You will be amazed at the Baronielaan in Breda. Stately buildings, high ceilings, the Mastbos and the center around the corner. It is therefore not surprising that this street is Brabant’s leader when it comes to million-dollar homes. According to market researcher Calcasa, there are 190 houses worth a million euros or more.
“It is an avenue with history,” says real estate agent Jan-Joost van Dijk of Van der Sande Makelaars. “Once built as a boulevard, inspired by Brussels, for the wealthy citizens. A street from the city to the Mastbos.” And actually that has never really changed. “It’s fair to say that people with money live here.”
According to the real estate agent, the houses on Baronielaan are especially popular because of their space and location. “Most buildings have three very usable floors. That makes them suitable for families. And here you are between the city and the greenery.” One million is often not enough, he says. “Many buildings that are finished are closer to 1.4 million, 1.5 million or 1.6 million.”
Yet not everyone feels rich in this million-dollar street. Bob lives in an upstairs apartment. “I don’t have the whole house,” he laughs. Is his house worth a million? “No idea. I’m not planning on moving.” He is not surprised that the properties are worth so much. “Housing prices have risen enormously and these are monumental buildings.”
Coby isn’t surprised either. She herself bought on the avenue not so long ago. “It is a very nice street. Close to everything and pleasant to live in.” She has known Baronielaan for some time: she also lived there as a student. “The price was already high then. But not a million of course.”
Marten Booisma has lived on Baronielaan for decades and is not thinking about selling. Not even for a million. “No. It is a nice street, with nice neighbors, a beautiful environment, close to the Mastbos and close to the center.”
Karoly does not live in the street himself, but his daughter does. He sees how new residents often immediately start renovating. “Then there is a container in front of the door and it is changed every two or three weeks. That sometimes takes six months.” According to him, a house further away sold for two million. “And then a lot of things still have to be done.”
That is exactly what characterizes Baronielaan according to real estate agent Jan-Joost van Dijk. Anyone who buys here not only buys stones, but also status and location. “The more popular it is, the quicker someone will take the bait.” The asking price is often met, sometimes even more.
But even on a multi-million dollar avenue, not all that glitters is gold. Karoly is annoyed by the traffic. “You can drive thirty here, but everyone drives too fast here. That is really a minus.” The many renovation containers also take up parking spaces.
