Property Overview: 978 Nesbitt Bay, Crescent Park, Winnipeg
Section 1: Key Characteristics & Appeal
This is a compact, one-storey home built in 1940, situated on a 4,356 sqft lot in Winnipeg's Crescent Park neighbourhood. Its key characteristics are defined by its modest scale: with 640 sqft of living space, it is among the smallest homes both on its street and in the wider area. The property features a basement that is present but not renovated, and it has no garage or pool.
The primary appeal lies in its land value and location within a mature neighbourhood, presenting a clear opportunity for land investment or redevelopment. The assessed value is notably low, reflecting the home's original condition and size rather than the land's potential. It would suit a specific type of buyer: either an investor looking for a lot to build on, a hands-on individual seeking an affordable entry into the neighbourhood with plans to significantly renovate or replace the existing structure, or someone needing a minimal, low-cost footprint. A less obvious perspective is that for the right buyer, the home's very small size and unrenovated state represent a blank canvas without the financial burden of paying for someone else's expensive, but potentially dated, upgrades.
Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the assessed value so much lower than the last sale price?
The assessed value is primarily for municipal tax purposes and often lags behind market trends. The significant jump from a previous sale of $19.5k in 2019 to $190k in 2020 suggests the market value is driven by the land's redevelopment potential, not the existing structure, which the assessment may not fully capture.
2. Is the house in livable condition?
The listing notes the basement is "not renovated," which, combined with the home's age and size, strongly suggests it is a fixer-upper. It is likely suited for very basic needs or would require investment to meet modern standards.
3. What are the possibilities for expanding or rebuilding?
With a lot size that is below average for Crescent Park but near the city-wide average, there is potential. Any expansion or rebuild would be subject to local zoning bylaws, setback requirements, and permitting. The existing small footprint makes a teardown and new build a feasible consideration for many buyers.
4. How does the lack of a garage affect parking and storage?
Buyers should plan for street parking and will need creative solutions for vehicle storage in winter and general storage, given the home's small living area and unfinished basement.
5. The home ranks very low compared to neighbours on most metrics. Is that a concern?
This indicates the property is an outlier in its immediate area, typically due to its size and condition. It's not inherently a concern but defines its character: it's not for someone seeking a move-in-ready home comparable to others on the street. Instead, it represents the most affordable entry point into the neighbourhood, with value tied to future potential rather than present-day comparisons.