veranda is mentioned in the listing.
Guest House
There is no guest house on the property; it is a single apartment.
Waterfront
Although located near the 'Oudegracht' in the city center, the apartment itself is not described as waterfront property.
Kitchen Garden
There is no kitchen garden present.
Equestrian Facilities
This is a city center apartment with no equestrian facilities.
Small Livestock Facilities
There are no small livestock facilities on the property.
Private Outdoor Pool
No private outdoor pool is mentioned or present.
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
No private outdoor jacuzzi is mentioned or present.
Private Tennis Court
No private tennis court is mentioned or present.
Remarkable Mountain View
Alkmaar is located in a flat region of the Netherlands with no mountains.
Remarkable City View
The living room has a lively view of the shopping street 'de Laat', but it is a street view rather than a panoramic or remarkable city skyline view.
Remarkable Garden View
There are no remarkable garden views from the apartment.
Remarkable Sea View
Alkmaar is an inland city with no sea views.
Remarkable Harbour View
No harbour view is mentioned or present.
Remarkable Landmark View
No specific landmark views are highlighted in the description.
Interior Comfort
Air Conditioning
No air conditioning is mentioned, which is typical for a recently renovated 47 m² apartment in the Netherlands with high-quality insulation (Energy label A+).
Central Heating
The listing explicitly mentions a 'cv-combiketel' (central heating combi-boiler) installed in 2023.
Fireplace
No fireplace is mentioned in the layout or features of the apartment.
Hardwood Floors
The listing explicitly states the apartment is fitted with a 'PVC-vloer' (PVC floor) throughout.
Tiled Floors
While the bathroom is fully tiled, the main living areas and bedrooms have PVC flooring.
Laminate Flooring
The floors are explicitly described as PVC, not laminate.
Carpeted Floors
There is no mention of carpet; the apartment has PVC floors.
Underfloor Heating
The listing explicitly states the apartment is entirely equipped with underfloor heating ('gehele vloerverwarming') and specifically mentions it in the living room and bathroom.
Walk In Closet
No walk-in closet is mentioned in the layout or room descriptions.
Home Office
No dedicated home office space is mentioned; there is a 5 m² bedroom that could potentially be used as such, but it is not designated as one.
Skylight
No skylights are mentioned; windows are described as standard 'draai-/kiepramen' (tilt-and-turn windows) at the front.
Exposed Beams
The description notes 'glad gestuukte wanden en plafonds' (smooth plastered walls and ceilings), indicating no exposed beams.
Bay Window
The front windows are described as 'twee grote draai-/kiepramen' (two large tilt-and-turn windows), not bay windows.
Private Indoor Pool
A private indoor pool is not present in this 47 m² apartment.
Private Indoor Sauna
A private indoor sauna is not present in this 47 m² apartment.
Built-In Wardrobes
There is a 'vaste kastenwand' (fixed closet wall), but it is explicitly described as housing the washing machine, boiler, and mechanical ventilation unit, not as clothing wardrobes.
French Doors
The bedrooms have doors to the terrace, but they are not specifically described as French doors.
Ornamental Plasterwork
The walls and ceilings are described as 'glad gestuukte' (smooth plastered), meaning there is no ornamental plasterwork.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
The apartment features light color schemes and smooth plastered walls, which are common in Scandinavian design, but it is not explicitly described as such.
Modern
Completely and luxuriously renovated in 2023 with a modern kitchen island, high-end Siemens appliances, and a contemporary bathroom.
Industrial
The listing specifies 'glad gestuukte wanden en plafonds' (smooth plastered walls and ceilings), meaning no exposed industrial elements are present.
Mediterranean
No Mediterranean elements, colors, or materials are mentioned or implied in the description.
Classic
The building is from 1926, located in a protected city view, and the listing explicitly mentions its 'historic allure' and 'characteristic jacket'.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
The building dates back to 1926, is located in a protected cityscape ('beschermd stadsgezicht'), and the listing emphasizes its 'historic charm' and 'characteristic appearance'.
Early 20th Century
The construction year of the building is explicitly stated as 1926.
Post War Functional
The building was constructed in 1926, which is prior to WWII.
Modernist
While the shell is a 1926 historic building, the interior was completely gutted and rebuilt in 2023 with a highly modern, high-end finish and open kitchen island.
Newly Build
The listing explicitly categorizes the property as 'Bestaande bouw' (existing construction) from 1926, despite the entirely new interior from the 2023 renovation.
Kitchen
Dishwasher
The listing explicitly mentions a dishwasher ('vaatwasser') in the kitchen.
Oven
The listing mentions a combi-oven/microwave ('combi-oven/magnetron').
Microwave
The listing mentions a combi-oven/microwave ('combi-oven/magnetron').
Refrigerator
The listing mentions a refrigerator with a freezer compartment ('koelkast met vrieslade').
Freezer
The listing mentions a refrigerator with a freezer compartment ('koelkast met vrieslade').
Kitchen Island
The listing explicitly mentions a cooking island with a bar ('kook(schier)eiland met bar').
Open Plan Kitchen
The listing explicitly states it has an open kitchen ('open keuken').
Pantry
There is no mention of a pantry in the description or layout.
Stove
The listing mentions an induction cooktop ('inductiekookplaat'), which serves as the stove.
Induction Stove
The listing explicitly mentions an induction cooktop ('inductiekookplaat').
Build In Coffee Maker
A built-in coffee maker is not listed among the A-quality Siemens built-in appliances.
Boiling Water Tap
There is no mention of a boiling water tap (e.g., Quooker) in the kitchen description.
Downdraft Extractor
No downdraft extractor is mentioned in the kitchen layout or appliance list.
Shared Kitchen
The apartment is a private residence with its own entrance, so the kitchen is not shared.
Design Kitchen
Described as 'luxe', 'high-quality finished', and equipped with 'A-quality Siemens' appliances, indicating a high-end design.
New Kitchen
The apartment was completely and high-quality renovated in 2023, implying the kitchen is essentially new.
Parking & Storage
Parking
No dedicated private parking spot is included with the apartment. Area parking is described as paid or via permit.
Storage Room
The listing explicitly mentions a 13 m² external storage room (bergruimte) located on the terrace.
Garage
No garage is mentioned anywhere in the listing.
Automatic Garage Door
There is no garage present.
Double Garage
There is no garage present.
Attic
The apartment is situated on the first floor (2nd woonlaag) and no attic is mentioned.
Cellar
No cellar is mentioned in the property description.
Covered Parking
No covered parking space belonging to the property is mentioned.
Underground Parking
No underground parking is mentioned in the listing.
Ev Charging
No EV charging station or equipment is mentioned.
Workshop
The external structure is described as a multifunctional storage shed, not a workshop.
Shed
The listing explicitly mentions a freestanding stone shed (vrijstaande stenen berging) of approximately 13 m².
Street Parking Free
The listing explicitly states 'Betaald parkeren' (paid parking) for the area.
Street Parking Permit
The listing lists 'parkeervergunningen' (parking permits) as an available parking option in the area.
Parkspot Rent Price Month
No monthly rental price for a parking spot is provided, as there is no private parking spot.
Parkspot Sale Price
No sale price for a parking spot is provided, as there is no private parking spot.
Rules
Owners Association
The listing explicitly states the apartment is part of the VvE building Laat 195, 195 A & 195 B.
Leasehold
The listing specifies 'Volle eigendom' (full ownership) under the cadastral data.
Oa Chamber Of Commerce Registered
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Inschrijving KvK: Ja'.
Oa Annual Meeting
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Jaarlijkse vergadering: Nee'.
Oa Fees
The VvE checklist states 'Periodieke bijdrage: Nee', though the text mentions a future advance payment to be determined by new owners (approx. €150/month), currently formal periodic VvE fees are listed as no.
Oa Reserve Fund
The text explicitly states 'Er is nog geen reservefonds' and the VvE checklist confirms 'Reservefonds aanwezig: Nee'.
Oa Maintenance Plan
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Onderhoudsplan: Nee'.
Oa Buildings Insurance
The text states 'De VvE beschikt over een gemeenschappelijke opstalverzekering' and the checklist confirms 'Opstalverzekering: Ja'.
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The listing mentions a common staircase ('trappenhuis') to access the apartment on the second floor, with no mention of an elevator in a 1926 building.
Private Entrance
The listing explicitly states that the entrance, hall, and staircase are shared with the upstairs apartment.
Automatic Gate
The property is an apartment in the city center with no mention of an automatic gate or fenced perimeter.
Gated Community
The property is a city center apartment above a commercial space, not part of a gated community.
Wheelchair Accessible
The apartment is located on the second floor and is only accessible via a shared staircase, making it not wheelchair accessible.
Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine Connections
The description explicitly states there are 'opstellingen voor de wasmachine' (setups/connections for the washing machine) in the built-in closet.
Laundry Room
The washing machine setup is located in a built-in closet in the living area, not in a separate dedicated laundry room.
Ventilation System
The listing explicitly mentions a 'mechanische ventilatie unit' (mechanical ventilation system) in the closet and bathroom.
Cable Tv
The features list explicitly includes 'TV kabel' (cable TV).
Energy Efficiency
Solar Panels
Not mentioned in the listing, and the property is an apartment in a protected cityscape with a pitched tile roof, making solar panels unlikely and requiring explicit mention if present.
Double Glazing
The listing explicitly mentions 'HR-glas' (High-Rendement glass), which in the Netherlands standardly refers to double glazing.
Triple Glazing
The listing specifies 'HR-glas' but does not mention 'HR++', 'driedubbel glas', or 'triple glas', which would typically be explicitly stated for a 2023 renovation achieving an A+ label if triple glazing were installed.
Wall Insulation
Explicitly stated under energy isolation: 'muurisolatie' (wall insulation) and 'volledig geïsoleerd' (fully insulated).
Floor Insulation
Explicitly stated under energy isolation: 'vloerisolatie' (floor insulation).
Roof Insulation
Explicitly stated under energy isolation: 'dakisolatie' (roof insulation).
Heat Pump
The listing specifies a 'gas gestookt combiketel' (gas-fired combi boiler) from Intergas HRe, rather than a heat pump.
Home Battery
No mention of a home battery, which is exceptionally rare in Dutch apartment complexes, especially those relying on a gas boiler.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
Location
History
No history available for this listing.