Property Overview: 487 Des Meurons Street, Winnipeg
Section 1: Key Characteristics & Appeal
This is a compact, one-storey home built in 1942 on a standard city lot in Central St. Boniface. Its key features include a renovated basement and a detached garage. The primary appeal lies in its location and its role as an efficient entry point into the historic and culturally vibrant St. Boniface neighbourhood. With a living area of 720 sq ft, it is notably smaller than most area homes, which positions it as a lower-maintenance property with proportionally lower property taxes, as reflected in its around-average assessed value for the area.
This home would best suit a first-time buyer, an investor, or a downsizer seeking an affordable foothold in a central, established community. Its modest size and simpler layout are practical for those who prioritize location over spaciousness. A thoughtful perspective for a buyer is the potential to use the renovated basement as a flexible space—be it a home office, rental suite, or hobby area—effectively adding functional square footage to the smaller main floor. The lot size, while below average for the city, is typical for the street and offers manageable outdoor space without being burdensome.
Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the house too small for comfortable living?
At 720 sq ft, the living area is significantly below the neighbourhood average. It is a compact layout best suited for individuals, couples, or those comfortable with efficient, minimalist living. The renovated basement provides crucial additional flexible space.
2. What does the "around average" assessed value mean for taxes?
The assessed value is typical for both Des Meurons Street and Central St. Boniface. This suggests your property tax bill should be in line with similar homes in the immediate area, which is useful for budgeting, especially given the home's smaller size.
3. How does the 1942 build year affect the home?
The age is typical for the street. Buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection to understand the condition of major aging components like the roof, plumbing, and wiring, even with a renovated basement.
4. What is the realistic potential for this property?
Given its size, it's likely a long-term "starter" home or a strategic hold for its land value in a central location. Its future value may be tied more to St. Boniface's overall market trends than to the specifics of this smaller dwelling.
5. How does the last sale price compare to the assessed value?
The home sold for $25.6k in 2019, below its current $30.2k assessment. This highlights the importance of a current market evaluation, as assessed value for taxes doesn't always directly equate to market value.