Property Overview: 660 Machray Avenue
Section 1: Key Characteristics & Appeal
This one-and-a-half storey home on a large, 6,822 sqft lot presents a solid opportunity in Winnipeg's Inkster-Faraday neighbourhood. Its key features include a renovated basement and a detached garage. The home’s primary appeal lies in its generous land size, which ranks in the top 4% on its street and the top 1% within the neighbourhood, offering rare potential for expansion, gardening, or outdoor space. With a living area of 1,284 sqft, it provides ample room, ranking comfortably above average for the area.
The property suits practical buyers looking for a character home with a classic footprint and the advantages of a larger lot without a premium price tag. It’s particularly well-matched for someone who values space over newness, as the 1923 build date means systems and structure require due diligence. The appeal is grounded in substance—space and location—rather than high-end finishes. A thoughtful perspective is that while the home itself is of average size for the street, the lot is a standout asset, suggesting the property's long-term value may be more in its land than its current structure. The significant gap between its last sold price in 2016 and its current assessed value also indicates a market re-evaluation, pointing to the area's changing dynamics.
Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the lot size compare to typical properties in Winnipeg?
At 6,822 sqft, the lot is substantially larger than the Winnipeg average, placing it in the top 18% city-wide. This is one of the property's most distinguishing features.
2. What does the "renovated basement" entail?
The listing confirms the basement is renovated but does not specify the scope or quality. A professional inspection is recommended to understand the finishes, any moisture control measures, and if it includes legal secondary suite potential.
3. The home was built in 1923. What should I be aware of?
Buyers should budget for and prioritize inspections of major aging components, including the roof, foundation, plumbing, and electrical systems. The charm of an older home comes with the responsibility of proactive maintenance.
4. The assessed value is higher than the 2016 sale price. What does this mean?
The assessed value of $220k, set by the municipal authority for tax purposes, is 10% higher than its 2016 sale price of $200k. This reflects increased municipal valuation over eight years, not necessarily the current market price, which is determined by buyer competition.
5. Is the neighbourhood established or changing?
The age of nearby homes (mostly early 1900s to 1940s) suggests a long-established, stable neighbourhood. The high ranking of this property's lot size within the area hints that larger parcels are uncommon, potentially making this one a relative gem as the area evolves.