Property Summary: 277 Laxdal Road, Varsity View, Winnipeg
Key Characteristics & Appeal
This is a classic one-and-a-half story home built in 1947, offering 1,299 sqft of living space on a generous 6,000 sqft lot in the established Varsity View neighborhood. Its core appeal lies in the combination of a sizable, mature property and a functional layout within a sought-after location near the University of Manitoba. The home presents a solid foundation with an unfinished basement, providing clear potential for future customization or expansion to suit a buyer's needs.
The property’s standout feature is its land. The lot size ranks highly compared to most in Winnipeg, offering rare outdoor space for gardens, play, or entertaining in this community. While the home itself is of its era and requires updating, its above-average living area for the street suggests a comfortable interior footprint. It would suit a practical buyer—perhaps a handy first-time homeowner, an investor looking for a property with good land value, or a downsizer seeking a manageable home with a premium-sized yard in a central location. The appeal is less about turn-key perfection and more about securing a well-located property where the value is in the land and the opportunity to personalize the home over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the "one-and-a-half story" design mean?
Typically, this style features a main floor with principal rooms and a second floor under sloped roof lines, often creating cozy bedrooms with character. It’s a efficient, classic Winnipeg design.
2. The rankings show the assessment value is low relative to the area. Is that a concern?
Not necessarily. A lower assessed value can indicate the home is due for modernization, which is reflected in the price. For a buyer, it can represent an opportunity to add value through renovations, which would then be reflected in future assessments.
3. How much work might the unfinished basement require?
It provides a blank canvas for development, but finishing it will require significant investment for framing, insulation, flooring, and meeting building codes. It's a major project but also a key way to increase liveable square footage.
4. The home is older. What should I budget for immediate updates?
While systems may be functional, a home from 1947 will likely need attention to aging components. A thorough inspection is crucial, and you should budget for potential updates to wiring, plumbing, or the roof, alongside any cosmetic renovations.
5. What is the real advantage of the large lot here?
Beyond space, it offers long-term flexibility. It could accommodate an addition, a large garage/workshop, or simply preserve a sense of privacy and greenery that is becoming rare in central neighborhoods. This land component is a significant part of the property's enduring value.