Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile
This 1914 home on Mcgillivray Boulevard in Whyte Ridge offers 1,144 square feet of living space on a 5,396-square-foot lot, with an assessed value of $304,000. The property stands out mostly for what it isn't: it's not the biggest, newest, or most valuable home in its neighbourhood, and that's precisely where its appeal lies.
Where the appeal sits: The home is below average for its area in both size and value—ranking in the bottom 2% of Whyte Ridge for assessed value and bottom 2% for living area. But zoom out to the street level, and it's around average. Citywide, it sits solidly in the middle (top 56% for living area, top 70% for value). What this tells you is that you're getting an older, modestly sized property in a neighbourhood where most homes are larger and worth significantly more. The land area is also below the street average (5,396 sqft vs. 8,908 sqft on Mcgillivray), but it's not unusually small for the wider area.
What it would suit: Buyers who want to be in Whyte Ridge but can't—or don't want to—pay for a typical home in the neighbourhood. That might be someone looking for a lower entry point into an established area, a renovator who sees potential in an older structure, or someone who values location over square footage and doesn't need a large house. It could also suit a buyer who plans to build new on the lot, though the 1914 build year suggests the house may have character or limitations worth investigating. This isn't a move-in-ready family home for someone who wants the biggest and newest; it's a property for someone comfortable with trade-offs.
Five Possible FAQs
1. The house was built in 1914. What should I look out for?
Homes from this era often have original foundations, knob-and-tube wiring, lead paint, or outdated plumbing. That said, many have been updated over time. A thorough home inspection is essential, and it's worth checking if any major systems (roof, furnace, electrical panel) have been replaced recently. The year built ranks last on the street and in the neighbourhood, so you're buying one of the oldest homes in the area.
2. The assessed value seems low for Whyte Ridge. Does that mean it's a fixer-upper?
Not necessarily, but it's a strong signal. The home is assessed at $304k, while the neighbourhood average is $529.6k. That gap could mean the home is smaller, in rougher condition, or both. It could also mean it simply hasn't been updated in a while. Compare it to similar-sized homes citywide (average $390k) to gauge whether the price reflects size or condition.
3. How does the lot size compare to other properties in the area?
The lot is 5,396 sqft, which is below the street average of 8,908 sqft but around average for Whyte Ridge (6,175 sqft) and citywide (6,570 sqft). You're not getting a huge yard, but you're also not significantly smaller than most homes in the broader area. For the street, the lots vary quite a bit.
4. Is this a good investment property?
It could be, depending on your strategy. The low assessed value relative to the neighbourhood suggests potential for forced appreciation through renovations. But the small lot and older structure may limit what you can do. Rental yield would depend on what renters are willing to pay in Whyte Ridge for a smaller, older home. It's not a clear win—do the math on after-repair value and local rental comps.
5. Why does the neighborhood ranking look so poor despite the home being average citywide?
Because Whyte Ridge is an above-average neighbourhood. Many homes there are larger, newer, and more valuable. A home that's perfectly average for Winnipeg can still land in the bottom few percent locally. That's not a flaw—it just means you're buying into a higher-end area at a below-market price. The trade-off is that your home may not appreciate at the same rate as the rest of the neighbourhood unless you improve it.