Stylish Canal Apartment in Historic Amsterdam Center
Key Features
Upsides
- The property is located on freehold land (eigen grond), eliminating ongoing leasehold costs that are common with many Amsterdam properties.
- The apartment benefits from large windows on both sides, providing excellent natural light throughout the day and enhancing the sense of space.
- The location on Rapenburg in the historic center of Amsterdam offers a rare combination of canal-side living with surprising tranquility, while being within walking distance of the Nieuwmarkt, Central Station, and numerous amenities.
- The building has been designated as a national monument, which preserves its historical character and architectural integrity in a highly desirable area of the city.
- The homeowners association is described as active and healthy with a manageable monthly contribution of approximately 150 euros excluding heating costs.
Downsides
- The apartment has a relatively small living area of approximately 52 to 53 square meters with only one bedroom, which limits its suitability for couples wanting more space or families.
- The energy label F indicates poor energy efficiency, which may result in higher energy costs and will likely require improvements to meet future sustainability standards.
- The property is located on the fourth floor with no mention of an elevator, meaning residents must climb stairs to access the apartment.
- The national monument status imposes restrictions on modifications and renovations, which could complicate or prevent desired changes to the property.
- The VvE checklist reveals several concerns including no registration with the Chamber of Commerce, no reserve fund, no maintenance plan, and no building insurance, which could pose financial risks to owners.
Description
This apartment is situated on the characteristic Rapenburg in the historic center of Amsterdam. The location offers a distinctive combination of the vibrancy of the inner city with a surprising degree of tranquility and atmosphere. Residents live among monumental buildings and atmospheric canals, while enjoying comfort, privacy, and character at home. The property has a living area of approximately 52 square meters according to the NEN2580 measurement standard, with a GO Wonen measurement of 53 square meters. The gross floor area is 69 square meters and the gross volume is 95 cubic meters.
The apartment is located on the fourth floor of a building constructed in 1896. The property has been designated as a national monument (Rijksmonument), which speaks to its historical and architectural significance. Access to the apartment is via a well-maintained entrance. Upon entering the residence on the fourth floor, the practical layout immediately becomes apparent. The open kitchen is located at the front and seamlessly transitions into the spacious living room. The living room forms the heart of the apartment and, thanks to its broad layout, offers ample space for both a comfortable seating area and a dining section.
A notable feature of this property is the large window sections on both sides of the apartment. These windows provide pleasant natural light throughout the entire day, which contributes to the open and pleasant living experience. The open kitchen is efficiently arranged and connects perfectly with the living space, creating a pleasant connection between cooking, living, and relaxing.
The bedroom is quietly situated and offers sufficient space for a double bed and closet space. At the front of the property are the bathroom and separate toilet, accessible from the hall. The bathroom is equipped with a walk-in shower, a sink, and a sink cabinet. The apartment also features several practical built-in closets, which are ideal for additional storage space. The clever layout, combined with the pleasant light and the character of the property, ensures a particularly comfortable and atmospheric living experience in the middle of the inner city.
The property is located on freehold land (eigen grond), which means there are no leasehold (erfpacht) costs to consider. This is a significant financial advantage in Amsterdam where many properties are subject to leasehold.
The homeowners association (VvE) named Rapenburg 1-3 is described as an active and healthy association consisting of 10 members. The monthly contribution is approximately 150 euros excluding advance heating costs. It should be noted that according to the VvE checklist provided, the association is not registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK), does not appear to hold annual meetings, has no reserve fund, no maintenance plan, and no building insurance. These are points that prospective buyers may wish to inquire about further.
The building features block heating for the heating system and an electric boiler for hot water. The property has an energy label F, which indicates relatively poor energy efficiency. Insulation measures that have been implemented include roof insulation, double glazing, and wall insulation. Ventilation is provided through balanced ventilation, mechanical ventilation, and natural ventilation options.
The roof is a gable roof covered with bituminous roofing material. Given the age of the building from 1896, an age clause (ouderdomsclausule) applies to the sale, which is standard practice for older properties in the Netherlands.
Parking is available through the permit system of the municipality of Amsterdam in the Centrum-Oost permit area. Prospective buyers should consult the municipality's website for current information regarding permits and waiting times, as parking in the center of Amsterdam typically involves significant waiting periods for a permit.
The location of this apartment is one of its strongest features. The Rapenburg is situated in the middle of the historic center of Amsterdam. The immediate surroundings are characterized by monumental buildings, atmospheric canals, and a rich history, while all urban amenities are within reach. Within walking distance are various popular catering establishments, cafes, and restaurants, as well as specialty shops and cultural hotspots. The Nieuwmarkt, the Oosterdokseiland area, and the Plantagebuurt are all a short distance away and offer a diverse range of shops, terraces, and recreational opportunities. For daily groceries, several supermarkets and neighborhood shops are available in the immediate vicinity.
The accessibility of the location is excellent. Amsterdam Central Station is just a few minutes away and offers connections by train, metro, tram, and bus. The main roads towards the Ring A10 are also easily accessible. By bicycle, both Amsterdam East and Amsterdam South can be reached quickly and easily.
The apartment is available for occupation in the short term. The asking price is 425,000 euros excluding buyer costs (kosten koper), which translates to approximately 8,019 euros per square meter based on the GO Wonen measurement of 53 square meters. The property is currently available on the market.
All information provided has been compiled with the necessary care, though no liability is accepted for any incompleteness, inaccuracy, or otherwise, nor for the consequences thereof. All specified dimensions and areas are indicative. The NVM conditions apply to this transaction.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
The listing explicitly states that the bathroom has a walk-in shower (inloopdouche).
Bathtub
The listing specifies a walk-in shower as the only washing facility, with no mention of a bathtub.
Ensuite Bathroom
The description clearly states that the bathroom is located at the front of the house and is accessible from the hall, not the bedroom.
Guest Toilet
The listing mentions a separate toilet (apart toilet) located at the front of the house, distinct from the bathroom.
Bidet
No bidet is listed among the bathroom facilities, and it is highly uncommon in standard Amsterdam apartments.
Shared Shower
The property is a self-contained apartment, meaning the bathroom facilities are private, not shared.
Shared Toilet
The apartment has its own separate toilet, indicating it is not shared with other households.
His And Hers Sinks
The listing mentions a single sink (wastafel) and a sink cabinet, rather than a double vanity.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
No balcony is mentioned in the description or features list of this 4th-floor apartment.
Rear Garden
The property is a 4th-floor apartment, making a rear garden impossible.
Front Garden
The property is a 4th-floor apartment, making a front garden impossible.
Side Garden
The property is a 4th-floor apartment, making a side garden impossible.
Terrace
No terrace is mentioned in the listing description or features.
Rooftop Terrace
No rooftop terrace is mentioned in the listing description or features.
Barbecue Area
There is no mention of a barbecue area.
Fenced Yard
The property is an apartment without a yard.
Patio
No patio is mentioned in the listing description or features.
Veranda
No veranda is mentioned in the listing description or features.
Guest House
There is no mention of a guest house.
Waterfront
The apartment is located on the Rapenburg, which is a canal in Amsterdam. The description explicitly mentions being located by 'sfeervolle grachten' (atmospheric canals).
Kitchen Garden
There is no mention of a kitchen garden.
Equestrian Facilities
There are no equestrian facilities in this city center apartment.
Small Livestock Facilities
There are no small livestock facilities in this city center apartment.
Private Outdoor Pool
There is no mention of a private outdoor pool.
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
There is no mention of a private outdoor jacuzzi.
Private Tennis Court
There is no mention of a private tennis court.
Remarkable Mountain View
Amsterdam is completely flat and has no mountains.
Remarkable City View
Located on the 4th floor in the historic center with large windows on both sides, offering views over the canal and monumental buildings.
Remarkable Garden View
No garden view is present or mentioned.
Remarkable Sea View
Amsterdam is inland and there is no sea view.
Remarkable Harbour View
While close to the central station area, the apartment faces the canal (Rapenburg), not the harbor.
Remarkable Landmark View
Overlooking monumental buildings and canals in the historic center, though no specific landmark is highlighted.
Interior Comfort
Central Heating
The features explicitly state 'Blokverwarming' (block heating), which is a type of central heating system for the building.
Underfloor Heating
The listing mentions block heating, with no reference to underfloor heating.
Walk In Closet
The description mentions practical fixed closets, but not a walk-in closet, which is unlikely in a 52m2 apartment.
Skylight
The listing mentions large windows on both sides of the apartment, but no skylights.
Private Indoor Pool
It is a 52m2 apartment in a historic monument; a private indoor pool is impossible.
Private Indoor Sauna
It is a 52m2 apartment in a historic monument; a private indoor sauna is not present.
Built-In Wardrobes
The description explicitly states 'meerdere praktische vaste kasten' (several practical fixed closets), which translates to built-in wardrobes.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
The listing describes a historic, monumental apartment from 1896 with an authentic character, which does not align with Scandinavian design.
Modern
The property is an existing building from 1896 with a classic and authentic appearance, not modern.
Industrial
There is no mention of industrial elements; it is a historic residential apartment in a monumental canal house.
Mediterranean
Located in Amsterdam, the style is typical for Dutch historic canal houses, not Mediterranean.
Classic
Built in 1896, designated as a Rijksmonument, and described as having an authentic and characteristic appearance in the historic center.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
The building is from 1896, is a registered Rijksmonument (national monument), and is described as authentic and historic.
Early 20th Century
The building was constructed in 1896, which is the 19th century.
Post War Functional
The building predates WWII by over 50 years.
Modernist
The building is a 19th-century monument with an authentic character, not a modernist structure.
Newly Build
The building was constructed in 1896 and is classified as existing construction.
Kitchen
Kitchen Island
The description mentions an efficient open kitchen layout but does not mention a kitchen island, which is unlikely in a 52m2 apartment.
Open Plan Kitchen
The description explicitly states 'ruime living met open keuken' (spacious living with open kitchen) and 'open keuken, die naadloos overloopt in de royale living'.
Pantry
There is no mention of a pantry in the description, and the apartment size (52m2) makes it unlikely.
Build In Coffee Maker
Luxury features like a built-in coffee maker are typically highlighted if present; it is not mentioned here.
Boiling Water Tap
A boiling water tap (e.g., Quooker) is a notable feature that would be listed if present; it is not mentioned.
Downdraft Extractor
A downdraft extractor is a specific high-end feature not mentioned in the description.
Shared Kitchen
The listing describes a private apartment ('dit stijlvolle appartement') with its own living and kitchen area, not a shared space.
Design Kitchen
The apartment is in a 1896 monumental building with an 'authentic appearance' and the kitchen is described as 'efficiently arranged', which does not imply a high-end modern design kitchen.
New Kitchen
The building is from 1896, has a monumental status, and the description emphasizes the 'authentic character', indicating the kitchen is not new.
Parking & Storage
Parking
There is no private parking spot associated with the apartment; only public and permit parking are available in the area.
Storage Room
The listing mentions 'meerdere praktische vaste kasten' (multiple built-in closets) but does not mention a separate storage room (berging).
Garage
No private garage is mentioned or included with the property.
Automatic Garage Door
There is no garage present.
Double Garage
There is no garage present.
Attic
The apartment is a 4th-floor upper apartment with no mention of an attic.
Cellar
No cellar is mentioned in the description or features.
Covered Parking
No covered or private parking is included with the property.
Underground Parking
No underground parking is included with the property.
Ev Charging
No EV charging station or facilities are mentioned.
Workshop
No workshop space is mentioned.
Shed
No shed is mentioned.
Street Parking Free
The features explicitly list 'Betaald parkeren' (paid parking), meaning free street parking is not available.
Street Parking Permit
The description explicitly states that parking is possible via the municipality's permit system (vergunninggebied Centrum-Oost) and lists 'parkeervergunningen' in the features.
Parkspot Rent Price Month
There is no private parking spot for rent associated with the apartment.
Parkspot Sale Price
There is no private parking spot for sale associated with the apartment.
Rules
Owners Association
The listing explicitly states the existence of an active VvE (Vereniging van Eigenaren) named 'Rapenburg 1-3' consisting of 10 members.
Leasehold
The listing explicitly states 'De woning is gelegen op eigen grond' (located on own ground) and 'Eigendomssituatie: Volle eigendom' (full ownership), meaning it is freehold.
Oa Chamber Of Commerce Registered
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Inschrijving KvK: Nee' (Chamber of Commerce registration: No).
Oa Annual Meeting
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Jaarlijkse vergadering: Nee' (Annual meeting: No).
Oa Fees
The listing mentions a monthly VvE contribution of approximately €150, and the checklist confirms 'Periodieke bijdrage: Ja' (Periodic contribution: Yes).
Oa Reserve Fund
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Reservefonds aanwezig: Nee' (Reserve fund present: No).
Oa Maintenance Plan
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Onderhoudsplan: Nee' (Maintenance plan: No).
Oa Buildings Insurance
The VvE checklist explicitly states 'Opstalverzekering: Nee' (Buildings insurance: No).
Other Rules
The listing mentions an 'Ouderdomsclausule' (age clause) which is a standard sales condition, but does not list specific living rules, pet policies, or other specific restrictions.
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The apartment is on the 4th floor of a building from 1896 that is a Rijksmonument. No elevator is mentioned, and it is very unlikely for a historic monument building of this age to have one installed.
Private Entrance
The listing mentions 'Via de verzorgde entree betreedt u op de vierde etage de woning' which suggests a shared entrance. The VvE has 10 members, indicating multiple units in the building.
Automatic Gate
This is a canal-side apartment in Amsterdam's city center, not a property with gates. No mention of any gate in the listing.
Gated Community
This is a standard apartment in Amsterdam's historic city center on a canal, not a gated community.
Wheelchair Accessible
The apartment is on the 4th floor with no elevator, in a 1896 monument building. This makes it completely inaccessible for wheelchair users.
Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine
Not mentioned in the description or features list.
Washing Machine Connections
No mention of laundry facilities or connections in the property.
Laundry Room
The layout describes a living room, open kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, separate toilet, and storage closets, but no laundry room.
Dryer
Not mentioned in the description or features list.
Smart Home
The building is a monumental national monument from 1896, making smart home features highly unlikely and unmentioned.
Ventilation System
The features explicitly list 'Balansventilatie, mechanische ventilatie, en natuurlijke ventilatie' (balanced, mechanical, and natural ventilation).
Water Softener
Not mentioned in the listing and highly unusual for standard Dutch apartments.
Energy Efficiency
Double Glazing
The features section explicitly lists 'dubbel glas' (double glazing) under the Isolatie (insulation) category.
Triple Glazing
The listing specifies double glazing ('dubbel glas') rather than triple glazing.
Wall Insulation
The features section explicitly lists 'muurisolatie' (wall insulation) under the Isolatie category.
Roof Insulation
The features section explicitly lists 'dakisolatie' (roof insulation) under the Isolatie category.
Heat Pump
The heating system is specified as 'Blokverwarming' (block heating), not a heat pump.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
The property features balanced, mechanical, and natural ventilation systems.
Location
History
No history available for this listing.