559 Manitoba Avenue – Property Summary
Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile
This is a small, older home on Manitoba Avenue in Winnipeg’s William Whyte neighbourhood. The living area is 534 square feet—well below average on the street, in the neighbourhood, and citywide. The house was built in 1905, which is older than most nearby homes and significantly older than the citywide average. The assessed value is $61,000, the lowest on the street. What stands out is the land: the lot is 3,569 square feet, which is larger than average for the neighbourhood (top 15%) and roughly average for the street. That’s the main asset here—not the building itself, but the property it sits on.
The appeal lies in the land-to-building ratio. For a buyer who values lot size over finished square footage, this could be a strong entry point. It’s the kind of property that might suit someone looking for a teardown or major renovation in a neighbourhood with older housing stock, or an investor targeting land value in a lower-priced part of the city. It would not suit someone wanting a move-in-ready home or a space that competes with typical citywide listings. The house itself is compact and old; the value is in what could be done with the lot, especially given the citywide land area data shows most Winnipeg properties sit on much larger parcels (6,570 sqft average), so this lot is actually on the smaller side citywide but generous for the immediate area.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the assessed value so low compared to the neighbourhood average?
The $61,000 assessment reflects the small living area (534 sqft) and the age of the building (1905). The neighbourhood average of $149,100 includes many larger and newer homes. The land itself is valued at a modest level, but the structure is the main drag on the total.
2. Is this a good candidate for a renovation or an addition?
Yes, if the zoning allows. The lot is above average for the neighbourhood, so there’s room to expand. But the existing structure is 120 years old, so you’d need a thorough inspection to see if renovating makes more sense than demolishing and rebuilding. Check local setback rules and any heritage restrictions.
3. How does the land area compare to other lots in Winnipeg citywide?
It’s below average citywide (top 80%), meaning about 80% of Winnipeg properties have larger lots. But within William Whyte, this lot is in the top 15%, which is the strongest stat on this property. The land-to-building ratio is unusual for the area.
4. What type of buyer typically looks at a property like this?
Often it’s someone looking for affordable land in the central part of the city, possibly with plans to rebuild. It could also appeal to a small-scale investor willing to take on a full gut renovation, though the finished square footage would always be limited unless you add a second storey.
5. Are there any hidden risks with a house built in 1905?
Older homes in Winnipeg can have knob-and-tube wiring, lead paint, and foundation issues, especially on wood or rubble foundations common to that era. The property’s low assessed value often means deferred maintenance. A specialized inspection for pre-1920 homes would be wise, particularly for the foundation and roof structure.