Property Overview
This is a compact, one-storey home on a standard city lot in Central St. Boniface. Built in 1946, the house itself is modest at 673 sqft and features an unrenovated basement and a detached garage. The property's key metrics are consistently below average for living space and assessed value when compared to the neighbourhood and city, but its land size is typical for the area. Its appeal lies primarily in its land value and location, presenting a clear opportunity for buyers interested in the lot itself or a foundational project. It recently sold for $31,500.
Key Characteristics & Ideal Buyer
The defining characteristic of 286 Dollard Boulevard is its potential. The lot is a standard and usable size (over 4,200 sqft), offering room for expansion, gardening, or outdoor living in a well-established neighbourhood. The home itself is best viewed as a starter canvas or a value proposition based on land. Its very low assessed and sale prices reflect its condition and size, making it one of the most accessible entry points into the St. Boniface area.
Its appeal is for practical, value-driven buyers. It would suit a handy person or investor looking for a land-value purchase with a existing structure that can be improved over time, or potentially even replaced. It's not a move-in-ready home for someone seeking finished space, but rather a strategic purchase for those who see the underlying asset—the location and the lot—as the primary value.
A less obvious perspective is that homes of this size and era can represent a simpler, more manageable lifestyle with lower utility and maintenance costs for the right owner. Additionally, in a market of increasingly large homes, a modest footprint on a good lot offers flexibility that larger, maxed-out properties do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this a teardown property?
While the home is small and the basement is unrenovated, it is a standing house that could be lived in or improved. The price does suggest that a significant portion of the value is in the land, making it a candidate for eventual redevelopment, but it is not exclusively a teardown.
2. What is the neighbourhood like?
Central St. Boniface is a historic, established neighbourhood with mature trees and a mix of older and updated homes. It offers a community-oriented atmosphere with local shops, services, and cultural amenities close by.
3. Why is the assessed value so much lower than typical city homes?
The assessed value reflects the home's very small living area, its age, and likely its condition relative to modern standards. It is assessed comparably to other very modest homes or condominium units in the city.
4. What are the main considerations for renovating?
Any renovation should start with a thorough inspection of the foundational structure, roof, wiring, and plumbing due to the home's age. The unrenovated basement presents both a challenge and a blank slate for adding functional space.
5. How does the lot size compare?
At 4,263 sqft, the lot is squarely average for both Dollard Boulevard and the Central St. Boniface neighbourhood. It is not an unusually large lot, but it is a standard city parcel that provides decent outdoor space.