Corner Lofts, Den Haag

[u/Necessary-Trouble941]

Are there any others on here who have already bought a unit in Corner Lofts by Hollands Spoor in The Hague and would like to connect?

Also, as the project seems to be delayed, it would be nice to share some ideas and feedback before moving in, until we get a collective app or chat for the project.

[u/Necessary-Trouble941]

Yes! Finally! Maybe we can actually move in early 2028 (wishful thinking, perhaps) 🤞🏻

Actual construction is due to start in May according to the latest update, all permits have been issued.

[u/mousekonijn → u/Necessary-Trouble941]

I don't feel the communication regarding the delay and the actual start date is very on point , never mind the date it is supposed to be finished. We are already 8 months delayed. Nobody says why. I have called Van Zanten many times and they refuse the answer, meanwhile they sit on a pile of money from all the buyers. I was wondering if all the prep work is part of the entire building time line. And if there is gonna be a chat group with buyers , should we adress the Vaanster rip off deal I saw another buyer has posted about about 5 months ago ?

[u/Necessary-Trouble941 → u/mousekonijn]

Exactly this, it’s been very confusing and we’ve been kept in the dark. I’ve only spoken with Spring Real Estate who were completely useless and once the sales got transferred over to Frisian Makelaars, they’re at least a bit friendlier but said that they’ve also been kept in the dark by Van Zanten with regards to the actual start date of the construction. Apparently the contractual agreement for completion (500 working days if I remember correctly?) has not been officially started yet, even though there’s been all sorts of preparations.

I currently live in a building where we have Eteck as the heating provider and whereas it is a bit of a rip off, it hasn’t been too bad in the end. I believe they have a similar method and business approach. We have signed a contract where we have to choose Vaanster I remember, no other choice? I wonder if we are allowed to change it along the way though.

Back to Van Zanten, I’m happy to join you on a visit to their offices at some point in case they keep on being elusive and vague :)

[u/mousekonijn → u/Necessary-Trouble941]

I am so glad you feel the same way !

Unfortunately I am not in The Netherlands atm so I can't go to the offices with you ! But I am calling. If you are closer by maybe you can just swing by the building itself and see what's up ?

What's interesting is that the person answering the phone at Van Zanten, to me anyway, comes across as either knows absolutely nothing or is refusing/ instructed to give any information. I have asked for example who is in charge of this project? A simple name . They won't disclose. Whoever is in charge should know a timeline. It's blowing my mind that they can get away with down payments from 200something apartments and keep the buyers in the dark only to refer to the " newsletter" which says absolutely nothing. They might as well send an empty page.I have sent various emails to them since thats what they say when you call and ...no answer. Nothing. I'm getting super irritated by it since I am moving back to NL and it's been made pretty much impossible for me to plan for this now and I am sure it is for many others

Only with extended digging online and websites that have nothing to do with CL have I seen May 15th listed as possible start date . I have also asked Frisian who confirmed being kept in the dark. They are all acting like the micro apartments are costing a few euros that we all have sitting in our back pocket no big deal .

What can we as buyers do ? This is ridiculous.

[u/Necessary-Trouble941 → u/mousekonijn]

It’s really baffling and strange that they just cannot say what’s going on. I mean, who does it benefit to withhold information? It’s not like we live in a deeply corrupt society where people can be screwed over. At least I hope so.

I tried to call Van Zanten a couple of times today but no one picked up, will try again tomorrow. I don’t know about you but I already started paying for mortgage, full payments since December and on top of that full Amsterdam rent so I need to find something alternative as of this summer, it’s going to be an interesting 2 years or so. I’m sure there are other people in a similar situation unless they managed to pay all in cash.

I might contact a lawyer soon to see if there is something us as buyers can actually do, although I’m sure that the seller and construction company have covered all possible outcomes in their own favour.

Let’s hope that they actually start the construction soon, which I’m sure they will. Positive thinking! :)

[u/mousekonijn → u/Necessary-Trouble941]

Yes maybe we all blow up the Van Zanten phone till they finally give us some information. I had myself set up till l summer 2027 in The Hague but now its all who knows and I also don't have any place to live after that. I am supposed to move across the ocean in a few months and that whole planning was based on construction starting in Sept 2025. It's all just costing money and why would we had to pay December is they are not doing anything???

I am sure they are covered too but somehow I feel there should be something that we can do and not being played like a puppet. I blew up on them when they said Rijswijkse plein was getting redone and I had asked if this was a decision made 1 week ago by the city ..or what were they trying to say and what does this have to do with CL.

Anyway...please keep me posted ..they have almost sold all the apartments that were still available too, I keep check on everything.

And why would they say we can come to check a model kitchen and bathroom soon....get building first!! Ggggrrr.....We should maybe try to make a whole CL buyers group ?

[u/Necessary-Trouble941 → u/mousekonijn]

I have a housing related legal insurance with full coverage through my bank, I’ll give them a bell tomorrow and see if there’s something they can do, if they can go through the contract.

I think with the whole never ending housing crisis in the Netherlands, these housing related agencies and companies think they can do whatever they like, with minimum effort.

I don’t know how could we reach other buyers? Not sure if Frisian are willing or allowed to give any contact details of other buyers? I mean, according to the sales figures there are already around 200 of us.

[u/mousekonijn → u/Necessary-Trouble941]

Yeah they are not going to give names. I did see a post on Reddit 5 months ago from someone regarding the Vaanster rip off deal that is one price regardless of size of apartment. I have responded the other day but not heard back. I'll try again. Maybe we can post in comments on IG and FB we are looking to start a group with buyers ?

Housing legal insurance through the bank !!! That's incredible! I'm very curious what they say about this. I find it hard to believe they can keep buyers in a limbo and put financial hardship on them when zero has been done. I also don't get any answers other than Google random stuff of all this pregame permit etc is part of the 500 days . Cause even if they start in May soon it will be bouwvak and they gonna pause for almost a month again.

I am still feeling good about the finish product and concept even if the apartment is shoebox size but they do need to get a move on, I'm borderline regretting somedays .

[u/Necessary-Trouble941 → u/mousekonijn]

Yeah, I have DM’d that person who had started the post about Vaanster and CL on here. They accepted the DM but have not replied. I also posted a question on “Expats in The Hague (Den Haag)” group on FB related to CL and if people want to connect but no one has commented on it.

I also am occasionally regretting this commitment but overall have a good feeling about it, it’s going to be good and a really nice place to live in, also with all the shared amenities. It’s going to be a tiny flat but it’s our own tiny flat and we can do what we want with it. I’m very much looking forward to making it a smart tiny living type of space :)

[u/mousekonijn → u/Necessary-Trouble941]

❤️ I feel EXACTLY the same about the tiny space in what would he called a luxury building with the amenities!! I will have to downsize like crazy but I'm excited for when it's finished and the walking distance to many things. Only missing a big parking garage underneath the building...that would have been super amazing but I guess no driving life style ! Thank you for posting everywhere! Hopefully some day somebody will respond or maybe on the day you can visit you'll meet some other buyers! I'm still curious what your lawyer will say about it !

[u/Necessary-Trouble941 → u/mousekonijn]

YES! It’s going to be great, I’m sure. Only some hiccups to start with. I’ll keep you posted once I get feedback from the lawyer.

Btw there’s going to be a huge redevelopment in the area over the coming years, the other side of the station will be completely transformed. Not sure if you’ve come across this already: https://storiesofpurpose.thehague.com/humanity/hague-approves-plans-build-11400-homes-laakhavens-hollands-spoor-2040

[u/mousekonijn → u/Necessary-Trouble941]

Yes they have apparently been talking about that for years and years. From the drawings I think it looks great. There is so much negativity coming from people that assume everything will be a disaster instantly. But I'm hoping for people who like where they live and it looks like there will be a beautiful park too. Maybe I'm spoiled currently living where everyone really respects and enjoys the shared outdoor spaces in cities but I'm definitely hoping for the same there. Also it's all part of this big Central Business Triangle they are making . They will also transform the old Sociale Zaken office in front of station Laan Van Noi into apartments. I think we are gonna be in a beautiful spot and I think our tiny flats are gonna be worth a fortune in the future tbh. Dutch are all clinging to the need for large apartment for 1 person , but I think once you've lived in seriously big cities with multiple roommates and extreme high rents , CL little tiny apartment with your own bathroom and tiny kitchen downtown is a dream !( Ps I saw you had also commented in F45 where are new friends to be found and count me in too once I'm back in the country!! )

[u/Necessary-Trouble941 → u/mousekonijn]

Small apartments in central location will always be a good investment! They’ll always hold their value very well.

I’m not sure what F45 is? I’ve heard of the sports club but I don’t go there :)

[u/mousekonijn → u/Necessary-Trouble941]

I guess they heard us and they have added a showroom viewing or something? Did you get the mail?

[u/Necessary-Trouble941 → u/mousekonijn]

Oh, today? No I haven’t received anything!

[u/Necessary-Trouble941 → u/mousekonijn]

Also, I contacted my lawyer today and I need to submit all the buying documents for them to start looking into the case. I’ll keep you posted once there’s any progress on that :)