Property Overview: 138 Eau-Claire Drive, Winnipeg
Section 1: Key Characteristics & Appeal
This two-storey home, built in 2021, offers modern living in Winnipeg's Fraipont neighbourhood. Its key characteristics include a 1,611 sqft living area, an attached garage, and a full (though unrenovated) basement on a 4,193 sqft lot. The home’s primary appeal lies in its balance of being relatively new—sparing the first owner from major immediate repairs—while already having established a resale history, providing concrete market data for buyers. Its lot size ranks in the top quarter for the street, offering above-average outdoor space for the area.
The property would suit first-time buyers or young families seeking a move-in-ready, modern home without the premium of a brand-new build. It also appeals to value-conscious buyers who appreciate the neighbourhood's established feel, as the 2021 build date places it among the newer 2% of homes citywide. A thoughtful perspective is that the unrenovated basement presents a clear, cost-effective opportunity for future customization to increase living space, rather than paying a premium for a finished layout that may not suit one's taste.
Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the property’s value compare to the neighbourhood?
The home’s most recent sale price (July 2024) ranks in the top 14% for the Fraipont neighbourhood, indicating it was a premium purchase. However, its assessed value is closer to the neighbourhood median, suggesting it may be viewed as a solid long-term holding in a desirable area.
2. What does the sale history tell us?
The home sold new in late 2021 for $427,000 and again in mid-2024 for $565,000. This represents significant appreciation over a short period, reflecting strong market demand for newer homes in this community.
3. Is the lot size a notable feature?
Yes. The land area of 4,193 sqft ranks in the top 25% for Eau-Claire Drive, meaning this property likely offers more yard space than many of its immediate neighbours, a valuable and less common feature in newer subdivisions.
4. How does it compare to similar nearby homes?
The provided comparisons show similar-aged homes on the same street with slightly larger living areas (1,730-1,735 sqft) and a wide range of assessed values from $430k to $530k. This suggests 138 Eau-Claire Drive occupies a competitive mid-range position on its own block.
5. What is the significance of the “unrenovated basement”?
While requiring an investment to finish, an unrenovated basement is a blank canvas. It allows a new owner to tailor the space to their exact needs—whether a recreation room, home office, or additional bedroom—without first needing to undo or work around someone else’s renovation choices.