Move-in ready ground floor apartment with garden and church view in Haarlem center

The property is located at Westergracht 53 in the Leidsebuurt-west neighborhood of Haarlem. It is a ground floor apartment with a total living area of 40 square meters. The building was originally constructed in 1905 but was completely rebuilt approximately 12 years ago around 2014, which means the current state of the apartment is modern and in excellent condition.

The apartment features one bedroom and has an energy label A, which is the highest efficiency rating in the Netherlands. This is achieved through full insulation and HR-glass throughout the property. The foundation was also renewed during the 2014 renovation, which is an important consideration for older properties in Dutch cities.

The layout consists of a ground floor level only. Upon entering through the communal entrance, you reach the private entrance of the apartment. Inside, there is a bright through-living room with an open kitchen. The living area measures approximately 9.60 by 2.80/3.70/2.05 meters, indicating a varied depth throughout the space. The kitchen is modern and equipped with various built-in appliances and is positioned at the rear of the property.

From the kitchen, there are French doors leading to the small but pleasant backyard. The garden measures 14 square meters, with dimensions of 2.75 meters deep and 4.96 meters wide, and faces north. While north-facing gardens receive less direct sunlight, they can still be pleasant outdoor spaces, especially during summer evenings.

The bedroom is also located at the rear of the property and also has French doors opening to the garden. The bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with a spacious walk-in shower and a washbasin. Additionally, there is a separate toilet with a small sink located in a middle hallway area. The hallway also contains a closet for laundry appliances.

A notable feature of this apartment is the view of the St. Bavokerk, which is an iconic church in the center of Haarlem. This view can be seen from within the apartment and adds a special character to the living experience.

The location is described as ideal, situated on the edge of the bustling center of Haarlem. Directly opposite the property is a large Albert Heijn supermarket, providing convenient access to daily groceries. The historic center of Haarlem with its shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions is within walking distance. Public transportation and major roads are also easily accessible.

The property is part of an active Homeowners Association. The monthly VvE contribution is 65 euros. The VvE is registered with the Chamber of Commerce, holds annual meetings, has a reserve fund, and has building insurance in place. However, there is no maintenance plan mentioned.

Heating and hot water are provided by a gas-fired combi boiler from 2014, which is owned by the property owner. Given that the boiler is from 2014, it has approximately 10 to 11 years of use and may need replacement in the coming years, though combi boilers typically last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance.

The asking price is 350,000 euros costs koper, which means the buyer is responsible for the transfer tax and notary fees. This translates to approximately 8,750 euros per square meter. The property is offered with delivery in consultation, meaning the exact moving date can be negotiated between buyer and seller.

The volume of the apartment is 159 cubic meters. Parking is available through public parking and parking permits, as there is no private parking included with the property.

The Leidsebuurt-west neighborhood where this property is located is a well-established residential area in Haarlem. The Westergracht is a canal-side street, which is typical of many Dutch cities where properties along canals are highly sought after. The canal itself adds to the character of the area and provides a pleasant streetscape.

The fact that the property was completely rebuilt around 2014 is significant for several reasons. First, it means that the structural elements like the foundation, roof, and exterior walls are essentially new, reducing concerns about typical issues with century-old buildings such as subsidence, dampness, or structural weakness. Second, the modern building standards applied during the renovation mean that the apartment meets current requirements for insulation, ventilation, and safety. Third, the interior finishes and installations are relatively recent, meaning the new owner likely will not need to invest in major renovations or replacements in the near term.

The energy label A is particularly noteworthy. In the Netherlands, energy labels range from A to G. Achieving an A label in a renovated property from 1905 demonstrates that significant investment was made in the insulation and efficiency of the building envelope. This translates to lower monthly energy costs for the resident, which is an important consideration given rising energy prices. The full insulation and HR-glass contribute to maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures year-round with minimal energy input.

The open kitchen layout is a popular contemporary design choice that creates a sense of space and connectivity in smaller apartments. Having the kitchen at the rear of the property is practical as cooking odors are kept away from the front entrance, and the French doors provide natural light and ventilation during cooking.

The en-suite bathroom arrangement, where the bathroom is accessed directly from the bedroom, adds privacy and convenience. The walk-in shower is a modern preference over a bathtub, especially in smaller properties where space is at a premium.

The communal entrance arrangement is common in ground floor apartments in converted or renovated buildings. It is worth noting that while this means you share the front door area with neighbors, you still have complete privacy once inside your own apartment.

The St. Bavokerk view is a unique feature. The Grote Kerk or St. Bavokerk is the most famous landmark in Haarlem, a Gothic church dating from the 14th to 16th centuries with a distinctive tower that dominates the city skyline. Having a direct view of this historic church from your home adds significant character and is a feature that cannot be replicated in newer developments.

The proximity to a large supermarket is a practical advantage that enhances daily convenience. Not having to travel far for groceries saves time and makes car-free living more feasible, which is increasingly valued in urban areas.

Haarlem itself is a desirable city to live in, located approximately 20 kilometers west of Amsterdam. It has a historic center with well-preserved architecture, excellent shopping, numerous restaurants and cafes, cultural institutions like the Teylers Museum, and good connections to Amsterdam and other destinations via train and road.

For potential buyers, it is important to consider that at 40 square meters, this is a compact living space. The layout with the bedroom at the rear means there is minimal separation between living and sleeping areas, which may or may not suit different lifestyles. The north-facing garden will receive less direct sunlight, particularly in winter, though it can still serve as a pleasant outdoor extension of the living space during warmer months.

The 65 euro monthly VvE contribution is a regular expense to factor into the total housing costs. This covers shared maintenance, building insurance, and contributes to the reserve fund. The presence of a reserve fund is positive as it means the VvE has funds available for future maintenance projects without needing to levy special assessments.

In summary, this property offers a combination of features that are particularly appealing in the current Dutch housing market: a central location in a desirable city, modern renovation with energy efficiency, low maintenance requirements, and a unique view. The compact size and ground floor position make it suitable for specific buyer profiles who prioritize location and convenience over space.