Engel & Völkers
  • 7 min read

The penthouse, an original concept

It was in the 1920s, also called "the Roaring Twenties," that the concept of a penthouse first appeared in the cityscape. Penthouses, apartments occupying the area of the top floor of a building, were very popular in New York until the time of the 1929 stock market crash. Afterwards, penthouses became scarcer again, especially during World War II. In the 1950s, people put up towering buildings again, and at the same time luxury penthouses reappeared. To this day, these luxury apartments are in high demand, especially in the centers of major cities.

The penthouse, an original apartment

Besides its unique location on the top floor and its large area, a penthouse offers other advantages. Admittedly, unlike average apartments that most people buy, a penthouse is hugely expensive. This is because a penthouse offers features that most can only dream of, such as a terrace with breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. Sometimes even a swimming pool or miniature golf is installed. Someone investing in such an exceptional apartment will soon have to pay from one to several million euros for it. If you want to settle in an opulent and comfortable home, try to get a penthouse instead of a villa, a mansion or even a castle. In a penthouse, you will live in unseen luxury while enjoying many other benefits. The tranquility on the top floor of an apartment building and at the same time the proximity to a lively and attractive city center combine to create a dream life. You also benefit from a beautiful outdoor space out of the sight of others, while still living in the middle of the city.

The attractiveness of a penthouse

A major advantage of living on the top floor of an apartment building: you avoid the noise and bustle of the city center, while still taking full advantage of infrastructure such as stores, schools, public transportation, restaurants and cultural centers. You are not bothered by the noise of the neighbors living above or next door, and you are not disturbed by noises in the corridors of the building. Because you have an entire floor at your disposal, you do not get the feeling of having to shack up with noisy neighbors. You benefit from a rich social life simply by moving downstairs and into the city.

Is a penthouse a good investment?

Purchasing a penthouse is not for everyone's purse; luxury simply comes at a price. If you invest in this type of property, it is generally to live in it yourself and enjoy all the benefits that such luxury accommodation offers. It would not be wise to buy a penthouse to rent it out. The rent would then be so high that hardly anyone would be interested in your property. You should also remember that the value of your penthouse will gradually decrease due to its years of use. On the other hand, if you put your penthouse up for sale, you will have no trouble finding a buyer. After all, penthouses are among the most prestigious homes and therefore among the most sought-after. Everyone dreams of occupying a high position in society one day, and a penthouse is a wonderful metaphor for this.

Are you looking for the penthouse of your dreams?

Our real estate agents will help you find your dream home! Contact your nearest Engel & Völkers office.

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Engel & Völkers Limburg-North

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