Property Overview
This one-and-three-quarter storey home, built in 1905, presents a classic character property in Winnipeg's Daniel McIntyre neighbourhood. With 928 square feet of living space and a renovated basement, it sits on a standard city lot of 2,323 square feet and includes a detached garage. Its key appeal lies in its position as an accessible entry point into the market, offering historic charm with some modern updates in a central location. The home last sold in March 2021 for $140,000, and its current assessed value is $16,300.
Section 1: Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile
Key Characteristics:
The home is a practical, no-frills character property. Its living space is modest and below the citywide average, suggesting a compact and efficient layout typical of its era. The renovated basement adds functional living area. While the structure itself is older than most in the city, it is relatively average for its immediate street and area, indicating a neighbourhood rich in historic housing stock. The detached garage is a valuable asset for parking or storage in an urban setting.
Where Its Appeal Lies:
Its primary appeal is affordability and location. The price point is significantly below city averages, making it one of the most accessible homeownership opportunities in Winnipeg. It suits a buyer who values being in a central, established community over having a large or modern home. The renovated basement and detached garage add practical utility. A less obvious perspective is that a home of this age and assessed value may offer a relatively predictable property tax burden, which is a key factor in long-term affordability.
Ideal Buyer:
This property would best suit first-time buyers, pragmatic investors looking for a rental property, or downsizers seeking a low-maintenance, cost-effective home in the city core. It is for those who appreciate the character of an older home and are willing to accept its spatial constraints and potential maintenance needs that come with age, in exchange for a central location and a lower financial barrier to entry.
Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this a "tiny home"?
Not exactly. At 928 sqft, it is certainly compact and below the city average, but it is a full, traditional two-story house plus a basement. It represents the more modest end of the historic housing scale, prioritizing efficient use of space.
2. Why is the assessed value so much lower than the last sale price?
Municipal assessed value for taxation purposes is not the same as market value. The 2021 sale price of $140,000 reflects what a buyer was willing to pay at that time, while the $16,300 assessment is an administrative valuation used to calculate property taxes, often following different criteria and timelines.
3. What does "one-and-three-quarter storey" mean?
This is a common architectural style for Winnipeg homes of this era. It typically means the second floor has full-height ceilings at the center, but the ceiling slope of the roof reduces the usable wall height in the rooms at the edges of the floor, creating cozy, character-filled spaces.
4. Are older homes like this expensive to maintain?
They can be, as systems (like plumbing or wiring) may be older or outdated. However, the renovated basement suggests some updates have been made. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is crucial to understand the condition of the roof, foundation, and major systems.
5. How does the lot size affect me?
At just over 2,300 sqft, the lot is very manageable. It means less yard work and maintenance, which is a plus for many urban buyers. However, it also means limited private outdoor space and very little potential for expansion or adding structures like a large deck or addition.