Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile
This is a historically significant home built in 1896, with a living area of 2,273 square feet on a 5,469-square-foot lot. Its standout feature is size: it ranks first on its street and in the top 3% of its West Alexander neighborhood for living space, and top 9% in the neighborhood for lot size. The property is valued for tax purposes at $183,000, which is notably low relative to its size and position in the city. The home itself is older than much of the surrounding housing stock, but its generous proportions and lot are the primary draws—not modern finishes or recent construction.
The appeal lies in getting a large footprint in an established neighborhood without a sky-high assessment. For buyers who prioritize space and location over turnkey condition, and who are comfortable with the maintenance and character of a century-old home, this property offers rare square footage at a lower tax base than comparably sized homes elsewhere in Winnipeg. It would suit someone looking for a renovation project, a buyer who values original character and room to spread out, or an investor who understands the premium placed on large lots in older, central neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the tax assessment so much lower than the city average for a home this size?
Tax assessments in Winnipeg are based on market value estimates, which consider condition, updates, and location—not just square footage. This home’s $183,000 assessed value likely reflects its age and that it has not undergone major recent renovations. Larger, updated homes in newer areas can carry assessments over $400,000. The upside is lower annual property taxes, but it may also indicate that the home will require significant investment to bring it to current standards.
2. What does it mean that the home was built in 1896?
It means the structure is over 125 years old. Buyers should expect older systems (electrical, plumbing, heating), possible foundation and roof issues, and materials that require specialized knowledge to repair or replace. Historic homes often have thicker walls, unique trim, and solid wood framing, but they also may lack modern insulation and require lead paint or asbestos abatement. A thorough inspection by someone experienced with pre-1900 construction is strongly recommended.
3. Is West Alexander a desirable neighborhood to live in?
It is an established, centrally located area in Winnipeg with a mix of older single-family homes and infill developments. It tends to attract buyers who value proximity to downtown, established tree-lined streets, and a quieter residential feel. The neighborhood’s housing stock is older on average than many other parts of the city, so this home fits the character of the area well. However, walkability and nearby amenities vary by block.
4. How does the lot size compare to typical lots in the city?
At 5,469 square feet, this lot is larger than most in West Alexander (where the average is 3,591 sq ft) and is the largest on its street. While it is smaller than the citywide average of 6,570 sq ft, that average is skewed by newer suburban lots that can be much bigger. In an older urban neighborhood, a lot this size offers rare yard space without being oversized for the area.
5. What is the ranking system used on the property page?
The rankings compare this home to others within its street (8 properties), its neighborhood (772 properties), and all of Winnipeg (over 194,000 properties) across four metrics: living area, lot size, assessed value, and build year. A rank of 1/8 on living area means it’s the largest on its street. Rankings are shown with progress bars, where longer colored bars indicate a more favorable position relative to comparable homes in that category.