739 Stella Avenue

Property Overview & Key Characteristics

This one and three-quarter storey home, built in 1905, offers a blend of historic charm and modern practicality on a generous 3,682 sqft lot in Winnipeg's Dufferin neighbourhood. Its key appeal lies in its balance of space, location, and value. With 1,640 sqft of living area, it provides significantly more interior space than many area homes, ranking in the top 11% on its street. The fully renovated basement adds functional, modern living space. While it lacks a garage, the large lot presents a clear opportunity for adding one or creating substantial outdoor living areas.

The property suits first-time buyers or investors seeking a character home with solid fundamentals in a central location. Its assessed value positions it as a practical entry point into the market, especially for those who value above-average indoor and outdoor space over newer construction. A thoughtful perspective is that this home represents a "blank canvas" property—its historic frame and ample lot offer potential for personalization and future value addition, whether through landscaping, an addition, or a garage build.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does "one and three-quarter storey" mean?
This is a common architectural style for homes of this era. It typically features a full main floor and a second floor where the roofline slopes inward, creating cozy, character-filled bedrooms with slightly reduced ceiling height in parts of the upper level.

2. The home was built in 1905. What should I consider?
While the basement has been renovated, the core structure is over a century old. A thorough inspection is essential to understand the condition of major historic components like the foundation, original wiring or plumbing updates, and the roof. This is key for budgeting future maintenance.

3. How does the assessed value relate to the likely selling price?
The assessed value ($14,400) is for municipal tax purposes and is typically much lower than market value. It should not be used as an offer price. Market value is determined by recent sales of comparable homes, location, and condition.

4. There's no garage. How challenging is parking?
The property has no garage, but the large lot may allow for one to be built, subject to local zoning. On-street parking is common in the area. Reviewing city bylaws for potential driveway or garage addition would be a prudent early step.

5. The home ranks highly for living area but lower for year built. What's the trade-off?
This highlights the classic trade-off in older neighbourhoods: you get more interior and exterior space for your money compared to newer homes, but you take on a property that will require diligent upkeep and potentially more updates. It's ideal for buyers who value space and character over modern, maintenance-free construction.