31 Dickens Drive – Property Summary
Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile
This 1,230 sqft home in Westwood, built in 1968, sits on a 5,096 sqft lot with an assessed value of $385,000. Its standout feature is the above-average build year—it's newer than most houses on the street (top 24%) and in the neighbourhood (top 18%). That’s worth noting for buyers who prefer a more modern structure without paying for a brand-new build.
The trade-off is the lot size. At just over 5,000 sqft, it's significantly smaller than the street average of 6,225 sqft (ranking in the bottom 5% on Dickens Drive) and even smaller relative to the wider neighbourhood. The living area is also below the street average, but citywide it sits right around the middle. In terms of assessed value, the home is slightly below the street average but fairly aligned with the neighbourhood and city medians.
This property would suit buyers who prioritize a newer home over a large yard—perhaps downsizers, first-time buyers, or anyone who wants less outdoor maintenance. It’s less ideal for those who need generous indoor square footage or plan to expand the footprint on a small lot. The home offers a practical balance: decent for its era, modest in size, and priced in line with the area’s typical values.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the living area compare to other homes nearby?
This home is below average for its street—most comparable houses on Dickens Drive are around 1,445 sqft—but it's close to the neighborhood and city averages (roughly 1,370 and 1,340 sqft respectively). So while it’s on the smaller side locally, it’s not unusual citywide.
2. Is the assessed value reasonable for what you get?
The $385,000 assessment is slightly under the street average of $410,000, but it aligns closely with the neighborhood and city medians (around $390,000). For a home with a newer build year and a smaller lot, the value seems consistent with the market.
3. Why is the lot size so much smaller than the street average?
Many homes on Dickens Drive sit on larger lots—6,225 sqft on average. This property’s 5,096 sqft lot puts it near the bottom for the street (top 96% rank means it’s smaller than 96% of comparable homes). That’s worth factoring in if you value yard space.
4. What does “top 24%” for year built mean exactly?
It means this home is newer than about 76% of comparable homes on its street. The street average year built is also 1968, so this property matches the newer end of the local inventory. In the neighborhood (Westwood), the average is 1966, so it’s still slightly ahead.
5. What kind of buyer would get the most out of this property?
Someone who wants a structurally newer home without a big yard commitment. It's practical for buyers who prefer less outdoor upkeep, or those looking for a compact, solidly built house in a middle-of-the-road price bracket. It’s less suited for families needing extra indoor room or a large garden.