Property Overview: 250 Battery Street, Winnipeg
Section 1: Key Characteristics & Appeal
This is a compact, one-storey home built in 1913, situated on a standard city lot in the Burrows Central neighbourhood. Its key characteristics are defined by its modest scale and value. The living space is 621 square feet, which is notably smaller than most homes in the city, and it features an unrenovated basement with no garage. The home last sold in 2021 for $7,500 and carries a current assessed value of $90,000, placing it among the most affordable residential properties in Winnipeg.
The primary appeal lies in its land and its price point. The lot size of 1,562 sqft offers potential for expansion, redevelopment, or simply provides more outdoor space than the home’s footprint would suggest. This makes it a candidate for a long-term "land-bank" investment, a knockdown-and-rebuild project, or a very entry-level home for a buyer comfortable with a small, vintage footprint. It would suit an extremely budget-conscious first-time buyer, an investor looking for a low-cost rental property (with the understanding that significant updates may be needed), or a purchaser whose strategy is centered on land value in a central Winnipeg location rather than the existing structure.
A less obvious perspective is that a home of this age and price likely has not seen major systemic updates, so due diligence on the foundation, wiring, and plumbing is essential. Its value is almost entirely in the lot, making it more of a blank canvas—or a liability—depending on the buyer’s resources and vision.
Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the sale price from 2021 so much lower than the current assessed value?
The 2021 sale price of $7,500 is exceptionally low and may not reflect a standard market transaction. It could have been a transfer between family members, a sale with specific conditions, or a reflection of the property's state at that time. The current assessed value of $90,000 is a municipal assessment for tax purposes and is a more current gauge of its baseline market value.
2. What does "unrenovated basement" typically imply?
This usually means the basement is in its original or largely untouched condition. Expect a low ceiling, basic concrete floors and walls, older mechanical systems (furnace, electrical), and no finished living space. It may be suitable only for storage and utilities unless renovated.
3. Is the land large enough to build a new home?
At 1,562 square feet, the lot is a standard width and depth for many central Winnipeg neighbourhoods. It is absolutely suitable for building a new, modern single-family home, subject to City of Winnipeg zoning bylaws, setback requirements, and permitting.
4. How does the small living area (621 sqft) compare to a modern apartment?
For context, 621 square feet is smaller than most two-bedroom apartments and is comparable to a spacious one-bedroom layout. The home’s layout as a detached house, however, offers privacy and outdoor space that an apartment typically does not.
5. Are the low rankings for land area and value a concern?
The rankings show this property is at the bottom compared to others, but this is the source of its affordability. It ranks last on its street and in the bottom tier city-wide for metrics like assessed value because it is one of the least expensive properties available. This isn't a red flag for value, but a clear indicator of its entry-level position in the market.