Property Overview: 999 Manitoba Avenue
Key Characteristics & Appeal
This is a modest, one-and-a-half storey home built in 1927 on a standard city lot in Burrows Central. Its primary characteristic is its scale: with 660 sqft of living space, it is a compact home, ranking below average in size for the street, neighborhood, and city. The lot size is also below the city-wide average but is more in line with the local area. The home has an unrenovated basement and no garage.
The appeal lies squarely in value and potential. With a very low assessed value and a recent sale price far below city averages, this property represents an entry point into the Winnipeg market. It suits a specific type of buyer: hands-on investors looking for a rental property with minimal upfront capital, or extremely budget-conscious owner-occupants willing to live modestly and undertake gradual improvements. A less obvious perspective is its potential as a "holding" asset—the land itself, in a central location, may hold as much or more long-term value than the current structure, making it a strategic purchase for those with a long-term view.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this a "tear-down" property?
While the living space is small and the basement is unrenovated, the home appears to be functional, as evidenced by its recent sale. It may be more accurately considered a "fixer-upper" or a value-play rather than an immediate candidate for demolition, depending on a buyer's goals and the building's condition.
2. Why is the assessed value so much lower than the city average?
The assessed value reflects the home's relatively small size, age, and likely condition compared to the broader Winnipeg market, which includes many larger, newer homes. It is more aligned with values in its immediate Burrows Central area.
3. What are the possibilities for adding space or value?
The existing footprint and the lot size present opportunities. Finishing the basement would add liveable space without expanding the footprint. The one-and-a-half storey design may also allow for potential renovations to the upper level, subject to local zoning and building codes.
4. Who typically buys homes like this in this area?
This property attracts first-time buyers seeking affordability, investors interested in the rental market, and buyers who prioritize location and lot ownership over move-in-ready finishes. It is not typically suited for those seeking ample space or modern conveniences without renovation work.
5. How does the lot size compare to nearby properties?
At just over 3,000 sqft, the lot is below the Winnipeg average but is fairly typical for the central neighborhood. It provides standard outdoor space for a city home but is not exceptionally large, which is reflected in its mid-tier ranking within Burrows Central itself.