Historic Apartment with Renovation Potential in Den Haag Centre

This property is situated on Wagenstraat in the Zuidwal area of Den Haag, specifically at number 113A. Wagenstraat is recognized as one of the oldest streets in The Hague, carrying with it a rich historical background. The street was traditionally known as a classic shopping street and has evolved over time to become part of what is now referred to as the vibrant Chinatown district of the city. This location offers a combination of cultural diversity, dining establishments, and urban energy that characterizes this part of central Den Haag.

The apartment is positioned on the second living floor of the building and spans two residential levels. The living area measures approximately 141 square meters, which provides substantial space for a central urban apartment. Additionally, there is 9 square meters of building-bound outdoor space. The total volume of the property is stated as 500 cubic meters. The property contains five rooms in total, with four of these being designated as bedrooms. This room configuration makes the apartment suitable for various potential residents, including families or those who require additional rooms for home office purposes.

The construction date of the building is listed as circa 1700, which places it firmly in the historic category. Properties of this age in Dutch city centers typically feature characteristic elements from their period of construction, though the listing does not provide specific details about preserved architectural features within this particular apartment. The age of the building is relevant because it directly influences the legal protections and clauses that will be part of any purchase agreement.

The listing explicitly states that the property offers opportunities for modernization and personal customization. This indicates that the current condition of the interior does not meet contemporary standards and that significant renovation work would be required. Buyers considering this property should factor in substantial renovation costs and planning time. The exact scope of necessary work is not detailed in the listing, so prospective buyers would need to arrange a thorough inspection to assess the condition of structural elements, plumbing, electrical systems, and other essential components.

An important aspect of this property is that it is situated on freehold land, known in Dutch as eigendom or eigen grond. This means there is no ground lease or leasehold arrangement to consider, which eliminates ongoing ground rent payments and provides full ownership of both the property and the land beneath it.

The property falls under a homeowners association, referred to in Dutch as Vereniging van Eigenaren or VvE. The listing indicates that this VvE is registered with the Chamber of Commerce. However, the provided checklist reveals several notable absences. There is no annual meeting currently being held, no periodic contribution being collected from members, no reserve fund present, no maintenance plan in place, and no building insurance listed as active. The absence of these elements suggests that the VvE may be minimally active or inactive. This situation has implications for potential buyers, as it means there may be no structured approach to collective maintenance of the building's exterior and shared elements. Buyers should investigate this matter thoroughly and understand what responsibilities and costs might arise in the future regarding building maintenance.

The energy performance of the property is rated with a G label. In the Dutch energy labeling system, G represents one of the lower ratings, indicating limited energy efficiency. This is consistent with the age of the building and the apparent lack of energy-related renovations. Heating and hot water are provided by a gas-fired combination boiler, which is owned rather than rented. Improving the energy rating would likely be part of any comprehensive renovation project and could involve insulation upgrades, window replacement, and potentially boiler replacement or supplementary heating systems.

Parking in this central location is subject to paid parking arrangements, with parking permits available through the municipal system. This is typical for properties in the heart of Dutch cities where on-street parking is managed to balance demand with available space.

The purchase agreement for this property will include several specific clauses that buyers should understand. An age clause acknowledges the age of the property and limits the seller's liability for defects that could be expected given the building's construction date. A materials clause typically addresses the condition of materials and finishes. A non-occupancy clause, also known as a niet-zelfbewoningsclausule, indicates that the property is not currently occupied by the owner, which has implications for certain legal protections available to residential buyers under Dutch law.

The delivery timeline is described as being subject to consultation, meaning the transfer date would be negotiated between buyer and seller as part of the transaction process.

From a location perspective, the property benefits from proximity to Den Haag Centraal Station, which provides national rail connections as well as local tram and bus services. This makes the apartment accessible for commuters and those who prefer public transportation over private vehicles. The surrounding area offers daily amenities including shops and restaurants within immediate walking distance.

The asking price for this property is 529,000 euros, which is stated as being costs borne by the buyer, known in Dutch as kosten koper. This means that in addition to the purchase price, the buyer will be responsible for transaction costs including transfer tax, notary fees for the deed of transfer and mortgage deed, and any other customary purchaser costs in Dutch real estate transactions.

The price per square meter works out to approximately 3,752 euros based on the listed living area. Potential buyers may wish to compare this with similar properties in the area to assess market positioning, keeping in mind that the renovation requirements will add to the total investment needed.