Property Overview
This one-and-three-quarter storey home on Arlington Street presents a straightforward opportunity in Winnipeg's Dufferin neighbourhood. Built in 1907, its 1,080 sqft of living space is squarely average for the immediate area. The property features a basement that has not been renovated and does not include a garage or pool. Its most defining characteristic is the modest 2,096 sqft lot, which is significantly smaller than most homes in the city. The home last sold in March 2019 for $140,000, and its current assessed value is notably low compared to many neighbours, yet higher than the Dufferin area average, indicating a unique position in the local market.
Key Characteristics & Appeal
This home’s primary appeal lies in its affordability and location, offering a foothold in the city for a specific buyer. It suits a first-time homebuyer, an investor, or someone seeking a minimal footprint who is prepared for a project. The house is not a renovated turn-key property; its value is in the structure and location itself. A thoughtful perspective is that the very compact lot, while limiting yard space, translates to minimal exterior maintenance—a potential draw for those seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle without condo fees. Its assessed value ranking suggests it may be viewed as a more substantial property within the Dufferin area context than its city-wide valuation implies, hinting at a perception of stability or desirability in its immediate surroundings. The appeal is pragmatic: it’s a chance to own a character home in an established neighbourhood, with the understanding that updates and improvements would be the responsibility of the new owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does "one-and-three-quarter storey" mean for this home?
This is a common architectural style for homes of this era. It typically means the second floor has full-height ceilings only in the centre of the house, with sloped ceilings or knee walls on the sides under the roofline, creating cozy but potentially space-efficient bedrooms.
2. Why is the assessed value so much lower than the last sale price?
Municipal assessed value for taxation purposes is not the same as market value. The 2019 sale price reflects what a buyer was willing to pay at that time, while the assessment is an administrative valuation based on mass appraisal techniques and may not capture recent market shifts or specific property conditions.
3. What are the implications of having a very small lot?
The small lot (roughly 50' x 40') means a very small backyard and limited potential for expansions like a large addition or garage. However, it also means less time and money spent on landscaping and yard upkeep.
4. The basement is noted as "not renovated." What should I expect?
You should anticipate a functional but unfinished space typical of a century-old home. It likely houses the mechanical systems (furnace, water heater) and provides storage or laundry space, but would not be considered modern living space without significant investment.
5. How does the property's ranking compare to nearby homes?
The data shows a mixed picture. While its living space is average for the street, its lot size is among the smallest. Interestingly, its assessed value ranks in the top 28% for the Dufferin area (above average there) but in the bottom 4% city-wide, highlighting how property characteristics are valued differently from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.