Property Overview: 85 Ascot Bay
Section 1: Key Characteristics & Appeal
This 1969-built, one-storey bungalow in Elmhurst offers a classic and practical living arrangement on a notably large, 7,543 sqft lot. Its key features include 1,040 sqft of living space and a finished basement, providing flexible room for family life, hobbies, or storage. The home’s standout characteristic is its exceptional lot size, which ranks within the top 13% of all properties in Winnipeg, presenting a rare canvas for gardening, outdoor recreation, or future expansion.
The appeal here is grounded in space, potential, and location. The generous yard is a significant asset in a mature neighbourhood, offering privacy and room to breathe that is harder to find in newer subdivisions. While the house itself has a modest footprint, the finished basement effectively doubles the usable space. It suits first-time buyers looking for a solid entry point into a stable neighbourhood, downsizers seeking single-level living without sacrificing outdoor space, or value-oriented buyers who see the long-term potential in the land itself. A thoughtful perspective is that this property represents a balance: you acquire a home that is functionally ready, but the true future value may lie in the land’s possibilities, making it a pragmatic choice for both immediate living and long-term investment.
Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the age of the home (1969) affect things?
While older, the home ranks newer than 97% of others on its street, indicating it’s among the more recent builds in a well-established area. Buyers should budget for standard maintenance consistent with a home of this era and consider a thorough inspection, but can also appreciate the character and mature landscaping of an established neighbourhood.
2. The assessed value is lower than the 2021 sale price. What does that mean?
Municipal assessments for taxation don't always align perfectly with current market value. The 2021 sale price is a concrete data point showing what a buyer recently paid. The assessment being lower could suggest potential tax savings, but the market will ultimately determine the new sale price.
3. There’s no garage. Is that a major drawback?
For some buyers, it is. However, the very large lot provides ample space to add a detached garage or workshop, subject to local bylaws. This could be seen as a blank slate for customization rather than just a missing feature.
4. The living area is ranked below average for the city. Is the house too small?
At 1,040 sqft plus a finished basement, the home offers efficient, single-level living. The rankings show it’s not a large house by today's standards, but the finished basement significantly expands usable space, making it practical for small families or couples.
5. Why are the rankings for lot size and building age so different?
This highlights the property’s unique profile. It has a lot size that is far above average, placing it in a very competitive tier. The building age is average for Winnipeg but is actually quite new for its specific street and neighbourhood. This combination suggests you’re getting a newer home on an unusually large parcel for the area.