Property Overview: 399 Chalmers Avenue
Key Characteristics & Buyer Appeal
This 1992 bi-level home at 399 Chalmers Avenue presents a distinct profile. Its primary appeal lies in being a modern structure within a historic neighbourhood. Built in 1992, it is significantly newer than most homes on its street and in the wider Chalmers area, which typically date back to the early 1900s. This suggests potentially fewer concerns with aging foundations, wiring, or plumbing common in century-old homes. The home features a renovated basement and sits on a standard 3,441 sqft lot for the area.
However, it is a compact property. With 680 sqft of living space, it is notably smaller than both area and city averages. This, coupled with the lack of a garage, positions it as an efficient, lower-maintenance option. The assessed value of $240k is above average for the immediate neighbourhood but below the Winnipeg city average, indicating a relatively accessible entry point into a mature community.
This property would best suit a first-time buyer, downsizer, or investor seeking a modern, no-fuss building in an established location. It’s for someone who prioritizes the condition and era of the build over interior square footage and who views the smaller size as an advantage for upkeep and cost-efficiency. The renovated basement adds valuable flexible space, making the compact main floor more manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this a good value for the neighbourhood?
Based on assessed value, this home ranks above average for Chalmers. You are paying a premium for a much newer home (1992) compared to the neighbourhood's typical early-1900s stock, which may translate to savings on immediate major repairs.
2. How does the small living area (680 sqft) work in practice?
The bi-level design and renovated basement effectively create a split living space. This can offer good separation between living and sleeping areas, making the home feel larger than the square footage suggests, but storage and entertaining space will be limited.
3. What does "above average assessed value for the area but below average for the city" mean?
It indicates the property is priced for its specific, newer context within Chalmers, not for the wider Winnipeg market. You are investing in the local area's more modern inventory, not competing with the average city home, which is larger and often more expensive.
4. The home sold for $190k in 2017. What does that tell us?
The 2017 sale price provides a historical benchmark, showing significant appreciation in its assessed value since then ($240k). This highlights the strong market demand for newer, turn-key properties in established neighbourhoods over that period.
5. Who might this property not suit?
It is likely not ideal for families needing multiple bedrooms or ample indoor play space, professionals requiring a home office, or anyone with a vehicle seeking garage parking. The trade-off for a newer build is significantly less interior space than many alternatives.