Property Overview: 271 Harbison Avenue W, Winnipeg
Section 1: Key Characteristics & Appeal
This is a compact, one-storey home built in 1907, situated on a standard city lot in the Chalmers neighbourhood. Its key defining characteristic is its modest scale, with a living area of 568 sqft, which is notably smaller than most homes in the area. The property includes a basement (not renovated) and a detached garage.
The primary appeal lies in its affordability and potential. With a very low assessed value and a recent sale price of $11,400, it represents one of the most accessible entry points into the Winnipeg market. This is not a move-in-ready home but a clear candidate for a full renovation or a complete rebuild. Its value is fundamentally in the land and location, offering a blank canvas for a buyer's vision. The lot size, while below average for the city, is consistent with the local area and provides adequate space.
This property would suit a specific type of buyer: an investor, builder, or very hands-on homeowner looking for a land-value opportunity with an existing structure to renovate or remove. It is not suited for someone seeking a finished, spacious, or modern home without significant investment and project management.
Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the sale price so much lower than the assessed value?
The assessed value is an administrative valuation for taxation purposes. The recent sale price of $11,400 reflects the market's actual valuation of the property in its current, likely underdeveloped or dilapidated, condition.
2. Is this a teardown property?
While not explicitly stated, the data strongly suggests it. The combination of a very old building (1907), extremely small living area, low sale price, and the mention of an unrenovated basement indicates the existing house may contribute little to no value. Purchasing with a teardown in mind is a probable scenario for many buyers.
3. What can be built on this lot?
Any new build or major renovation would need to comply with the City of Winnipeg's zoning bylaws for the property, which dictate parameters like building size, height, and setbacks. A buyer must investigate the specific zoning (e.g., R1, R2) to understand the possibilities.
4. How does the lot size compare for future development?
At 2,313 sqft, the lot is below the Winnipeg city average but typical for the Harbison Avenue streetscape and the Chalmers neighbourhood. It is a standard residential lot, suitable for a single-family home, but may have limitations for a very large footprint or extensive additions compared to larger lots elsewhere.
5. Are the utility services (water, sewer) functional and modern?
Given the age of the home, this is a critical question. A buyer must verify the condition and capacity of all underground services (water supply line, sewer connection) and electrical service to the property, as upgrades or replacements could be a significant cost in any renovation or rebuild project.