Property Overview: 249 Kilbride Avenue, Winnipeg
Section 1: Key Characteristics & Appeal
This one-and-a-half storey home, built in 1915, presents a classic Winnipeg character property with practical considerations. Its key appeal lies in its position as a modestly-sized, historically authentic home in the Jefferson neighbourhood. With 838 square feet of living space and a detached garage, it offers the essentials without excess.
The home’s primary strength is its relative value within its immediate area. While its living space and assessed value are around average for Kilbride Avenue, it becomes a more notable value when viewed against wider Jefferson or city-wide benchmarks, where it ranks below average in size, lot size, and value. This creates an opportunity for a buyer seeking an entry point into the housing market or a straightforward investment property. The lot, while smaller than many in the city, is manageable and typical for the street.
This property would best suit a pragmatic first-time buyer comfortable with a home that has not been renovated, an investor looking for a rental property with a stable assessment history, or someone seeking a low-maintenance footprint. Its century-old charm is balanced by the understanding that it may require updates. A thoughtful perspective is that its smaller scale and lower assessed value could translate into relatively manageable property taxes and utility costs, which is a significant long-term factor often overlooked.
Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the ranking data (e.g., "Top 54%") actually mean for a buyer?
It means that for a specific metric (like living area), this property performs better than that percentage of comparable homes in the group. For example, "Top 54% on Kilbride Avenue" for living area means it is larger than 54% of homes on its own street, placing it around the middle of the pack locally.
2. The home was built in 1915. What should I be most concerned about?
While systems like roofing, plumbing, and electrical may have been updated over time, a home of this age warrants a thorough inspection. Particular attention should be paid to the foundation, the condition of the original basement, and the efficiency of heating and insulation.
3. The lot size is noted as being below average. Is that a major drawback?
It depends on your priorities. The lot is under 2,500 sq. ft., which means smaller outdoor maintenance but also less private space. For this street and neighbourhood, it's not unusual, but it is noticeably smaller than the typical Winnipeg lot.
4. How stable has the property's value been?
Based on the sold price ranges shown, the value has remained in a consistent band for nearly a decade, with modest nominal increases. This suggests a stable, non-volatile market history for the home.
5. The basement is noted as "not renovated." What are the implications?
This typically indicates the basement is in a functional, utilitarian state—likely with concrete walls and floors, housing the furnace and utilities. It offers storage and mechanical space but should not be considered finished living area without potential investment.