Property Overview: 237 Ottawa Avenue, Winnipeg
Section 1: Key Characteristics & Appeal
This one-storey home, built in 1930, presents a straightforward opportunity in Winnipeg's Chalmers neighbourhood. Its key characteristics include a modest 835 sqft living area, an unrenovated basement, and a detached garage. The lot size of 2,730 sqft is notably compact, ranking in the bottom 1% for land area on its own street.
The primary appeal lies in its position as an affordable, no-frills entry point into the housing market. With a historically low sale price and assessed value, it suits buyers with a limited budget seeking a functional starter home or a long-term hold property. It would particularly appeal to an investor looking for a rental property with minimal upfront investment, or a hands-on buyer who views the home's smaller scale and unrenovated state not as a drawback, but as a manageable project with lower property taxes and maintenance costs. A less obvious perspective is that the compact lot and home size offer a simpler, more efficient living arrangement with less space to heat, clean, and maintain, which could align with minimalist or cost-conscious lifestyles.
Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this a "tear-down" property?
While the home has a very low assessed value and a compact footprint, its average ranking for year built and living area on its street suggests it is not an outlier in terms of age or size for the immediate block. Its future would depend more on a buyer's plans and the specific zoning regulations.
2. What does the "Top 99%" ranking for land area mean?
This statistic indicates the lot size is smaller than 99% of properties on Ottawa Avenue. Essentially, it has one of the smallest lots on the street, which is a significant factor to consider for outdoor space, privacy, and potential expansion.
3. Who might this property not suit?
It would not suit buyers looking for move-in-ready condition, significant living space, a large yard, or modern amenities. Families needing multiple bedrooms or space to grow would likely find it too constrained.
4. How does the assessed value compare to city averages?
The assessed value is approximately $21,200, which is dramatically below the Winnipeg city-wide average of about $390,000. This clearly reflects the home's modest characteristics and reinforces its position in the affordable segment of the market.
5. Are sale prices in the area consistent?
Not necessarily. For reference, the directly neighbouring property at 239 Ottawa Avenue has a much higher assessed value, indicating that values on the same block can vary widely based on lot size, condition, and improvements.