209 Thomas Berry Street

Property Summary

Key Characteristics & Appeal

This is a historic, one-and-three-quarter storey home built in 1904 on a notably spacious lot in Central St. Boniface. Its primary appeal lies in the combination of a large, 4,791 sqft property—significantly above average for the immediate street and neighbourhood—with a very low assessed value. This presents a clear opportunity for land value or a long-term renovation project. The home itself has a functional, average-sized living area but features an unrenovated basement and a detached garage.

The property would best suit a specific type of buyer: those with vision, a renovation budget, and patience. It’s a strong candidate for an investor or homeowner looking for a substantial lot in a central neighbourhood, willing to modernize the existing structure or potentially redevelop the site in the future. Its exceptionally low taxes, due to the assessment, are a notable financial advantage in the near term. A less obvious perspective is that a home of this age on a large lot may have unique heritage or architectural elements worth preserving, appealing to a buyer interested in character, not just square footage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the assessed value so much lower than the city-wide average?
Assessments are based on market value and specific property characteristics. This home’s very low assessment primarily reflects its age, condition, and the unrenovated state, not necessarily the land value. It results in significantly lower property taxes, which is a key short-term benefit.

2. What does "one & 3/4 storey" mean for the layout?
This typically indicates a home with a full main floor and a second floor where the rooms are built into the roof space, often featuring sloped ceilings and dormer windows. It’s a classic architectural style for homes of this era.

3. The lot is large for the area. What are the possibilities?
The generous lot size is a major asset. It provides ample yard space, potential for landscaping or gardening, and future options like adding a garage, workshop, or even exploring subdivision or redevelopment potential, subject to city zoning bylaws.

4. How significant is it that the basement is "not renovated"?
This means the basement is in original or utility condition, likely with concrete walls and floors. It will require investment to finish as living space. However, it also means there are no hidden issues from poor DIY renovations, allowing a new owner to start fresh.

5. The home last sold in 2017. What should I consider?
The seven-year period since the last sale suggests the current owners have held the property for a moderate length of time. It’s important to understand their reason for selling now and to investigate what, if any, maintenance or updates have been undertaken during their ownership.