Spacious Double Upper Floor Apartment with Four Bedrooms in Quiet Westwijk
Key Features
Upsides
- Four bedrooms provide exceptional flexibility for an apartment of this size, accommodating home offices, guest rooms, or growing family needs.
- The roof was completely renewed and insulated in 2023, representing a significant recent investment that reduces future maintenance concerns.
- Two balconons facing east and west allow residents to enjoy sunlight throughout the day depending on their preference.
- The quiet Westwijk location offers good amenities including supermarkets, schools, and public transport while maintaining proximity to Rotterdam and other cities.
- Full double glazing throughout the property contributes to better energy efficiency and comfort.
Downsides
- Energy label E indicates relatively poor energy efficiency despite recent improvements, which may result in higher utility costs.
- The VvE has no reserve fund and no formal maintenance plan, potentially leading to unexpected special assessments for future building maintenance.
- Ground lease (erfpacht) expires in 2056, requiring future action and possible costs to extend or buy out the lease.
- The property requires modernization work, particularly in the kitchen, which may involve additional time and expense for buyers.
- Only public street parking is available with no dedicated parking space.
Description
The property at Lorentzstraat 21 is a double upper floor apartment located in the Westwijk district of Vlaardingen. This type of residence occupies the first and second floors of the building, accessible through an open porch on the ground floor. The apartment was originally built in 1959 and has a total living area of approximately 94 square meters, which is distributed across two full residential floors.
The living floor is situated on the first level. Upon entering, residents are greeted by a living room that benefits from generous natural light due to the large windows facing the street side. The room offers sufficient space to accommodate both a comfortable seating area and a dedicated dining section. The view from the front windows looks out onto the quiet street and surrounding greenery. The kitchen is positioned at the rear of this floor and provides access to one of the balconons. The current kitchen layout is functional but presents an opportunity for buyers who wish to install a modern kitchen tailored to their personal preferences. This aspect of the property appeals particularly to buyers who are willing to undertake some renovation work in exchange for acquiring a spacious home at an accessible price point.
The second floor of the apartment contains four bedrooms. This is a notable feature for an apartment of this size, as most comparable properties in the area typically offer only two or three bedrooms. The varying sizes of these rooms provide flexibility in how the space can be utilized. Options include designating a large master bedroom, creating children's rooms, setting up a home office, or establishing a hobby room. This flexibility makes the property suitable not only for starters but also for young families or individuals who work from home and require additional rooms.
Both the front and rear of the property feature a balcony, with a combined total area of approximately 8 square meters. The front balcony faces east, making it an ideal spot for morning sun exposure, while the rear balcony faces west, capturing afternoon and evening sunlight. This configuration allows residents to follow the sun throughout the day depending on their preference.
The building's roof was completely renewed and insulated in 2023, representing a significant recent improvement. Additionally, the entire apartment is fitted with double glazing, contributing to better insulation and reduced energy costs compared to single glazing. The heating system consists of a Remeha gas-fired combination boiler that was installed in 2015 and is owned by the current residents. The property currently holds an energy label E rating.
The Westwijk neighborhood in Vlaardingen is characterized by its tranquil atmosphere and green surroundings. The area is particularly popular among starters and young families due to the combination of residential space, local amenities, and good accessibility. In the immediate vicinity, residents have access to multiple supermarkets, schools, sports clubs, and public transportation options. The shopping center De Loper is located within a short distance. For recreational purposes, the Oranjepark, Broekpolder, and Vlaardingse Vaart are easily reachable by foot or bicycle.
The location also offers excellent connectivity to surrounding cities. From Westwijk, residents can quickly travel toward Rotterdam, Delft, or the Westland region. Metro station Vlaardingen West is nearby, as are various main roads, allowing for a balance between quiet residential living and central accessibility.
The property is part of an active Homeowners Association (VvE) that is registered with the Chamber of Commerce. The VvE conducts annual meetings, and maintenance decisions are made in consultation among members. It should be noted that the VvE does not maintain a shared reserve fund. Instead, members individually save on their own accounts for future maintenance expenses. There is no formal maintenance plan in place, though building insurance is arranged through the VvE.
An important legal aspect of this property is the ground lease (erfpacht) under which it is held. The property is municipal property burdened with ground lease that expires on November 30, 2056. The annual ground lease payment amounts to 79 euros. Prospective buyers should consider the implications of this ground lease arrangement, including the possibility of extending or buying out the lease when it approaches expiration.
The listing includes standard clauses regarding the age of the property and asbestos, which is common for buildings from this construction period. Given the building year of 1959, an age clause and asbestos clause are applicable, providing protection for the seller against future claims related to these aspects.
External storage is available in the form of a storage box measuring 6 square meters. Parking in the area is available on public streets without a dedicated parking space. The apartment includes one bathroom with a shower, washbasin, and washbasin cabinet, as well as a separate toilet. The property is equipped with mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation options, and a TV cable connection.
The asking price for this property is 295,000 euros, which translates to approximately 3,138 euros per square meter of living space. This price is offered on a costs-for-buyer basis (koper), meaning that the buyer is responsible for additional costs such as transfer tax, notary fees, and any mortgage-related expenses.
The delivery date is subject to mutual agreement between buyer and seller. As is standard in Dutch real estate transactions, a verbal agreement is not legally binding. A purchase only becomes legally valid once both the private seller and the private buyer have signed the written purchase agreement.
The apartment's layout across two full floors provides a clear separation between living and sleeping areas, which is a practical arrangement that many residents appreciate. The first floor is dedicated to daytime activities with the living room and kitchen, while the second floor serves as the nighttime zone with the bedrooms and bathroom. This separation can contribute to a sense of order and comfort in daily living.
For those considering the long-term value of the property, the recent roof investment in 2023 is a positive factor. Roof replacements represent one of the more significant maintenance expenses for apartment buildings, and having this addressed recently means that future VvE contributions may be lower than they would otherwise be, despite the lack of a formal reserve fund. However, buyers should still inquire about other potential maintenance needs, such as the condition of the facade, stairwell, and any shared installations.
The Vlaardingen housing market has seen development in recent years, with the Westwijk area maintaining its appeal due to its relatively affordable pricing compared to nearby Rotterdam. The combination of urban accessibility with a more suburban, family-friendly atmosphere continues to attract buyers in various life stages, from young professionals purchasing their first home to growing families needing additional space.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
Explicitly listed under bathroom facilities (Badkamervoorzieningen: Douche).
Bathtub
Not listed under bathroom facilities, which only mentions a shower, sink, and sink cabinet.
Ensuite Bathroom
The layout describes a standard upper apartment without any mention of an adjoining bathroom to a bedroom.
Guest Toilet
Listing explicitly states '1 badkamer en 1 apart toilet' (1 bathroom and 1 separate toilet).
Heated Towel Rail
Not mentioned in the description or features. Typically absent in older apartments from 1959 unless recently renovated.
Bidet
Not mentioned and highly uncommon in standard Dutch apartments.
Rain Shower
Only 'douche' is mentioned; a rain shower would typically be highlighted as a specific luxury feature, especially since the listing notes the home needs modernization.
Double Shower
Not mentioned in the features. A double shower is a specific upgrade that would be listed if present.
Shared Shower
The property is a private double upper apartment for sale, not a shared living situation.
Shared Toilet
The property is a private double upper apartment for sale, not a shared living situation.
His And Hers Sinks
Features list only 'wastafel' (singular sink) and 'wastafelmeubel' (sink cabinet), indicating a single vanity.
Bathroom Heated Floor
Not mentioned in the listing. Given the 1959 build year and the description implying a need for modernization, it is highly unlikely to be present.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
The listing explicitly mentions two balconies, one on the east and one on the west side.
Rear Garden
The property is a double upper house (bovenwoning) with no ground-level outdoor space.
Front Garden
The property is a double upper house with no ground-level outdoor space.
Side Garden
The property is a double upper house with no ground-level outdoor space.
Terrace
The listing mentions balconies but does not mention a terrace.
Rooftop Terrace
The property has a flat roof, but there is no mention of a rooftop terrace.
Barbecue Area
There is no mention of a barbecue area in the listing.
Fenced Yard
As an upper house, it does not have a yard to be fenced.
Patio
No patio is mentioned in the listing.
Veranda
No veranda is mentioned in the listing.
Guest House
The listing does not mention a guest house.
Waterfront
The property is located near the Vlaardingse Vaart but is not described as waterfront property.
Kitchen Garden
The property is an upper house with no garden space.
Equestrian Facilities
There are no equestrian facilities mentioned or expected in this urban apartment.
Small Livestock Facilities
There are no small livestock facilities mentioned or expected in this urban apartment.
Private Outdoor Pool
No private outdoor pool is mentioned.
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
No private outdoor jacuzzi is mentioned.
Private Tennis Court
No private tennis court is mentioned.
Remarkable Mountain View
Vlaardingen is completely flat and has no mountains.
Remarkable City View
The view is of a quiet street and greenery, not a remarkable city skyline.
Remarkable Garden View
The listing mentions looking out over the quiet street and greenery in the environment.
Remarkable Sea View
Although near the coast, the listing does not mention a sea view and it is unlikely from this location.
Remarkable Harbour View
No harbour view is mentioned in the listing.
Remarkable Landmark View
No landmark view is mentioned in the listing.
Interior Comfort
Air Conditioning
No air conditioning is mentioned in the listing.
Central Heating
The listing explicitly mentions a Remeha gas combi boiler (Cv-ketel) from 2015.
Fireplace
No fireplace is mentioned in the description or features.
Underfloor Heating
No underfloor heating mentioned; heating is provided by a Cv-ketel, typical for a 1959 property.
Walk In Closet
No walk-in closet is mentioned among the four bedrooms.
Home Office
The text mentions the possibility to create a home office, but does not state it has a dedicated built-in office.
Skylight
No skylight is mentioned in the description.
Exposed Beams
No exposed beams are mentioned.
Bay Window
The description mentions large windows, but no bay window.
Private Indoor Pool
This is an upper apartment; no pool is present.
Private Indoor Sauna
No sauna is mentioned.
Built-In Wardrobes
No built-in wardrobes are mentioned.
French Doors
No french doors are mentioned.
Ornamental Plasterwork
No ornamental plasterwork is mentioned; the interior requires modernization.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
No elements of Scandinavian design are described; the property is described as needing modernization.
Modern
The property is explicitly described as needing to be modernized, indicating it currently lacks modern features.
Industrial
No industrial design elements are mentioned.
Mediterranean
No Mediterranean design elements are mentioned.
Classic
Built in 1959, but the description emphasizes the need for modernization rather than highlighting classic original features.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
Built in 1959, this is a post-war building rather than a traditional or historic structure.
Early 20th Century
The building was constructed in 1959, which is mid-20th century.
Post War Functional
Built in 1959, it fits the post-war functional style designed for the growing population.
Modernist
It is a standard post-war apartment block rather than a distinct modernist architectural style.
Newly Build
The building is from 1959 and is described as needing modernization.
Kitchen
Kitchen Island
The kitchen is described as functional but outdated, located at the back, making an island highly unlikely.
Open Plan Kitchen
The kitchen is located at the back of the house, separate from the living room at the front.
Pantry
No mention of a pantry; unlikely for this type and age of apartment.
Induction Stove
The kitchen is described as needing modernization, making an induction stove unlikely.
Build In Coffee Maker
Not mentioned, and highly unlikely in an outdated, functional kitchen.
Boiling Water Tap
Not mentioned, and highly unlikely in an outdated, functional kitchen.
Downdraft Extractor
Not mentioned, and highly unlikely in an outdated, functional kitchen.
Shared Kitchen
The property is a private double upper apartment.
Design Kitchen
The kitchen is described as functional and outdated, requiring modernization.
New Kitchen
The listing explicitly states the buyer can create a contemporary kitchen, indicating the current one is not new.
Parking & Storage
Parking
Listed under 'Parkeergelegenheid: Openbaar parkeren' (public parking), confirming parking availability on the street.
Storage Room
The listing mentions 'Externe bergruimte: 6 m²' (external storage space of 6 m²), indicating some storage capacity is available.
Garage
No mention of a garage anywhere in the listing description or features.
Automatic Garage Door
No garage exists, so an automatic garage door is not applicable.
Double Garage
No garage exists, so a double garage is not applicable.
Attic
No mention of an attic. The property consists of floors 1 and 2 of a building from 1959 with a flat roof.
Cellar
No mention of a cellar or basement in the listing.
Covered Parking
Only 'Openbaar parkeren' (public parking) is mentioned. No covered parking facilities are described.
Underground Parking
No underground parking is mentioned in the listing.
Ev Charging
No mention of EV charging facilities anywhere in the listing.
Workshop
No workshop is mentioned. The listing focuses on living spaces and mentions potential for home office use in bedrooms.
Rules
Owners Association
The listing explicitly mentions 'Actieve VvE' (active Owners Association) and includes a VvE checklist.
Leasehold
The listing states 'Gemeentelijk eigendom belast met erfpacht (einddatum erfpacht: 30-11-2056)' - municipal ownership with leasehold ending November 30, 2056. Annual ground rent is €79.
Oa Chamber Of Commerce Registered
VvE checklist explicitly states 'Inschrijving KvK: Ja' (Chamber of Commerce registration: Yes).
Oa Annual Meeting
VvE checklist explicitly states 'Jaarlijkse vergadering: Ja' (Annual meeting: Yes).
Oa Fees
VvE checklist explicitly states 'Periodieke bijdrage: Nee' (Periodic contribution: No). Members save individually for maintenance.
Oa Reserve Fund
VvE checklist states 'Reservefonds aanwezig: Nee' and description confirms 'De VvE heeft geen gezamenlijke spaarrekening' (no shared savings account).
Oa Maintenance Plan
VvE checklist explicitly states 'Onderhoudsplan: Nee' (Maintenance plan: No).
Oa Buildings Insurance
VvE checklist explicitly states 'Opstalverzekering: Ja' (Buildings insurance: Yes).
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The property is a 1959 double upper apartment accessible via an open porch on the 1st and 2nd floor. There is no mention of an elevator, and it is highly unlikely given the building type and age.
Private Entrance
The listing states access is via the ground floor entrance ('open portiek') to reach the first floor, indicating a shared entrance.
Automatic Gate
The property is an apartment in a residential area with an 'open portiek' and public parking, with no mention of a gate.
Gated Community
The property is located in a regular residential neighborhood (Westwijk) with public parking and an open porch, not a gated community.
Wheelchair Accessible
The apartment is located on the 1st and 2nd floors without an elevator, making it completely inaccessible for wheelchairs.
Utilities & Technical
Ventilation System
The features list explicitly includes 'Mechanische ventilatie, natuurlijke ventilatie'.
Cable Tv
The features list explicitly includes 'TV kabel'.
Energy Efficiency
Solar Panels
Not mentioned anywhere in the listing. Given the building's age (1959) and Energy Label E, it is highly unlikely to have them.
Double Glazing
The listing explicitly states 'het huis beschikt volledig over dubbel glas' (the house is fully equipped with double glazing).
Triple Glazing
The listing explicitly mentions double glazing and HR-glass, but makes no mention of triple glazing.
Roof Insulation
The listing states the roof was renewed and insulated in 2023, and 'Dakisolatie' is explicitly listed under energy features.
Heat Pump
The heating system is explicitly described as a gas-fired combi boiler (Remeha, 2015), with no mention of a heat pump.
Home Battery
There is no mention of a home battery, nor is there a solar panel system present to pair with one.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
The property features a mechanical ventilation system and a relatively modern high-efficiency (HR) gas combi boiler installed in 2015.
Location
History
No history available for this listing.