ASR Dutch Core Residential Fund acquires 50 apartments in mid-priced rental segment focused on seniors in Heerhugowaard

a.s.r. real estate has acquired 50 apartments in the Lapis Lazuli project in Heerhugowaard from Dreef Beheer B.V. on behalf of the ASR Dutch Core Residential Fund. All the apartments are being let in the mid-priced rental segment with priority being given to seniors to create mobility in the residential market. The first 30 homes were handed over to tenants on Tuesday 15 March and the remaining 20 tenants will receive the keys to their home on 1 April.

Lapis Lazuli comprises a total of 207 apartments. In addition to the 50 private-sector rental apartments acquired by the residential fund of a.s.r. real estate there are a further 94 owner-occupied apartments and 63 social rental apartments. a.s.r. real estate has also purchased 30 parking spaces in the underground car park on behalf of the ASR Dutch Core Residential Fund.

Mid-priced rental apartments for seniors

The facilities in and around Lapis Lazuli make the apartments very attractive for seniors. The apartments are located centrally on the town square with a range of facilities within walking distance, such as the Middenwaard shopping centre, restaurants, a theatre, a cinema, the town hall and a library. The apartments are also spacious. Most have two bedrooms and all have outdoor space. In the heart of Lapis Lazuli is a large, green courtyard garden where residents can meet.

A study recently published by a.s.r. real estate reveals a major shortage of affordable rental housing for seniors. Due to the scarcity of suitable houses and high rents, elderly people often continue living in their existing, unsuitable house and/or home environment, impeding the necessary and highly desirable momentum in the housing market.

 “Seniors are an important target group for the ASR Dutch Core Residential Fund,” says Robbert van Dijk, fund director of the ASR Dutch Core Residential Fund. “The provision of suitable houses for seniors in the mid-priced rental segment frees up more spacious single-family homes for young households. With this acquisition we are therefore not only delivering on our impact strategy focused on mid-priced rental segment, but at the same time fulfilling our ambition of making more houses available for seniors and hence creating better mobility in the residential market.”

Commercial assistance was provided for the vendor by the residential investment adviser RESI and legal assistance was provided by Notariskantoor Hartman LMH.