255 Dorothy Street – Property Summary
Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile
This 1907 home offers 2,002 square feet of living space on a 2,271-square-foot lot. The living area is well above average for both the West Alexander neighbourhood and the city of Winnipeg, ranking in the top 9% and 11% respectively. The assessed value sits at $167,000, which is below the neighbourhood average of $187,300 and well below the citywide average of $390,100. The lot itself is compact—smaller than most in the area, ranking in the bottom 8% locally and bottom 2% citywide.
The appeal here is straightforward: you get unusually generous indoor square footage for a comparatively low assessed value, but on a small lot in an older home. This property would suit a buyer who prioritizes interior space over yard size and doesn’t mind the maintenance realities of a pre-war house. It may also appeal to someone looking for value in a neighbourhood where larger lots and newer builds command significantly higher assessments. Because the assessed value lags behind the neighbourhood average, there may be room for equity growth if the property is updated—but buyers should also be aware that modest lots and older construction can limit resale appeal to a narrower pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the assessed value so much lower than the citywide average?
The citywide average ($390,100) is pulled up by newer, larger homes on bigger lots in higher-demand areas. This property’s age (1907), small lot, and older condition place it well below that benchmark. At $167,000, it’s also below the street average ($201,800), which suggests the home may need updates compared to its direct neighbours.
2. The living area is above average, but the land area is below average. Is that unusual?
Not in older urban neighbourhoods. Many early-1900s homes were built on narrower lots with deeper floor plans. This property has 2,002 sqft of living space on only 2,271 sqft of land—meaning the house covers most of the lot. There’s limited outdoor space and no room for expansion. Future buyers should be comfortable with a small yard or minimal landscaping.
3. What does “ranked #2 out of 5” on the street actually tell me?
It means there are only five comparable homes on Dorothy Street in the dataset, and this one ranks second by living area. With such a small sample, the street-level ranking isn’t very meaningful on its own—the neighbourhood and city rankings (based on hundreds or thousands of properties) are more reliable indicators.
4. Is a 1907 home likely to have outdated systems?
Almost certainly. Electrical, plumbing, insulation, and the foundation should be inspected thoroughly, especially for knob-and-tube wiring, lead pipes, or asbestos in older insulation and finishes. The year-built ranking (bottom 4% citywide) confirms this is one of the older homes in Winnipeg, so buyers should budget for potential upgrades beyond cosmetic renovations.
5. Could the assessed value be appealed or adjusted?
Assessed values are based on market conditions and property characteristics at a set valuation date. If you believe the assessment is too high relative to comparable sales, you can file an appeal—but in this case, the value is already below the neighbourhood and city averages. A buyer might use the low assessment as a negotiating point, but it’s unlikely to be reduced further unless the home is in poor condition.