Atmospheric Apartment with Sunny Garden in Utrecht City Center
Key Features
Upsides
- Prime location in the heart of Utrecht city center, within walking distance of Central Station, shops, and cultural amenities.
- Private sunny garden and a private storage unit in the basement, offering valuable outdoor and storage space.
- The ground lease canon has been bought off for a significant period (until 2037 or 2039) with a very low fixed annual rate.
- Active Homeowners Association (VvE) with healthy financial management, including a reserve fund and maintenance plan.
Downsides
- The kitchen and bathroom are described as simple and dated, requiring investment and modernization by the new owner.
- Parking is limited to paid parking or requiring a permit, which can be costly or difficult to obtain in the city center.
- The ground lease canon is only paid off until 2037 or 2039, meaning future costs or redemption will be necessary relatively soon.
- As an apartment in a portiekflat, residents must contend with potential noise from neighbors and shared common areas.
Description
In the vibrant and historic center of Utrecht, a charming apartment awaits its new residents. This property offers a unique opportunity to live in one of the most sought after locations in the city, combining the convenience of urban living with the comfort of a private outdoor space. The apartment is situated within a complex that is accessible via a secured, communal courtyard garden, providing a safe and welcoming entrance to the building.
Upon entering the apartment, you are welcomed into a hallway that provides ample space for a coat rack or wardrobe. This central hall grants access to all the main rooms in the home. The layout is practical and efficient, designed to maximize the use of the available fifty one square meters of living space.
At the front of the apartment, facing the street, lies the spacious and bright living and dining room. This area serves as the heart of the home, characterized by large windows that allow an abundance of natural daylight to flood the room. These windows also offer a beautiful and unobstructed view of the Jacobikerk, a historic church that adds to the picturesque atmosphere of the surroundings. The living room is generously proportioned, providing enough room for a comfortable seating area as well as a separate dining table, making it ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying quiet evenings at home.
Adjacent to the living area is the open kitchen. While the kitchen is currently simply executed in a blue color scheme, it presents a blank canvas for the new owner. It offers plenty of potential to be modernized and renovated according to personal taste and style, allowing one to create a culinary space that perfectly fits their needs.
The bedroom is located at the rear of the apartment, on the garden side. Thanks to the large windows, this room also benefits from excellent natural light. The space is well sized and can easily accommodate a double bed, a large wardrobe, and even a home office setup. A particularly appealing feature of the bedroom is the direct access it provides to the private backyard. This sunny garden is a delightful outdoor oasis where one can sit, relax, and enjoy the fresh air right from the comfort of the bedroom.
The bathroom is functional and simple in design. It is equipped with a washbasin, a shower, and the necessary connections for a washing machine. The toilet is conveniently situated separately from the bathroom, adding to the practicality of the layout. Additionally, the apartment comes with the benefit of a private storage unit located in the basement of the building. This extra space is invaluable for storing bicycles, luggage, or seasonal items, helping to keep the living space clutter free.
The location of this property is truly exceptional. Living in the heart of Utrecht means being surrounded by the city's famous canals, historic buildings, and lively squares. All daily amenities are within easy reach. A wide variety of shops, supermarkets, cozy cafes, and restaurants can be found just around the corner. For those who enjoy culture and recreation, the offer is equally impressive with theaters, museums, and waterside terraces located literally in the direct vicinity.
Accessibility is another major advantage of this location. Utrecht Central Station is within walking distance, making travel within the city and to other parts of the country incredibly convenient. Various bus lines also provide quick connections to different areas. For cyclists, the location offers easy access to parks, sports facilities, and other popular destinations in and around the city.
Technically, the apartment is part of a portiekflat built in 1990. The roof is a flat roof covered with bitumen roofing. The property features double glass insulation and a mechanical ventilation system to ensure a comfortable indoor climate. Heating and hot water are provided by an Intergas HRE combi boiler, which is gas fired and dates from 2011. The boiler is owned by the property. The energy performance certificate is rated C, indicating a reasonable level of energy efficiency.
An important aspect of the property is the ground lease situation. The apartment is located on municipal land subject to leasehold. The canon has been bought off for a period of fifty years. There is a slight discrepancy in the documentation regarding the end date, with the general description mentioning the year 2039 and the specific features listing October 6, 2037. The canon is fixed and non revisable at a rate of 11.34 euros per year under the General Leasehold Provisions of 1983. More detailed information regarding the leasehold is available through the Move platform.
The apartment is managed by an active Homeowners Association, known in the Netherlands as a VvE. The association is registered with the Chamber of Commerce, holds annual meetings, and has a periodic contribution of 129 euros per month. The VvE has a reserve fund, a maintenance plan, and building insurance in place, ensuring the complex is well maintained.
Regarding the condition of the property, the listing indicates that the seller has not recently occupied the apartment themselves. It is noted that with some love and attention, this property can be transformed into a particularly atmospheric home. The kitchen and bathroom are described as simple, implying that some renovation work may be desired to modernize the interior to contemporary standards.
For buyers concerned about the structural integrity of the property, the KCAF, the Knowledge Centre for Approach to Foundation Problems, has assessed the foundation risk. The risk has been classified as No High Risk, meaning the property has an indication of A, B, or C based on available data.
The delivery of the property is in consultation and can be arranged quickly. The purchase agreement will be based on the standard NVM purchase agreement. Additional clauses may be included, such as an age clause, asbestos clause, non occupancy clause, financing reservation, and notary costs.
This apartment represents a fantastic opportunity for those looking to create their own dream home in a prime location. With its sunny garden, private storage, excellent amenities, and unbeatable location in the center of Utrecht, it offers a solid foundation for a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle. Whether you are a first time buyer or looking to downsize without compromising on location, this property is certainly worth considering.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
The listing explicitly mentions a 'douche' (shower) in the bathroom facilities.
Bathtub
The listing only mentions a shower ('Douche en wastafel'), and the bathroom is described as 'eenvoudig' (simple), making the presence of a bathtub unlikely.
Ensuite Bathroom
The layout states that all rooms are accessible from the central hallway, indicating the bathroom is not directly connected to the bedroom.
Guest Toilet
The listing explicitly mentions a 'separaat toilet' (separate toilet) located apart from the bathroom.
Shared Shower
The apartment includes a private bathroom, implying the shower is not shared.
Shared Toilet
The apartment includes a private separate toilet, implying it is not shared.
His And Hers Sinks
The listing mentions 'een wastafel' (singular sink), implying a single sink rather than his and hers sinks.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
The listing describes a ground floor apartment with a garden ('achtertuin'). No balcony is mentioned, and the outdoor space is explicitly defined as a garden.
Rear Garden
The listing explicitly mentions an 'achtertuin' (rear garden) and describes access to it from the bedroom.
Front Garden
The listing describes a 'straatzijde' (street side) with large windows but does not mention a front garden. Entrance is via a communal courtyard.
Side Garden
No side garden is mentioned in the layout or features.
Terrace
The property features a garden, but no separate terrace is mentioned. In this context, the garden likely serves as the terrace space.
Rooftop Terrace
The apartment is on the ground floor (accessible via the courtyard), making a rooftop terrace impossible.
Veranda
No veranda is mentioned.
Guest House
This is a single apartment unit in a larger complex.
Waterfront
The description states canals and waterside terraces are 'around the corner' and 'nearby', implying the building itself is not directly on the water.
Kitchen Garden
The garden is described for relaxing, not specifically as a kitchen garden.
Equestrian Facilities
City center apartment with no such facilities.
Small Livestock Facilities
City center apartment with no such facilities.
Private Outdoor Pool
Standard city apartment with no pool.
Private Outdoor Jacuzzi
Not mentioned; unlikely for this type of property.
Private Tennis Court
City center apartment with no such facilities.
Remarkable Mountain View
Utrecht is located in a flat, low-lying region of the Netherlands.
Remarkable City View
Located in the vibrant city center with a view of the street and the Jacobikerk.
Remarkable Garden View
The bedroom is situated on the garden side with large windows and direct access to the garden.
Remarkable Sea View
Utrecht is inland.
Remarkable Harbour View
No harbour view mentioned; near canals (grachten).
Remarkable Landmark View
The listing explicitly mentions a 'vrij uitzicht op de Jacobikerk' (free view of the Jacobikerk).
Interior Comfort
Air Conditioning
The listing details 'mechanical ventilation' and 'natural ventilation' but makes no mention of air conditioning. This is consistent with apartments of this type and age in the Netherlands.
Central Heating
The features list explicitly states 'Verwarming: Cv-ketel' (Central heating boiler) and lists an Intergas HRE boiler.
Fireplace
There is no mention of a fireplace in the text or features. A 51m2 apartment from 1990 with a central heating boiler would not typically have a fireplace.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is not mentioned. The heating is provided by a central heating boiler (Cv-ketel), and the bathroom is described as 'simple', making underfloor heating unlikely.
Walk In Closet
The description mentions space for a 'wardrobe wall' (kastenwand), not a walk-in closet. The apartment size (51m2) and layout (1 bedroom) also make this feature unlikely.
Home Office
The listing mentions space for 'possibly a workspace' (eventueel een werkplek) in the bedroom, which refers to a desk area rather than a dedicated home office room.
Skylight
The description mentions large windows in the living room and bedroom but does not mention skylights. The apartment is on one floor with a flat roof, but skylights are not listed as a feature.
Exposed Beams
There is no mention of exposed beams. A 1990 'portiekflat' typically has finished ceilings with structural elements concealed.
Bay Window
The description mentions large windows with a view, but does not describe a bay window. This feature would typically be highlighted if present.
Private Indoor Pool
This is a standard 51m2 apartment in an urban complex. A private indoor pool is impossible.
Private Indoor Sauna
There is no mention of a sauna. It is not a feature of this type of apartment.
Built-In Wardrobes
The text says there is 'space for a wardrobe wall', implying that current wardrobes are not built-in, or at least not occupying that specific space.
Ornamental Plasterwork
The apartment is from 1990, which is a period when ornamental plasterwork was not standard in residential construction. It is not mentioned in the description.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
The description mentions a 'simple' blue kitchen and indicates a need for modernization. There are no descriptions of light woods, minimalism, or bright airy aesthetics characteristic of Scandinavian design.
Modern
The listing explicitly states the kitchen is 'simple' (eenvoudig) and offers 'opportunities to modernize to your own taste'. The bathroom is also described as 'simple'. The building is from 1990 and is described as 'existing build', suggesting a dated interior rather than a modern one.
Industrial
There is no mention of industrial elements such as exposed brick, concrete, or metal beams. It is a standard residential apartment (portiekflat) from 1990.
Mediterranean
No Mediterranean features (e.g., terracotta, arches, warm color palette) are described. The apartment is located in Utrecht, Netherlands, with a standard Dutch interior description.
Classic
While the surroundings are described as having 'historic buildings', the apartment itself is from 1990. The interior is described as 'simple' and 'atmospheric' but lacks specific period details (like ornamental plasterwork) that would define a classic style.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
The building was constructed in 1990, making it a modern construction, though situated in a historic area.
Early 20th Century
Built in 1990.
Post War Functional
Built in 1990 as a 'portiekflat' (gallery flat), which fits the description of functional, mass-produced post-war housing.
Modernist
While built in the modern era, the style is described as a functional apartment block rather than the specific architectural Modernist movement.
Newly Build
Built in 1990.
Kitchen
Microwave
Not mentioned in the listing. Given the description of the kitchen as simple and requiring modernization, a built-in microwave is unlikely.
Kitchen Island
The description mentions an open kitchen in a 51m2 apartment from 1990 that is described as simple. An island is highly unlikely in this layout and era.
Open Plan Kitchen
The listing explicitly states 'woon-/eetkamer met open keuken' (living/dining room with open kitchen).
Pantry
No pantry is mentioned in the layout. The apartment size (51m2) and the simple kitchen description make a separate pantry unlikely.
Induction Stove
The kitchen is described as 'simple' and needing modernization. Induction stoves are typically a modern feature that would be highlighted if present.
Build In Coffee Maker
Not mentioned. Inconsistent with the description of a simple, dated kitchen.
Boiling Water Tap
Not mentioned. This is a luxury feature unlikely to be found in a kitchen described as simple and in need of modernization.
Downdraft Extractor
Not mentioned. Highly unlikely in an apartment of this age and type with a simple kitchen.
Shared Kitchen
The listing is for a private apartment, not a shared housing facility.
Design Kitchen
The listing explicitly describes the kitchen as 'simple' ('eenvoudig') with a blue color scheme, suggesting it is not a high-end design kitchen.
New Kitchen
The property was built in 1990, and the description states the kitchen offers opportunities to 'modernize according to your own taste,' indicating it is not new.
Parking & Storage
Parking
The listing specifies 'Parkeergelegenheid: Betaald parkeren en parkeervergunningen' (Paid parking and parking permits), indicating no dedicated private parking spot is included.
Storage Room
The description explicitly mentions a private storage unit in the basement ('Eigen berging in de onderbouw') and the specs list a 4 m² storage box.
Garage
There is no mention of a garage; the property only has a storage box.
Automatic Garage Door
There is no garage associated with the property.
Double Garage
There is no garage associated with the property.
Attic
The property is a single-story apartment with no mention of an attic.
Cellar
The storage is described as a 'box' in the basement ('onderbouw'), not a cellar within the apartment unit.
Covered Parking
There is no private covered parking; parking is street parking.
Underground Parking
There is no mention of underground parking spaces.
Workshop
There is no workshop; only a small storage box is available.
Shed
The storage unit is a box in the basement, not a garden shed.
Street Parking Free
The listing states 'Betaald parkeren' (Paid parking), so free street parking is not available.
Street Parking Permit
The listing explicitly mentions 'parkeervergunningen' (parking permits).
Parkspot Rent Price Month
There is no parking spot associated with the property.
Parkspot Sale Price
There is no parking spot included in the sale.
Rules
Owners Association
The listing explicitly states: 'Het appartement maakt onderdeel uit van een actieve VvE' (The apartment is part of an active HOA).
Leasehold
The listing indicates 'Erfpachtgrond' (Leasehold land) and 'Gemeentelijk eigendom belast met erfpacht'.
Oa Chamber Of Commerce Registered
The VvE checklist section states 'Inschrijving KvK: Ja' (Chamber of Commerce registration: Yes).
Oa Annual Meeting
The VvE checklist section states 'Jaarlijkse vergadering: Ja' (Annual meeting: Yes).
Oa Fees
The VvE checklist section states 'Periodieke bijdrage: Ja (€ 129,00 per maand)' (Periodic contribution: Yes).
Oa Reserve Fund
The VvE checklist section states 'Reservefonds aanwezig: Ja' (Reserve fund present: Yes).
Oa Maintenance Plan
The VvE checklist section states 'Onderhoudsplan: Ja' (Maintenance plan: Yes).
Oa Buildings Insurance
The VvE checklist section states 'Opstalverzekering: Ja' (Buildings insurance: Yes).
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The property is described as a 'Portiekflat' (gallery flat) and no elevator is mentioned in the features or description.
Intercom
The complex has a locked shared courtyard entrance ('afgesloten, gezamenlijke binnentuin'), which typically implies an intercom system for visitor access.
Alarm System
There is no mention of an alarm system in the listing text or feature list.
Security Cameras
Security cameras are not mentioned in the description or features.
Private Entrance
The listing explicitly states access is via a 'gezamenlijke binnentuin' (shared courtyard), indicating a shared entrance.
Automatic Gate
While the courtyard is 'afgesloten' (locked), there is no mention of an automatic gate.
Video Door Phone
Video door phones are not mentioned; a standard intercom is more likely but not confirmed.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are not listed in the features or description.
Security Door Window Hardware
No specific security hardware (e.g., extra locks, bars) is mentioned.
Gated Community
Although there is a locked shared garden, the scale and description do not fit the typical definition of a gated community.
Wheelchair Accessible
The apartment is likely on the ground floor (garden access), but standard Dutch apartments of this age (1990) typically have thresholds and steps at entrances and showers, and no specific adaptations are mentioned.
Utilities & Technical
Washing Machine
The text mentions connections for a washing machine in the bathroom but does not explicitly state that a washing machine is included.
Washing Machine Connections
The listing explicitly states that the bathroom is equipped with 'aansluitingen voor wasmachine' (connections for a washing machine).
Laundry Room
The layout describes a living room, open kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and separate toilet. No separate laundry room is mentioned.
Dryer
A dryer is not mentioned anywhere in the description or feature list.
Smart Home
There is no mention of smart home features, and the apartment is described as having simple installations.
Ventilation System
The feature list explicitly includes 'Mechanische ventilatie' (Mechanical ventilation).
Cable Tv
The feature list explicitly includes 'TV kabel' (TV cable).
Water Softener
A water softener is not mentioned and is highly uncommon in standard Dutch apartments.
Energy Efficiency
Solar Panels
There is no mention of solar panels in the description or the technical features list.
Double Glazing
The features section explicitly lists 'Dubbel glas' (double glazing) under the Isolation category.
Triple Glazing
The listing explicitly states double glazing is present and makes no mention of triple glazing or HR++ glass.
Heat Pump
The listing specifies a 'Cv-ketel' (gas-fired combi boiler) as the heating source, specifically an Intergas HRE from 2011.
Home Battery
There is no mention of a home battery system, which would be unlikely given the absence of solar panels.
Other Energy Efficiency Measures
The property has an Energy Label C and features mechanical ventilation and a relatively modern (2011) high-efficiency gas boiler.
Location
History
No history available for this listing.