687 Dale Boulevard – Property Summary
Key Characteristics & Ideal Buyer Profile
This 1,060 sqft home built in 1971 sits on a notably large 6,826 sqft lot. Its strongest feature is the land: within the immediate neighbourhood (Westdale), the lot ranks in the top 11% for size, and on Dale Boulevard itself, it places in the top 8%. That means more outdoor space than most nearby properties, and significantly more than the average for the street.
The house itself is close to average in living area for both the street and the neighbourhood—neither cramped nor oversized. The assessed value ($320,000) sits slightly below the street average but close to the community average, which suggests the property is priced in line with what's typical for the area. The 1971 build year is also near the median for the neighbourhood, so it's not unusually old or new.
The main draw here is the land-to-house ratio. Buyers who value outdoor space—whether for gardening, expansion, or simply privacy—are likely to see this as a rare find. It would suit someone comfortable with a home that needs updates or personalization, rather than a turnkey property. First-time buyers who want room to grow, or smaller families looking for a yard without paying for a McMansion, would find the balance appealing. It could also work for a buyer interested in a long-term hold, given the land value relative to the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the property’s tax assessment compare to similar homes in Westdale?
The assessed value of $320,000 is close to the community average of $307,000. On the street, it's slightly below average because several homes on Dale Boulevard are assessed higher. Overall, it's in the middle of the pack for the area.
2. Is the living space considered small for a home of this era?
At 1,060 sqft, it's just under the average for comparable homes citywide (1,342 sqft), but it's typical for Westdale, where the average is 1,029 sqft. It's not unusually small—just modest by current standards.
3. What are the chances the property could be expanded or subdivided?
The lot is significantly larger than most on the street (top 8%), which usually means more flexibility. However, any expansion or subdivision would depend on current zoning rules for Dale Boulevard. It's worth checking with the city before assuming what's possible.
4. Does the 1971 build year mean major renovations are likely needed?
Homes from the early 1970s often have original mechanicals—furnace, roof, windows—that may be nearing end of life. A home inspection would clarify what's been updated. The good news is that builds from this era are generally solid, with no lead or knob-and-tube wiring concerns common in older homes.
5. Why is the property's street ranking for assessed value lower than its neighbourhood ranking?
On Dale Boulevard, the average assessed value is $338,000, so this home falls below that. In the wider Westdale community, the average is lower ($307,000), which brings the property closer to par. It simply reflects that this street has a few higher-end homes pulling the average up.