Property Overview: 179 Johnson Avenue W
Key Characteristics & Appeal
This is a compact, early 20th-century home built in 1910, offering a practical footprint with 894 sqft of living space. Its key features include a one-and-a-half storey layout and a detached garage. The property sits on a modest, well-sized lot of 2,870 sqft, which is notably larger than many city lots and offers valuable outdoor space for its Chalmers neighbourhood context.
The primary appeal lies in its value-oriented entry point into the Winnipeg market, underscored by a low assessed value. It suits buyers looking for a straightforward, no-frills property where the land itself represents a significant portion of the asset. This could be ideal for a first-time buyer comfortable with a home that may require updates, an investor seeking a rental property with a low cost basis, or someone interested in a long-term hold with potential for future expansion or redevelopment, given the lot size. The unrenovated basement presents a blank canvas for finishing to add living space. A thoughtful perspective is that while the home's metrics are below city averages, its lot size is a relative strength in its immediate area, offering a balance of affordability and future potential that newer, smaller lots in outlying areas may not.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does "one & 1/2 storey" mean for this home?
Typically, this style features main living areas on the ground floor with a second floor under sloping roof lines, often containing bedrooms. It suggests a classic Winnipeg character home layout.
2. Is the low assessed value a concern?
Not necessarily. It primarily reflects the home's age, size, and condition for municipal tax purposes. It indicates a lower annual tax burden and can represent an opportunity to add value through renovations, which would be reflected in future assessments.
3. How does the lot size compare?
At 2,870 sqft, the lot is below the Winnipeg city average but is actually larger than many lots in the Chalmers neighbourhood. This means you get more private outdoor space than is typical for the immediate area.
4. What is the significance of the unrenovated basement?
This means the basement is in a basic, functional state—likely with concrete walls and floors. It’s not a negative, but a neutral feature: it adds utility space and storage but would require investment to become finished living area.
5. Who might this property not suit?
Buyers seeking a move-in-ready home with modern finishes and ample square footage may find it too compact or in need of too much work. It’s best suited for those with a vision for gradual improvement or who prioritize lot size and location over a turnkey condition.