Property Overview: 309 Guildford Street, Winnipeg
Section 1: Key Characteristics & Appeal
This one-and-a-half storey home in Deer Lodge presents a compelling mix of character and practicality. Built in 1950, it is notably newer than most homes on its street, offering a relative modern advantage in an established neighborhood. With 1,141 sqft of living space, it is a comfortably sized home that sits around the city-wide average, though it is on the more modest side compared to its immediate Guildford Street peers.
Its standout feature is a renovated basement, adding valuable finished space. The lot is a generous 5,602 sqft, providing ample outdoor room typical of the area. Notably, the home’s assessed value ranks well above average for both the street and the broader Deer Lodge neighborhood, suggesting it is viewed favorably relative to its surroundings. The absence of a garage is a point for buyers to consider.
The appeal lies in its balance. It suits a buyer looking for a character home without the maintenance concerns of a much older property, and who values a turn-key basement. It would be ideal for a small family, a couple, or an investor attracted to a stable, mature neighborhood like Deer Lodge. The above-average assessment for the area hints at perceived quality or improvements that may not be immediately obvious from basic metrics.
Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the year built (1950) affect this property?
At 76 years old, it is a mature home but is actually among the newest on its block. This can mean potentially fewer issues with very outdated wiring or plumbing compared to pre-war homes, while still offering classic architectural charm.
2. The living area is noted as "below average" for the street. How significant is this?
While smaller than the Guildford Street average, the home is close to the city-wide norm. The renovated basement effectively expands the usable space, making the total functional square footage more competitive than the main floor living area alone suggests.
3. What does the above-average assessed value indicate?
A high assessment relative to neighbors often reflects updates, desirable lot features, or a quality of construction that the market recognizes. It’s a positive signal but should be verified with a recent inspection and compared to current market sale prices, not just assessments.
4. Is the lack of a garage a major drawback?
For some buyers, yes. However, the large lot provides space to add a garage or shed if needed. In mature neighborhoods, many homes lack garages, and on-street parking is often the norm.
5. The home sold in 2017 for significantly less than its current assessed value. Why?
This is common and reflects general market appreciation over seven years, plus any renovations completed since that sale (like the basement). It underscores the importance of using current, comparable sales to determine today’s market value.