Starter Apartment with Balcony Near Utrecht Station

This apartment is located at Theemsdreef 177 in the Zamenhofdreef area of Utrecht. The property is offered at an asking price of 289,000 euros, with the buyer responsible for the transaction costs (kosten koper). The listing is specifically aimed at first-time buyers looking for their initial home purchase.

The apartment has a total living area of 50 square meters and contains three rooms, which includes two bedrooms. The building features a lift, making it easily accessible. There is also a private storage box of 5 square meters located on the ground floor, which provides additional space for belongings such as bicycles or seasonal items.

The property is situated on the second floor of the building, though this is referred to as the third woonlaag in Dutch real estate terminology. Access to the apartment is through a portiek entrance on the ground floor where the mailboxes are located, along with the lift and the entrance to the storage area.

Upon entering the apartment, there is a hallway containing the meter cupboard and a basic toilet facility. The living room benefits from good natural light. Adjacent to the living area is the kitchen space, which features a simple kitchen unit. From the kitchen, there is access to the balcony, which has an area of 5 square meters. There is also a small intermediate room located between the kitchen area and the main bedroom.

The main bedroom includes a built-in storage closet. The bathroom facilities are contained within the bedroom area and consist of a simple shower room with a washbasin. The second bedroom can serve as a guest room, home office, or study space depending on the needs of the occupant.

The building dates from 1965 and is classified as a portiekflat, which is a common apartment type in Dutch residential areas from that era. The property is listed as a kluswoning, indicating that some renovation or updating work may be desired or required. The kitchen and bathroom facilities are described as basic or simple (eenvoudig), suggesting that buyers who wish to modernize these spaces should factor in additional renovation costs.

Despite its age, the apartment has achieved an energy label A rating. This is likely due to insulation improvements, with double glazing mentioned in the specifications. Heating is provided through block heating (blokverwarming), which is a centralized system serving multiple units in the building. The advance payment for heating costs is 70 euros per month. Hot water is supplied through a central facility.

The property is subject to an active Vereniging van Eigenaren (VvE), which is the homeowners association. The monthly VvE contribution is currently 204.66 euros, and this amount includes the storage box. The VvE appears to be well-organized, with registration at the Chamber of Commerce (KvK), annual general meetings, a maintenance plan, a reserve fund, and building insurance all confirmed to be in place.

A significant advantage of this property is that the ground lease (erfpacht) has been perpetually paid off (eeuwigdurend afgekocht). This means there are no ongoing ground lease payments, which can represent a substantial saving compared to properties where the canon is still being paid.

The property comes with a self-occupation obligation (zelfbewoningsplicht), meaning the buyer must occupy the property as their primary residence. Renting out the apartment is not permitted under this condition. This restriction is commonly applied in Dutch municipalities to ensure housing remains available for residents rather than being converted to rental investment properties.

An asbestos clause applies to this property, and an asbestos inventory report is available. This is standard practice for buildings constructed in the 1960s, as asbestos was commonly used in construction materials during that period. Prospective buyers should review this documentation to understand any implications.

The location offers several practical advantages. Shops are located around the corner from the building, providing convenient access to daily necessities. The NS railway station is within walking distance, offering good public transport connections. The area also features various parks and green spaces, and there are opportunities for walking in the vicinity. The ring roads around the city of Utrecht are easily accessible from this location, making it convenient for car travel to other parts of the region.

Parking at the property is available through public on-street parking. There is no dedicated parking space or garage included with the apartment.

The asking price per square meter is 5,780 euros, which is calculated based on the 50 square meter living area. The total volume of the apartment is 175 cubic meters.

The property has a flat roof, which is typical for apartment buildings of this type. The balcony faces outward from the building, and the listing mentions a free view (vrij uitzicht), suggesting that the outlook is not obstructed by nearby buildings.

The transaction is subject to the seller's choice of notary. The acceptance date (aanvaarding) is to be agreed upon, providing some flexibility for the buyer regarding the move-in timeline.

The cadastral designation is UTRECHT H 2257, with the property classified as municipal ownership burdened with ground lease, with the lease perpetually paid off. This information appears twice in the listing, likely referring to the apartment unit and the storage box separately.