Property Overview: 118 Harvard Avenue, Crescentwood
Key Characteristics & Appeal
This is a substantial, century-old character home in the established Crescentwood neighbourhood. Its primary appeal lies in its generous proportions, both in the 3,060 sqft, two-and-a-half-storey house and the large 10,031 sqft lot, which ranks in the top 10% for size on its own street. The home offers space and heritage charm, featuring a detached garage and a full, unrenovated basement that presents potential for future development.
The property’s assessed value positions it as an above-average offering within its immediate area and an elite-level property city-wide, suggesting a solid investment in a desirable location. Its age (built 1909) means buyers should anticipate the maintenance and potential updating typical of a historic home, but this is balanced by the enduring appeal of its architecture and neighbourhood stature.
This home would best suit a buyer looking for a project-ready character property with excellent bones and ample space. It’s ideal for someone who values the established trees and larger lot sizes of older neighbourhoods and has the vision—and budget—to modernize systems and finishes over time. It’s less suited for those seeking a move-in-ready, low-maintenance property.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does "basement, not renovated" typically imply?
It indicates the basement is in original or functional condition, not modernized. It likely has lower ceilings, older flooring, and basic finishes, but it provides substantial storage or utility space and holds potential for future development like a rec room or suite (subject to permits).
2. The assessed value seems low compared to the home's size and lot. Why?
Municipal assessed value for tax purposes often lags behind current market values, especially for older, character homes where condition and specific updates significantly influence price. The assessment highlights the property's elite proportion of value city-wide, not its specific selling price.
3. How significant is the large lot size?
Very. A lot over 10,000 sqft in Crescentwood is a rarity and offers multiple benefits: greater privacy, mature landscaping, ample outdoor living space, and potential for additions like a garden suite or expanded parking (always verify zoning bylaws).
4. What are the considerations with a home built in 1909?
Expect older mechanical systems (plumbing, wiring, heating) that may need evaluation or updating. There will be character features like original woodwork, but also the potential for drafts, single-pane windows, and less insulation by modern standards. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
5. The home ranks low for "Year Built" in the comparisons. Is that a concern?
This ranking simply shows most homes in the comparison groups are newer. For a character home buyer, an early 1900s build date is often a mark of desirability, indicating craftmanship and architectural style not found in newer builds. The "concern" is not the age itself, but the condition and updates it has received over 117 years.