539 Burrows Avenue – Property Summary
Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile
This 1,397 sqft home on Burrows Avenue in the William Whyte neighbourhood offers noticeably more interior space than nearby homes, ranking in the top 18% on the street and top 22% in the area. The land sits at 3,367 sqft, right around the neighbourhood average—neither oversized nor cramped. Built in 1907, the house is older than most comparable properties both locally and citywide, which is something to keep in mind regarding maintenance or renovation needs.
The assessed value of $137,000 is substantially below the street average of $227,300 and far below the citywide average for similar homes. That gap between living space and value is the property’s clearest appeal: you get above-average square footage at a below-average price point for the area. The trade-off is age and some potential deferred upkeep.
This would suit a buyer who values interior space over a newer build, and who is comfortable with an older home in a neighbourhood that is not among the city’s most highly valued. It might also appeal to someone looking for a project—not necessarily a full gut, but a home where updates could add significant value over time. Investors or first-time buyers with renovation experience or a good contractor should take a close look. A buyer wanting a move-in-ready, low-maintenance property with modern finishes should probably look elsewhere.
Five Possible FAQs
1. How does the living space compare to other homes in the area?
The house has 1,397 sqft, which is larger than about 80% of similar homes on Burrows Avenue (average 1,116 sqft) and larger than about 78% of comparable homes in the William Whyte neighbourhood (neighbourhood average 1,158 sqft). Citywide, it’s around the middle of the pack.
2. Why is the assessed value so low compared to the street average?
The average on the street is pulled up by higher-value newer or renovated homes. This property’s older age (1907) and its position in a lower-value part of the market are the main factors. For context, the neighbourhood average is $149,100, and this home is just slightly below that—so the wider gap is with the street, not the area as a whole.
3. Is the lot big enough for additions or a garage?
At 3,367 sqft, the lot is typical for the neighbourhood (average 3,277 sqft) and actually slightly smaller than the street average of 3,497 sqft. There’s room for a modest garage or small addition, but you’d need to confirm setback and zoning rules. It’s not an oversized lot by city standards.
4. What should I know about a home built in 1907?
Older homes often have solid framing, but systems like electrical, plumbing, insulation, and the foundation may be original or updated to varying degrees. Citywide, only about 4% of homes are older than this one, so it’s genuinely vintage. Expect the possibility of lead paint, asbestos, or knob-and-tube wiring if not already addressed. A thorough inspection is essential.
5. Is this a good investment property?
The low assessed value relative to square footage creates potential upside—if you can increase the home’s condition without overcapitalizing for the neighbourhood. The area’s average assessed value ($149k) suggests there’s room to grow value with sensible updates. That said, older properties can carry higher carrying costs (insurance, maintenance, heating), so run your numbers carefully and factor in vacancy risk in the William Whyte rental market.