1479 Mcdermot Avenue W – Property Summary
Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile
This is a 1986-built home with 836 sqft of living space on a 2,658 sqft lot, currently assessed at $250,000. Its standout feature is the property itself, not the land. The home is significantly newer than most of its neighbours—ranking in the top 12% on the street and top 9% in the Weston neighbourhood, where the average home was built in the 1930s or 1940s. That relative newness likely means fewer immediate maintenance headaches (roof, mechanicals, foundation) compared to a century-old house in the same price range.
The assessed value ($250k) is well above the street and neighbourhood averages, which tells you it’s not a fixer-upper relative to its immediate context. However, the living area is below the citywide average, and the land area is small—both on the street and citywide. You’re paying for a solid, updated-ish house on a compact lot, not for space or a yard.
Where the appeal lies: For someone who wants a move-in-ready house in an older, established neighbourhood without the uncertainty of a major renovation. The age (1986) is a sweet spot: old enough that the worst of the 1970s construction quirks are gone, but new enough that systems are likely still functional. It also sits in Weston, a neighbourhood that tends to be more affordable than central or southwest Winnipeg, so the value per square foot of updated living space is reasonable.
Who it suits: First-time buyers who want a practical, low-hassle home and don’t need a big lot or a large floor plan. Also, downsizers who want a single manageable level (assuming a bungalow or similar layout) and prefer newer construction over character charm. Less suited for families needing room to grow, or anyone wanting a large garden or workshop space.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the assessed value higher than the street and neighbourhood averages, but lower than the citywide average?
The home is in a part of Winnipeg where property values are generally modest (Weston). Within that context, it’s one of the higher-value homes—likely because it’s newer and in better condition. Citywide, $250k is below the average for comparable homes ($390k), which reflects that it’s in a lower-priced area overall, not that the home is substandard.
2. Is the small living area a dealbreaker?
It depends on your lifestyle. At 836 sqft, it’s compact but functional for one or two people. The data shows it’s smaller than most homes on the street (average 1,144 sqft) and citywide (1,342 sqft). Worth checking the layout—some 1980s homes make efficient use of space, but you may find bedrooms are tight or storage is limited.
3. How does the lot size affect usability?
At 2,658 sqft, the lot is below average for the street (3,789 sqft) and well below the citywide average (6,570 sqft). That means a small backyard—likely enough for a patio or small garden, but not for a playset or large shed. The upside: less yard maintenance and a lower property tax bill relative to larger lots.
4. The home was built in 1986. Does that mean it’s low-maintenance?
Generally, yes, compared to a pre-war house. You’re past the eras of lead paint, knob-and-tube wiring, and asbestos-laden insulation. But 1986 homes can have their own issues: polybutylene plumbing (common in the 1980s), single-pane windows, and aging HVAC systems. It’s worth asking when major systems were last updated—especially the furnace, water heater, and roof.
5. Why is the property ranked “below average” on the street for living area but “around average” in the neighbourhood?
The street (Mcdermot Avenue W) has larger homes on average (1,144 sqft), so this one looks small in that context. But the wider Weston neighbourhood has a mix of sizes with an average of 936 sqft, so this home is closer to the norm. It’s a reminder that “below average” depends heavily on the comparison group.