Property Overview
This home at 180 Bertrand Street in Central St. Boniface is a unique proposition, primarily defined by its land value and potential. Built in 1908, it's a one-and-three-quarter storey home with 832 sqft of living space, a detached garage, and an unrenovated basement. The key data point is its sale price of $17,500 in March 2025, which is dramatically lower than typical area home prices and its own assessed value. This indicates a property likely purchased for its lot, with the existing structure potentially being a candidate for significant renovation or replacement.
Its appeal lies squarely in opportunity. For a buyer with vision and capital, it represents a rare chance to secure a footprint in the established St. Boniface neighbourhood at a very low entry cost. It suits a specific type of buyer: an investor or builder looking for a land play, or a hands-on homeowner prepared for a major reconstruction project who values location over move-in readiness. A less obvious perspective is that its modest, original scale on a standard city lot could appeal to someone seeking to build a right-sized, efficient modern home in a historic area, avoiding the teardown of a larger, more character-rich property.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was the sale price so much lower than the assessed value?
A sale price this far below municipal assessment strongly suggests the property was valued primarily for its land. The condition of the 118-year-old home likely means it requires extensive, foundational renovations or is considered a teardown, making the structure's value negligible in the transaction.
2. What does "one-and-three-quarter storey" mean?
This is a common architectural style for older Winnipeg homes. It typically features a full main floor and a second floor where the roofline slopes inward, creating some rooms with full headroom and others with sloped ceilings or reduced space. It adds character but can limit modern layout options.
3. Is the lot size suitable for a new build?
At 3,125 sqft, the lot is slightly below the average for Central St. Boniface but is a standard width and depth for the area. It is perfectly viable for constructing a new single-family home, subject to local zoning and setback bylaws.
4. What should I budget beyond the purchase price?
Given the context, you should budget for either a complete demolition and new construction or a profound, gut-level renovation. Costs for either scenario in the current market would be a multiple of the purchase price and require thorough planning and quotes.
5. How does the low purchase price affect property taxes?
Municipal property taxes are based on the assessed value, not the sale price. While you can apply for a reassessment following such a sale, taxes will initially be calculated on the existing $200k+ assessment, not the $17.5k purchase price. This is a significant ongoing carrying cost to factor in.