Property Overview: 1089 Manitoba Avenue, Winnipeg
Section 1: Key Characteristics & Appeal
This is a modest, century-old (1913) one-and-a-half storey home in the Burrows Central neighbourhood. Its key characteristic is its proportion: situated on a standard city lot (2,833 sq ft), the living space itself is compact at 688 square feet. The home has an unfinished basement and no garage.
The primary appeal lies in its position as an entry-point property or a strategic land investment. With a very low assessed value and a historically low sale price, it represents one of the most accessible price points in the city. It suits two main types of buyers: first-time buyers or renovators looking for a straightforward, small-scale project with a low financial barrier to entry, and investors focused on the long-term value of the land in a central Winnipeg location. A less obvious perspective is its potential as a "right-sized" home for someone seeking minimal upkeep and utility costs, where the compact size is a feature rather than a drawback.
Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this a tear-down property?
While some buyers may consider the land value alone, the home is standing and habitable. Its future is flexible, ranging from a live-as-is or renovate scenario for an owner-occupant to a redevelopment opportunity for an investor.
2. What does the "below average" ranking for lot size mean?
The lot is smaller than many others on Manitoba Avenue and in Winnipeg overall, but it is a standard, functional residential lot for the area. It is not an unusually small or narrow parcel.
3. How significant are the utility costs for a home of this age and size?
Given the small square footage and lack of a renovated basement, heating costs could be relatively manageable compared to larger, older homes. However, budgeting for potential updates to insulation and windows common for a 1913 build is advisable.
4. What is the neighbourhood like?
Burrows Central is a mature, established neighbourhood. The property is on a main artery (Manitoba Avenue), which means convenient access to transit and amenities, but also higher traffic noise compared to a side street.
5. Why was the previous sale price so much lower than the assessed value?
The 2019 sale price of $13,500 is notably low and not reflective of a typical market transaction. It may have been a non-arms-length sale (e.g., between family members) or sold under specific, non-standard conditions. The current assessed value provides a more relevant benchmark for municipal valuation.