Renovation Opportunity in the Heart of the Jordaan with Private Courtyard
Key Features
Upsides
- Prime Jordaan location near Brouwersgracht with excellent access to markets, shops, restaurants, and the famous Amsterdam canal belt.
- Freehold land ownership, eliminating the ongoing costs and complexities associated with Amsterdam's leasehold system.
- Private courtyard garden of approximately 15 square meters, a rare and valuable feature in central Amsterdam.
- Character period features including stained-glass transom windows and double-glazed front windows.
- Renovation project allowing buyers to customize the apartment to their personal preferences and modern standards.
Downsides
- The extension at the rear was constructed without a found building permit, and the buyer must indemnify the seller against any future removal or permit requirements.
- Energy label G indicates very poor energy efficiency, requiring significant investment in insulation and heating improvements.
- The VvE appears poorly managed with no KvK registration, no annual meetings, no reserve fund, no maintenance plan, and no building insurance.
- Foundation risk classification of A, B, or C introduces uncertainty regarding the structural foundation condition.
- North-facing garden receives limited direct sunlight throughout the year.
Description
Situated along one of Amsterdam's most picturesque former canals, this ground-floor apartment presents a compelling renovation opportunity in the highly sought-after Jordaan neighborhood. The property encompasses approximately 43 square meters of living space, complemented by a private courtyard garden measuring nearly 15 square meters at the rear. Built in 1939, the apartment retains characteristic period elements including stained-glass transom windows above the double-glazed windows in the living room, adding a touch of historic charm to this renovation project.
The Jordaan district holds a special place in Amsterdam's urban history. Originally established as a traditional working-class neighborhood, the area was home to numerous craftsmen and small businesses. Over the decades, many former garages and shops have been thoughtfully converted into residential spaces, creating a unique living environment that blends historical authenticity with contemporary urban living. The neighborhood's enduring popularity stems from its fascinating heritage and the vibrant atmosphere that permeates its narrow streets and picturesque canals.
Living on Palmgracht places residents at the epicenter of one of Amsterdam's most desirable residential areas. The location offers immediate access to the famous canal belt, with the Brouwersgracht just moments away. The surrounding streets, including the Haarlemmerstraat, Haarlemmerdijk, and Westerstraat, provide an extensive array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The area is particularly renowned for its diverse market culture. Every Saturday, the Lindengracht traditional market and the Noordermarkt organic market draw visitors from across the city. Monday mornings bring the famous textile market on Westerstraat and the flea market at Noordermarkt, creating a lively and dynamic streetscape.
The apartment itself is accessed through a shared entrance on the ground floor. The internal layout places the living room at the front of the property, benefiting from natural light through two double-glazed windows. The stained-glass transom windows above add visual interest and historical character. Moving toward the rear of the apartment, one finds the bedroom, a combined toilet and shower room, and the kitchen. At some point in the property's history, a previous tenant constructed an extension at the rear. It should be noted that no permit application for this extension can be found in the municipal building archives. Prospective buyers should understand that the purchase agreement will include an indemnification clause whereby the buyer assumes responsibility for any future requirements regarding the removal of the extension or the need to obtain retrospective planning permission.
The private outdoor space consists of a north-facing courtyard measuring 3.25 by 4.59 meters, totaling approximately 15 square meters. While this area would benefit from landscaping and attention, it represents a valuable asset in a central Amsterdam location where private outdoor space is highly prized and increasingly difficult to acquire.
The property is situated on freehold land, which represents a significant advantage in the Amsterdam property market where leasehold arrangements are common and can involve substantial ongoing costs. This means the buyer will own the land beneath the property outright, without any ground lease payments or complex leasehold renewal negotiations.
The building falls within a nationally protected historic cityscape area, which preserves the architectural character of the neighborhood but may impose certain restrictions on exterior modifications. Any renovation plans should take this designation into account, and prospective buyers are advised to consult with the local planning authority before commencing works.
The current energy label is rated G, based on an assessment conducted in 2020. This low rating indicates that the property would benefit significantly from energy efficiency improvements, which could be incorporated into a comprehensive renovation program. Partial double glazing has been installed in some windows, suggesting that previous energy improvements have been partially addressed.
The property is part of a small Owners' Association comprising five apartment rights in total. The specific share in the community is 44/220ths. The indicated monthly service charge is 75 euros, which is stated to cover the required reserve contribution of 0.5 percent of the rebuilding value. However, the VvE checklist accompanying the listing indicates several areas of concern: the association is not registered with the Chamber of Commerce, no annual general meetings are held, no periodic contributions beyond the basic service charge appear to be collected, no reserve fund is maintained, no maintenance plan exists, and no building insurance is in place. Prospective buyers should carefully consider these factors and may wish to discuss with the other owners how the VvE operates and whether improvements to governance can be implemented.
Regarding the foundation, the property has been assessed under the KCAF foundation risk classification system and falls within categories A, B, or C. Building archive documentation is available for review. Foundation issues are a known concern for many historic properties in Amsterdam, and buyers are encouraged to commission a specialist foundation inspection to fully understand the current condition and any future maintenance requirements.
Parking in the Jordaan operates on a paid permit system. Residents with a valid parking permit have access to several nearby parking facilities, including the Willemspoort Garage, as detailed on the official Amsterdam municipality website.
The purchase agreement for this property will include several protective clauses standard for properties sold in their current condition. These include an as-is where-is clause, an asbestos clause, a non-owner occupancy clause, and a NEN 2580 measurement clause. The as-is where-is clause means the buyer accepts the property in its present state, while the asbestos clause provides protection should any asbestos materials be discovered during renovation works. The non-owner occupancy clause indicates that the property cannot immediately be rented out following purchase, which is a common requirement in Amsterdam to maintain the residential character of neighborhoods.
The asking price for this property is 400,000 euros, which translates to approximately 9,302 euros per square meter based on the 43 square meter living area. Transfer is available at short notice, subject to mutual agreement on the completion date. A NEN 2580 measurement report is available, confirming the usable living area at 42.8 square meters.
This property represents an opportunity for buyers seeking to create a personalized home in one of Amsterdam's most characteristic and beloved neighborhoods. The combination of a prime Jordaan location, freehold ownership, private outdoor space, and period features provides a solid foundation for a renovation project that could result in a highly desirable residence in the heart of the city.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
The listing explicitly mentions a 'douche ruimte' and lists 'Douche en toilet' as bathroom facilities.
Bathtub
No bathtub is mentioned; given the 43m2 size, 1939 construction, and need for renovation, it is highly unlikely to have one.
Ensuite Bathroom
The layout describes a separate bedroom and a toilet/shower room, but does not specify that the bathroom is directly accessible from the bedroom.
Guest Toilet
There is only one combined toilet/shower room listed; no separate guest toilet is mentioned.
Heated Towel Rail
Not mentioned in the description or features, and the property requires renovation.
Bidet
Not mentioned and highly unusual for a small 43m2 apartment in Amsterdam from 1939.
Rain Shower
Not mentioned in the listing, and the property is in need of renovation.
Double Shower
Not mentioned and highly improbable given the small size (43m2) and age of the property.
Shared Shower
The property is an apartment with its own bathroom, not a shared living arrangement.
Shared Toilet
The property is an apartment with its own facilities, despite having a shared building entrance.
His And Hers Sinks
Not mentioned; extremely unlikely in a 43m2 apartment with a single combined toilet/shower room.
Bathroom Heated Floor
Not mentioned in the listing; the property has an Energy Label G and requires renovation, making heated floors unlikely.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
No balcony is mentioned in the description or features.
Rear Garden
Listing explicitly specifies a 15m2 rear garden (Achtertuin).
Front Garden
No front garden is mentioned.
Side Garden
No side garden is mentioned.
Terrace
No terrace is mentioned, only a garden/courtyard.
Rooftop Terrace
It is a ground-floor apartment with no rooftop terrace.
Barbecue Area
No barbecue area is mentioned.
Patio
Described as a garden/courtyard (tuin/plaatsje), not specifically a paved patio.
Veranda
No veranda is mentioned.
Guest House
No guest house is mentioned.
Waterfront
The property is situated directly along one of Amsterdam's former canals (Palmgracht).
Kitchen Garden
No kitchen garden is mentioned.
Equestrian Facilities
No equestrian facilities are mentioned.
Small Livestock Facilities
No small livestock facilities are mentioned.
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
The property is in Amsterdam, which has no mountains.
Remarkable City View
It is a ground-floor apartment, so it lacks an elevated or remarkable city view.
Remarkable Garden View
The rear garden is small (15m2) and noted as needing work, so it does not constitute a remarkable garden view.
Remarkable Sea View
Amsterdam is inland with no sea views.
Remarkable Harbour View
Located on a residential canal in the Jordaan district, not directly overlooking a harbour.
Remarkable Landmark View
The listing does not mention any views of specific landmarks.
Interior Comfort
Air Conditioning
No air conditioning is mentioned in the listing.
Fireplace
No fireplace is mentioned in the description.
Underfloor Heating
No underfloor heating is mentioned.
Walk In Closet
The apartment is only 43m2 and no walk-in closet is mentioned.
Home Office
No home office is mentioned in the layout or description.
Skylight
The layout mentions double-glazed windows and stained-glass transom windows, but no skylights.
Exposed Beams
No exposed beams are mentioned in the description.
Bay Window
The description mentions two windows with transoms, but not a bay window.
Private Indoor Pool
It is a 43m2 ground-floor apartment; there is no indoor pool.
Private Indoor Sauna
It is a 43m2 ground-floor apartment; there is no indoor sauna.
Built-In Wardrobes
No built-in wardrobes are mentioned in the listing.
Ornamental Plasterwork
While the property has historic features like stained glass, ornamental plasterwork is not mentioned.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
Description mentions a 1939 building in need of renovation with no Scandinavian design elements described.
Modern
The property is a 1939 ground-floor apartment requiring significant renovation, indicating it is not modern.
Industrial
No industrial features are mentioned in the description or layout.
Mediterranean
Located in Amsterdam, 1939 build, no Mediterranean elements described.
Classic
Built in 1939, located in a protected historic cityscape, and features stained-glass transom windows, suggesting a classic style.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
Built in 1939, located in a nationally protected historic cityscape, and features traditional details like stained-glass transom windows.
Early 20th Century
Built in 1939, which is a classic 'jaren-30 woning' (1930s home) in the Netherlands.
Post War Functional
The building dates back to 1939, which is before WWII.
Modernist
The architecture is traditional 1930s, not modernist.
Newly Build
The building is from 1939 and listed as existing construction (Bestaande bouw).
Kitchen
Shared Kitchen
The listing is for a complete 43m2 apartment with its own kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, not a shared living space.
Design Kitchen
The property is described as a former rental in need of renovation, indicating a basic, outdated kitchen rather than a high-end design kitchen.
New Kitchen
The description explicitly states the apartment is 'in need of renovation' and was a 'former rental property', confirming the kitchen is not new.
Parking & Storage
Parking
The listing indicates 'Betaald parkeren' (paid parking) but no dedicated parking spot is included with the property.
Storage Room
No storage room is mentioned anywhere in the listing description or features.
Garage
No garage is mentioned in the listing. The only garage reference is to a public parking garage (Willemspoort) which requires a permit.
Automatic Garage Door
No garage exists for this property, so no automatic garage door.
Double Garage
No garage exists for this property, so no double garage.
Attic
This is a ground-floor apartment (benedenwoning) with only 1 living level. No attic is mentioned.
Cellar
No cellar or basement is mentioned in the layout or features.
Covered Parking
No covered parking is included with the property. The only covered parking mentioned is a public garage requiring a separate permit.
Underground Parking
No underground parking is included with the property.
Workshop
No workshop is mentioned in the listing.
Shed
No shed is mentioned. There is a garden/courtyard of 15m2 but no shed structure is described.
Street Parking Free
The listing explicitly states 'Betaald parkeren' (paid parking), indicating street parking is not free.
Street Parking Permit
The listing mentions 'Met uw parkeervergunning is het mogelijk om o.a. te parkeren in Willemspoort garage' confirming a parking permit system exists for residents.
Parkspot Sale Price
No parking spot is included for sale with this property.
Rules
Short Term Rentals Allowed
Owners Association
Leasehold
Oa Chamber Of Commerce Registered
Oa Annual Meeting
Oa Fees
Oa Reserve Fund
Oa Maintenance Plan
Oa Buildings Insurance
Other Rules
Open Viewing
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The property is a ground floor apartment, so an elevator is not applicable.
Private Entrance
The layout explicitly states there is a shared entrance ('gemeenschappelijke entree').
Automatic Gate
Not mentioned and uncharacteristic for a 1939 ground floor apartment on a public canal street in the Jordaan.
Gated Community
The property is located on a public canal street in the center of Amsterdam, not a closed or gated community.
Wheelchair Accessible
Although it is a ground floor apartment, it is a 1939 building in a protected historic cityscape that requires renovation, meaning the shared entrance likely has steps or high thresholds.
Utilities & Technical
Laundry Room
The property is only 43m2 with a living room and one bedroom; there is physically no space for a separate laundry room.
Smart Home
The building is from 1939, has an energy label G, and requires significant renovation; smart home features are highly unlikely to be present.
Ventilation System
No mechanical ventilation system is mentioned; this is typical for a 1939 ground-floor apartment of this size and poor energy rating without recent major upgrades.
Water Softener
Water softeners are virtually non-existent in standard Amsterdam residential properties, especially not in a 1939 apartment needing renovation.
Energy Efficiency
Solar Panels
Not mentioned in the listing. The property is a 1939 ground-floor apartment with an Energy Label G, making solar panels highly unlikely and they would typically be highlighted if present.
Double Glazing
The listing explicitly states 'Gedeeltelijk dubbel glas' (Partial double glazing) in the features and mentions 'twee ramen met dubbel glas' (two double-glazed windows) in the layout description.
Triple Glazing
Not mentioned in the listing. Given the building year (1939) and the poor Energy Label G, the property does not feature triple glazing.
Wall Insulation
Not mentioned in the listing. The Energy Label G indicates a lack of modern insulation measures such as wall insulation.
Floor Insulation
Not mentioned in the listing. The Energy Label G and 1939 construction date suggest no floor insulation is present.
Heat Pump
Not mentioned in the listing. A 1939 property with an Energy Label G and requiring renovation would not have a heat pump installed.
Home Battery
Not mentioned in the listing. A home battery is highly improbable for a 1939 ground-floor apartment without solar panels that is sold 'as-is'.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
No other energy efficiency measures are listed. The property requires renovation, is sold 'as-is where-is', and has an Energy Label G, indicating no significant energy upgrades have been made.
Location
History
No history available for this listing.