Property Overview: 177 Johnson Avenue W, Winnipeg
Key Characteristics & Appeal
This is a compact, early 20th-century one-and-a-half storey home in Winnipeg's Chalmers neighbourhood, built in 1910. With 944 sqft of living space and a 2,875 sqft lot, its size is modest but fairly typical for its immediate area. The property features a detached garage and an unrenovated basement, presenting a straightforward, no-frills canvas.
The primary appeal lies in its value and potential. With a low assessed value and a recent sale price under $20k, it represents one of the most accessible entry points into homeownership in the city. This isn't a move-in-ready showpiece; its appeal is for the practical buyer or investor who sees utility over luxury. It would suit a hands-on first-time buyer looking for a foothold with minimal debt, an investor seeking a low-cost rental property, or someone interested in the land value for future redevelopment. A less obvious perspective is its statistical positioning: while the home feels small city-wide, its living space is actually around average for Chalmers, suggesting it’s a characteristically scaled home for a neighbourhood of this vintage, not an outlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this a liveable house in its current state?
The listing notes an unrenovated basement and does not mention updates, so it likely requires basic livability investments and should be evaluated with a thorough inspection. It is best approached as a project.
2. Why is the assessed value so much lower than the city average?
The assessed value reflects the property's modest size, age, and market conditions in its specific area. It is below average city-wide but closer to the norm for the Chalmers neighbourhood, indicating it's priced for its local context.
3. What does the land size mean for potential?
At 2,875 sqft, the lot is below the Winnipeg average but provides a standard urban footprint. It offers adequate outdoor space and potential for additions or landscaping, subject to local zoning bylaws.
4. How does the recent sale history inform the price?
The property sold for $19.5k in 2022 and $16.5k in 2020. This stable, low-price history suggests a consistent market valuation as an entry-level or investment property, not one experiencing rapid appreciation.
5. Who would this property not suit?
It would not suit buyers seeking a turn-key home, those needing significant space, or anyone uncomfortable with taking on renovation projects. Its scale and condition are geared toward pragmatic, value-oriented purchasers.