Charming Duplex Apartment with Two Balconies in Schinkelbuurt
Key Features
Upsides
- Freehold property ownership, meaning no leasehold ground rent payments which is a significant financial advantage in Amsterdam
- Excellent location in the highly sought-after Schinkelbuurt neighborhood of Oud-Zuid, with Vondelpark, shops, and restaurants within walking distance
- Two balconies providing outdoor space, including a French balcony at the front and a full balcony at the rear accessible from both the living room and master bedroom
- Small-scale VvE with only four members resulting in low monthly service costs of just 130 euros
- Owned combination boiler (Intergas) eliminating ongoing rental costs for heating equipment
Downsides
- Energy label D indicates below-average energy efficiency, which may result in higher utility costs and potential future renovation requirements
- Fourth floor location without an elevator requires climbing multiple flights of stairs daily, which may be challenging for some buyers
- Paid parking system in the area means additional costs and potential difficulty finding parking spaces near the property
- VvE lacks certain formal structures with no annual meeting recorded and no maintenance plan in place, which could lead to future complications
- Building from 1913 may have underlying maintenance needs that are not immediately apparent despite renovations
Description
Located in the appealing area of Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, this charming duplex apartment occupies the third and fourth floors of an attractive building dating back to 1913. The property at Vaartstraat 48 offers a practical layout combined with characterful features, presenting a unique combination of peaceful living and vibrant city life within easy reach.
The Vaartstraat is situated in the heart of the Schinkelbuurt, one of the most desirable residential neighborhoods in Amsterdam South. This tree-lined street provides a quiet setting while maintaining excellent connectivity to the rest of the city. The neighborhood is known for its friendly and lively atmosphere, with all essential amenities located within walking distance.
For daily shopping needs, residents have convenient access to the nearby Zeilstraat, Amstelveenseweg, and Hoofddorpplein. These areas offer a wide range of supermarkets, specialty stores, and various shops. The immediate vicinity also features an excellent selection of fresh produce outlets including bakeries, butcher shops, fishmongers, and greengrocers, catering to those who appreciate quality ingredients and local products.
The Schinkelbuurt has established itself as a notable destination for dining and socializing. The area boasts an impressive array of cafés, coffee bars, and restaurants. Establishments such as Bar Bonnie, Ron Gastrobar, Anne & Max, Van Mechelen, and Gent aan de Schinkel are located literally around the corner, providing residents with diverse culinary options without having to travel far from home.
Recreational opportunities abound in the surrounding area. The iconic Vondelpark is only a few minutes' walk away, offering a perfect setting for walks, runs, or relaxing afternoons in green surroundings. The Museumplein, Olympic Stadium, the Schinkel canal, and the Amsterdamse Bos are all easily accessible by bicycle, providing a variety of options for outdoor activities and leisure.
The property benefits from excellent accessibility by both public transport and car. Haarlemmermeerstation is within walking distance and provides various tram and bus connections to the city center, Amsterdam Zuid Station, Schiphol Airport, and other parts of the city. Amsterdam Zuid Station and Amsterdam Lelylaan Station can also be reached within a few minutes by bicycle. For those traveling by car, the nearby arterial roads offer quick access to the A10 Ring Road, the A4, and the A2 motorways, ensuring efficient connections to both the Zuidas business district and Schiphol Airport.
The apartment is accessed via a private entrance on the second floor, which includes a small hallway and staircase leading up to the main living areas. The third floor contains the primary living spaces. Upon entering, there is a hallway with a separate toilet featuring a washbasin. The spacious and bright living room is finished with an attractive wooden floor throughout. At the front of the living room, French doors open onto a charming French balcony, allowing natural light to enter the space. At the rear of the living room, another set of French doors provides access to a full balcony, creating an indoor-outdoor flow that is particularly pleasant during warmer months.
The open-plan kitchen is arranged in a practical U-shaped layout and comes equipped with various built-in appliances. These include a dishwasher, oven, microwave, and a fridge-freezer combination, providing all the essentials for modern cooking and food storage.
The fourth floor comprises the sleeping quarters and bathroom facilities. This level contains three well-proportioned bedrooms, offering flexibility in how the space is used. The front room is currently configured as a guest bedroom, while the spacious master bedroom is positioned at the rear and features French doors opening onto the second balcony, allowing for morning fresh air and views. Additionally, there is a generous room that serves as a home office or study, accommodating those who work from home.
The fully equipped bathroom on this floor includes a second toilet, a double washbasin vanity unit, a walk-in shower, and a mirrored cabinet. This configuration provides convenience for the household, particularly during busy morning routines.
The property holds several notable features that add to its appeal. It is a freehold property, meaning there is no leasehold ground rent to pay, which represents a significant financial advantage in the Amsterdam property market. The living area measures 98.9 square meters, with a measurement report available to confirm this figure. The building has a small-scale Homeowners Association consisting of just four members, keeping the monthly service costs at a modest 130 euros. The property features wooden flooring throughout the main living areas and benefits from double glazing for improved insulation.
The heating and hot water are provided by an Intergas combination boiler that is owned rather than rented, eliminating ongoing boiler rental costs. The energy label is currently rated D, indicating typical insulation levels for a building of this age with double glazing installed.
Parking in the area is managed through the municipal paid parking system, with parking permits available for residents. The roof of the building is a flat roof construction, which is common for apartments of this period and style in Amsterdam.
The transfer date is available by mutual agreement, with the possibility of a quick completion if desired. This property represents an opportunity to acquire a characterful duplex apartment in one of Amsterdam's most established and sought-after neighborhoods, combining period features with practical modern living arrangements.
Features
Bathroom
Shower
The listing explicitly mentions a shower ('douche') in the bathroom.
Bathtub
The listing mentions a shower but does not mention a bathtub.
Guest Toilet
There is a separate toilet with a washbasin on the third floor, distinct from the toilet in the main bathroom.
Heated Towel Rail
No mention of a heated towel rail in the listing.
Bidet
No mention of a bidet in the listing.
Double Shower
No mention of a double shower in the listing.
Shared Shower
The apartment is a private residence, so the shower is not shared with other households.
Shared Toilet
The apartment is a private residence, so the toilets are not shared with other households.
His And Hers Sinks
The listing explicitly mentions a double washbasin vanity unit ('dubbele wastafelmeubel').
Bathroom Heated Floor
No mention of underfloor heating in the bathroom or anywhere else in the listing.
Building General
Corner Property
Exterior
Balcony
The listing explicitly mentions 'twee balkons' (two balconies), a French balcony at the front, and a balcony at the rear.
Rear Garden
The property is an upper-floor apartment with only a balcony at the rear, no garden.
Front Garden
The property is an upper-floor apartment with only a French balcony at the front, no garden.
Side Garden
There is no mention of a side garden for this apartment.
Terrace
The listing specifies balconies but does not mention a terrace. The feature section mentions 'Balkon/dakterras' but explicitly states 'Balkon aanwezig'.
Rooftop Terrace
There is no mention of a rooftop terrace.
Barbecue Area
No barbecue area is mentioned in the listing.
Fenced Yard
The property is an upper-floor apartment and does not have a yard.
Patio
No patio is mentioned; the property has balconies.
Veranda
No veranda is mentioned in the listing.
Guest House
There is no guest house; there is only a guest bedroom.
Waterfront
While located in the Schinkelbuurt, near the Schinkel canal, the property is on a quiet, tree-lined street (Vaartstraat) and not directly on the water.
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
Amsterdam is a flat city with no mountains.
Remarkable City View
The listing mentions 'vrij uitzicht' (unobstructed view) from the 3rd and 4th floors, but does not specifically highlight a remarkable city view.
Remarkable Garden View
The street is described as green and tree-lined, but the apartment is on the upper floors and does not specifically overlook a garden.
Remarkable Sea View
Amsterdam is not located on the sea.
Remarkable Harbour View
No harbour view is mentioned; the area is a residential neighborhood near a canal.
Remarkable Landmark View
No specific landmark views, such as the Olympic Stadium or Vondelpark, are mentioned from the windows.
Interior Comfort
Air Conditioning
No air conditioning is mentioned in the listing, which is typical for this type of apartment in Amsterdam.
Central Heating
The listing explicitly states 'Cv-ketel' (central heating boiler) for heating.
Fireplace
No fireplace is mentioned in the property description or features.
Hardwood Floors
The listing explicitly mentions a 'fraaie houten vloer' (attractive wooden floor) in the living room.
Tiled Floors
The listing mentions a wooden floor in the living room but does not mention tiled floors in the general living areas.
Laminate Flooring
The listing specifies a wooden floor rather than laminate flooring.
Carpeted Floors
No carpeted floors are mentioned; wooden flooring is highlighted.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is not mentioned; central heating via a CV ketel is specified.
Walk In Closet
No walk-in closet is mentioned in the layout description.
Home Office
The layout explicitly includes a 'ruime werkkamer' (generous study/home office) on the fourth floor.
Skylight
No skylights are mentioned in the description of the apartment.
Exposed Beams
No exposed beams are mentioned in the property description.
Bay Window
The listing mentions French balconies and French doors, but does not mention a bay window.
Private Indoor Pool
A private indoor pool is not present in this apartment.
Private Indoor Sauna
A private indoor sauna is not present in this apartment.
French Doors
The listing explicitly mentions 'openslaande deuren' (French doors) leading to the balconies in both the living room and master bedroom.
Interior Style
Scandinavian
The listing describes a characteristic 1913 apartment with a wooden floor, but lacks typical Scandinavian design elements like minimalist aesthetics.
Modern
The building dates back to 1913 and is described as characteristic, though it features an open-plan kitchen layout.
Industrial
No industrial elements such as exposed brick, metal accents, or large factory-style windows are mentioned.
Mediterranean
There are no Mediterranean features like terracotta tiles, stucco walls, or arched windows mentioned.
Classic
Built in 1913, the apartment is described as 'karakteristiek' (characterful) and located in a classic Amsterdam building.
Exterior Style
Traditional Historic
The building dates back to 1913 and is described as 'karakteristiek' (characteristic) and located in a picturesque street in Oud-Zuid.
Early 20th Century
The construction year is explicitly listed as 1913.
Post War Functional
The building was constructed in 1913, which is before WWII.
Modernist
The property is a 1913 building described as charming and characteristic, which contrasts with modernist architectural styles.
Newly Build
The listing specifies 'Bestaande bouw' (existing construction) and a build year of 1913.
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Explicitly mentioned in the listing: 'vaatwasser' / 'dishwasher'
Oven
Explicitly mentioned in the listing: 'oven'
Microwave
Explicitly mentioned in the listing: 'magnetron' / 'microwave'
Refrigerator
Mentioned as part of 'koel-/vries combinatie' (fridge-freezer combination)
Freezer
Mentioned as part of 'koel-/vries combinatie' (fridge-freezer combination)
Kitchen Island
Kitchen described as U-shaped layout, no mention of an island
Open Plan Kitchen
Explicitly mentioned as 'open keuken' / 'open-plan kitchen'
Pantry
No mention of a pantry in the description or layout
Build In Coffee Maker
Not mentioned in the appliance list
Boiling Water Tap
No mention of a boiling water tap such as Quooker in the listing
Downdraft Extractor
No mention of a downdraft extractor in the listing
Shared Kitchen
This is a private duplex apartment, not shared housing
Design Kitchen
Kitchen described as 'fraaie' (attractive) but no indication of designer brand or high-end design features
New Kitchen
Building is from 1913, no mention of kitchen renovation or new installation
Parking & Storage
Parking
Only public/paid street parking and permits are mentioned; no designated parking spot is listed.
Garage
Not mentioned in the listing; only street parking is detailed.
Automatic Garage Door
There is no garage present.
Double Garage
There is no garage present.
Attic
The apartment occupies the 3rd and 4th floors, and no attic is mentioned.
Cellar
Not mentioned in the layout or features.
Covered Parking
Not mentioned; only open street parking is listed.
Underground Parking
Not mentioned; only open street parking is listed.
Ev Charging
Not mentioned in the description or features list.
Workshop
Not mentioned and not typical for an upper-floor apartment.
Shed
Not mentioned in the text or features list.
Street Parking Free
The listing explicitly states 'Betaald parkeren' (paid parking).
Street Parking Permit
The listing explicitly mentions 'parkeervergunningen' (parking permits).
Rules
Owners Association
Listing explicitly mentions 'Kleinschalige VvE bestaande uit vier leden' (Small-scale HOA consisting of four members).
Leasehold
Listing explicitly states 'Eigen grond' and 'Volle eigendom' (Freehold property/Full ownership), meaning no leasehold.
Oa Chamber Of Commerce Registered
VvE checklist shows 'Inschrijving KvK: Ja' (Chamber of Commerce registration: Yes).
Oa Annual Meeting
VvE checklist shows 'Jaarlijkse vergadering: Nee' (Annual meeting: No).
Oa Fees
Listing states 'Servicekosten € 130 per maand' (Service costs €130 per month).
Oa Reserve Fund
VvE checklist shows 'Reservefonds aanwezig: Ja' (Reserve fund present: Yes).
Oa Maintenance Plan
VvE checklist shows 'Onderhoudsplan: Nee' (Maintenance plan: No).
Oa Buildings Insurance
VvE checklist shows 'Opstalverzekering: Ja' (Buildings insurance: Yes).
Safety & Accessibility
Elevator
The apartment is located on the third and fourth floors of a building built in 1913, and there is no mention of an elevator in the listing.
Private Entrance
The listing explicitly states 'Private entrance to the apartment' on the second floor.
Automatic Gate
The property is an apartment in a residential neighborhood, and there is no mention of an automatic gate.
Gated Community
The property is a small-scale apartment building (4 members in the VvE) on a public street, not a gated community.
Wheelchair Accessible
The apartment is situated on the third and fourth floors and is only accessible via a staircase, with no elevator present.
Utilities & Technical
Laundry Room
The layout is explicitly described (hallway, toilet, living room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, study, bathroom) and does not include a laundry room.
Smart Home
The building dates back to 1913 and there are no smart home features or systems mentioned in the description.
Ventilation System
The property has an energy label D and double glazing, but no mechanical ventilation system is mentioned, which is typical for older apartments of this type without major renovations.
Cable Tv
The feature list explicitly includes 'TV kabel' (cable TV).
Water Softener
Water softeners are highly uncommon in Amsterdam apartments and none is mentioned in the listing.
Energy Efficiency
Double Glazing
The listing explicitly states 'Dubbel glas' (double glazing) under the Isolatie (Insulation) section.
Heat Pump
The heating system is explicitly listed as a 'Cv-ketel' (gas combi-boiler, Intergas). No heat pump is mentioned.
Location
History
No history available for this listing.