Property Overview
This home at 186 Mcintosh Avenue is a one-and-three-quarter storey house built in 1907, presenting a classic Winnipeg character home opportunity. Its primary appeal lies in the combination of a generous, above-average lot size for the local area and a living space that is notably larger than most immediate comparables. The property sits on a 4,116 sqft lot, which ranks in the top 9% on its own street and the top 22% within the Chalmers neighbourhood, offering significant outdoor space relative to nearby homes. With 1,268 sqft of living area, it provides more interior room than roughly 80% of homes on Mcintosh Avenue. It features a basement, but it is noted as not renovated, and there is no garage or pool.
The home suits a specific buyer: someone looking for a project or a blank canvas, particularly one valuing lot size and historic charm over modern finishes. Its very low assessed value indicates it may be ideal for a buyer with renovation capital or a long-term vision, willing to invest sweat equity. A thoughtful perspective is that while the home is older than most in the city, this lot size in a mature neighbourhood is increasingly rare and offers potential for expansion, gardening, or outdoor living that newer subdivisions often cannot match. It’s a property where the land is a primary asset, and the house itself represents the opportunity to create value.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does "not renovated" for the basement imply?
This typically means the basement remains in original or unfinished condition. Buyers should budget for potential updates to flooring, walls, and utilities, and should prioritize a thorough inspection for moisture, foundation integrity, and necessary structural updates.
2. The assessed value is very low compared to the last sale price. Why?
The assessed value ($19,600) is for municipal tax purposes and is not a market valuation. The significant gap between it and the last sale price ($170,000 in 2016) highlights that market value is driven by location, lot size, and housing demand, not just the tax assessment. It may also reflect the home's condition requiring investment.
3. How does the lack of a garage affect daily living and value?
It means relying on street parking, which requires consideration of local parking bylaws and winter parking bans. For value, it simplifies the structure and reduces maintenance costs but may be a drawback for buyers needing vehicle storage or a workshop space. The large lot does offer potential for adding a garage in the future, subject to zoning.
4. The home is older than most in Winnipeg. What should I be most concerned about?
Key concerns for a 1907 home include the condition of the original wiring, plumbing, insulation, and the roof. The heating system and windows likely require evaluation for efficiency and functionality. A pre-purchase inspection by a professional familiar with heritage homes is strongly advised.
5. The lot is large for the area. What are my options for using that space?
Beyond traditional gardening, the lot size offers flexibility. Depending on zoning, you could explore adding a detached garage, a large deck or patio, or even a secondary suite (like a garden suite) in the future. It also provides better privacy and distance from neighbours than is typical in the neighbourhood.