Charming 2-Room Apartment in Sought-After Zeeheldenkwartier

The apartment is located at Van Diemenstraat 192-A in the Zeeheldenkwartier neighborhood of The Hague. This area is known for being highly desirable due to its central location and charming character. The building dates back to 1888, which gives it a historic character that is appreciated by many residents. The property is situated in a protected cityscape, which means the area's appearance is protected by municipal regulations.

The apartment is a 2-room unit with one bedroom, offering a total living space of 29 square meters. The volume of the apartment is 101 cubic meters. Despite its compact size, the layout has been designed to make efficient use of the available space.

Access to the apartment is via an entrance at street level, followed by stairs leading to the second floor where the apartment is located. The property is described as being on the third woonlaag, which typically means the second floor above ground level in Dutch real estate terminology.

Upon entering the apartment, residents are welcomed by a light and airy living and dining room. One of the notable features of this space is the ornamental ceiling, which is an original detail that has been preserved from the building's construction in the late 19th century. Such details are characteristic of buildings from this period and add a sense of charm and history to the living space.

The open kitchen is integrated into the living area and comes equipped with essential appliances. These include a refrigerator with a freezer compartment, a gas cooktop, an exhaust hood for ventilation during cooking, and ample cabinet space for storage. The open layout of the kitchen allows for a seamless flow between cooking and living spaces, which is particularly beneficial in a compact apartment where space efficiency is important.

The bedroom is situated at the front of the apartment, facing the street. This positioning allows for natural light to enter the bedroom during the day. The listing describes it as a proper bedroom rather than just a sleeping alcove, which is a notable feature for an apartment of this size.

The bathroom has been modernized and includes a shower and a toilet. The modernization of this space contrasts with the preserved historical elements in the living area, providing residents with up-to-date facilities while maintaining the character of the original building.

For laundry needs, residents have access to a shared washing machine and dryer located on the second floor of the building. This shared arrangement means residents do not need to find space for these appliances within their own apartment, which is practical given the limited square footage.

The Zeeheldenkwartier neighborhood is one of The Hague's most popular residential areas. The city center is within walking distance, making it convenient for residents who work downtown or enjoy the amenities the center has to offer. The Prins Hendrikstraat, known for its variety of restaurants and shops, is located just around the corner from the property. This proximity to dining and shopping options is a significant advantage for those who appreciate urban living.

Regarding the property's ownership and legal aspects, the apartment is offered with full ownership on own ground. This is an important consideration in Dutch real estate, as some properties are built on leasehold land, which involves additional costs and conditions. Own ground means the buyer will own both the property and the land it stands on.

The energy label is rated B, which is considered favorable, especially for a building from 1888. This rating is likely achieved through improvements such as the installation of double glazing throughout the property. The windows with double glazing help with insulation and energy efficiency.

Heating and hot water are provided by a gas-fired combination boiler. It should be noted that this boiler is shared with other residents in the building, as are the utility meters. This shared arrangement is reflected in the VvE contribution, which includes advances for electricity, gas, and water.

The homeowners' association is active and well-organized according to the checklist provided in the listing. The monthly contribution is 145 euros, which includes the aforementioned utility advances. The VvE is registered with the Chamber of Commerce, holds annual meetings, has a reserve fund, and has a maintenance plan in place. Building insurance is also arranged through the VvE. These factors indicate a professionally managed building with proper planning for future maintenance.

Parking in the area is available through paid parking, public parking spaces, and parking permits. Residents will need to arrange for a parking permit through the municipality if they own a vehicle.

The property is offered at 225,000 euros costs buyer, which means the buyer is responsible for the additional costs associated with the purchase, such as transfer tax and notary fees. The price per square meter works out to approximately 7,759 euros.

The listing notes that age and materials clauses apply to the sale. These are standard clauses in Dutch real estate transactions for older properties, which protect the seller from liability for defects that are reasonable to expect given the age of the building.

The acceptance date is described as to be discussed, which typically means the exact handover date can be negotiated between buyer and seller.

The property is listed as partially furnished, which may include items like curtains or light fixtures. Buyers should clarify with the agent exactly what furnishings are included in the sale.

The listing includes the standard NEN2580 measurement instruction explanation, which is required for Dutch property listings. This instruction provides a standardized method for measuring usable floor area, though it acknowledges that minor differences in measurements can still occur due to interpretation or rounding.

Additionally, the listing includes the standard legal notice that a purchase agreement is only legally binding once signed by both parties, in accordance with Article 7:2 of the Dutch Civil Code. This means verbal agreements or email confirmations do not constitute a legally binding sale.

Potential buyers are advised by the listing agent to engage their own NVM-certified real estate agent when purchasing this property. This is standard advice in Dutch real estate transactions, as having independent representation can help buyers navigate the purchase process and ensure their interests are protected.

The asking price for a 29-square-meter apartment reflects the premium location in the Zeeheldenkwartier. Properties in this neighborhood tend to command higher prices per square meter compared to less central areas of The Hague. The combination of the desirable location, the character of the historic building, the energy efficiency improvements, and the active and well-managed VvE all contribute to the property's value.

For prospective buyers considering this apartment, it would be important to visit the property in person to get a true sense of the space. Photographs and descriptions can only convey so much, and experiencing the natural light, the ceiling height, and the overall atmosphere is essential when making a decision about such a compact living space.

The compact size of 29 square meters means this apartment would likely be most suitable for a single person or perhaps a couple who values location over space. The efficient layout with an open kitchen helps maximize the usable area, but buyers should carefully consider whether the space meets their lifestyle needs.

The shared facilities, including the washing machine and dryer as well as the central heating boiler, mean that residents will have some interaction with their neighbors. This can be seen as either a positive or negative aspect depending on personal preferences. Some people appreciate the sense of community that comes with shared facilities, while others prefer complete independence.

The protected cityscape status means that residents can expect the surrounding area to maintain its historic character. While this can be seen as a positive in terms of preserving the neighborhood's charm, it also means that there may be restrictions on modifications to the exterior of the building.

In summary, this apartment at Van Diemenstraat 192-A offers a compact but well-maintained living space in one of The Hague's most desirable neighborhoods. The preserved original details like the ornamental ceiling add character, while modern amenities like the updated bathroom and double glazing provide contemporary comfort. The active VvE with proper maintenance planning suggests the building is well-cared for, and the energy label B rating indicates reasonable energy efficiency for a building of this age.