519 Washington Avenue

Property Overview: 519 Washington Avenue, Winnipeg

Key Characteristics & Buyer Appeal

This is a classic one-and-a-half storey home in the Chalmers neighbourhood, built in 1921. It sits on a standard 3,001 sqft lot with a detached garage and an unfinished basement. With 915 sqft of living space, it offers a compact, manageable footprint. The home last sold in 2019 for $170,000, and its current assessed value is significantly lower than the Winnipeg city average, indicating a potentially accessible entry point into the market.

Its primary appeal lies in its relative affordability and its position as a solid, no-frills property in a long-established area. For its immediate street and neighbourhood, its land size, living area, and age are all around the local average, meaning it fits right in with the area's character. This isn't a standout luxury home, but a practical one.

This property would suit first-time buyers, investors, or downsizers looking for a straightforward home with lower carrying costs. It’s ideal for someone comfortable with a property that may require updates over time (as noted by the unrenovated basement) and who values a traditional neighbourhood setting over a brand-new build. A thoughtful perspective is that its "average" metrics within Chalmers could be seen as a stability indicator—it’s not an outlier, which can sometimes mean fewer surprises relative to the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does "below average citywide" for assessed value really mean?
It means the home's official assessed value is well below the average for all Winnipeg properties. This typically reflects a more affordable purchase price and correspondingly lower property taxes, but it can also indicate the home is more modest in size, condition, or features compared to the broader city market.

2. Is the unfinished basement a drawback?
It depends on your goals. It means immediate renovation costs if you want living space, but it also presents a clean slate for future customization. For storage, utilities, or a workshop, it's perfectly functional as-is.

3. Who might this home not be suitable for?
It may not suit buyers seeking a modern, move-in-ready home with an open-concept layout or extensive renovations. Those needing significant space or a finished basement immediately might find it too compact.

4. The home is over 100 years old. What should I consider?
While the structure has proven its durability, a pre-purchase inspection is essential to understand the condition of major aging components like the roof, foundation, plumbing, and electrical systems, which may need attention or updating.

5. How does the lot size compare?
At just over 3,000 sqft, the lot is very typical for the Chalmers area but is smaller than the Winnipeg average. This means manageable yard maintenance, but less private outdoor space than you might find in suburban neighbourhoods.