266 Manitoba Avenue – Property Summary
Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile
This is a 1,824 sqft home built in 1909 on a 3,464 sqft lot in the William Whyte neighbourhood. What stands out is the living space: the house is significantly larger than most homes on the same street (top 4% for living area) and well above the neighbourhood average of 1,158 sqft. The assessed value sits at $158k, which is below the street average of $216.6k but roughly on par with the neighbourhood median of $149.1k. The year built (1909) is older than most homes in the area, and the land area is a bit smaller than typical for the street.
The appeal here is straightforward: you get a lot of interior space without paying a premium for a large lot or a newer build. This might suit buyers who prioritize room inside—families, home-based workers, or anyone wanting separate living and sleeping areas—and are comfortable with an older home that may need updates or maintenance. The lower assessed value relative to the street could also mean lower property taxes, though that depends on the local assessment formula. It’s less suited to someone looking for modern finishes, a big yard, or a quick resale in a high-appeal area.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the living area compare to other homes nearby?
The house ranks in the top 4% on Manitoba Avenue for living area. Most homes on the street are around 1,063 sqft, so this one offers about 70% more interior space than the typical neighbor.
2. Is the assessed value low because the house is in poor condition?
Not necessarily. The $158k assessment is below the street average but close to the neighbourhood average of $149.1k. Assessed values reflect market conditions, lot size, and improvements. An older home without major recent upgrades could explain the lower value, but it doesn’t automatically mean it’s in bad shape—it’s more about what the market places on age and lot size here.
3. What does “Top 4% for living area” actually mean in terms of quality?
It means the home is unusually spacious for this street, but it doesn’t indicate the layout or condition. A larger footprint can mean more usable rooms or simply a more spread-out floor plan. It’s worth seeing in person to judge how well the space works.
4. Why is the land area smaller than the street average?
The street average lot size is 4,014 sqft, and this one is 3,464 sqft—about 14% less. That’s common for older homes on narrower lots or infill parcels. It means less yard space, but also less upkeep. The lot is still average for the wider William Whyte area.
5. Is the year built (1909) a red flag for maintenance or insurance?
It depends on how well the home has been maintained. Older homes often have solid construction but may need updated wiring, plumbing, roofing, or insulation. Some insurers charge more for older homes or require inspections. It’s a good idea to get a thorough home inspection and ask about insurance rates before buying.