Property Overview & Appeal
This 1912 two-and-a-half storey home in Winnipeg's St. John's neighbourhood presents a classic character property with a practical foundation. Its key characteristic is a generous 2,666 sqft lot, placing it in the top tier for land size on its street, offering valuable outdoor space and potential. The 1,302 sqft living area is comfortably above average for the area. While the home retains its original, unrenovated basement and lacks a garage, its assessed value is notably higher than many immediate neighbours, suggesting a solid underlying value or recent improvements not detailed here.
The appeal lies in its balance of historic charm and a blank-canvas opportunity. It suits a buyer looking for a home with good bones and lot size in an established neighbourhood, who is prepared to tailor the space to their own needs over time. This isn't a move-in-ready showhome, but rather a practical investment for a hands-on owner, a renovator looking for character, or someone prioritizing land size over modern finishes. A less obvious perspective is that the higher assessment compared to nearby homes could indicate a stronger starting point or that the property is already on a positive valuation trajectory within the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does "two-and-a-half storey" mean for living space?
Typically, it describes a home with two full floors of living space and a smaller third floor—often with sloped ceilings—that can be used as additional bedrooms, a den, or storage. The total finished living area here is listed as 1,302 sqft.
2. The assessed value seems high compared to nearby homes. Why?
Municipal assessments consider many factors, including lot size, building dimensions, and recent permits. This home's lot size is in the top 9% of the neighbourhood, which significantly influences its value. The assessment suggests the property has a strong fundamental worth compared to others on the street.
3. Is the unrenovated basement finished or usable?
The listing specifies "not renovated," which generally means it is in original condition. It likely has foundational space for utilities, storage, and potential for future development, but will not be a finished living area.
4. What are the implications of having no garage?
Buyers should plan for street parking and consider the cost of adding a shed or future parking structure if desired. The large lot does provide flexibility for such an addition, subject to local bylaws.
5. The home is over 110 years old. What should I be prepared for?
While offering charm, homes of this age require diligent maintenance. A thorough inspection is essential to understand the condition of major systems like wiring, plumbing, and the foundation. The positive trade-off is often higher-quality materials and construction not found in newer builds.