Property Overview
This one-storey home at 418 Shelley Street in Winnipeg's Kirkfield neighbourhood is a compact, no-frills property built in 1953. Its primary appeal lies in its affordability and function as a straightforward entry point into homeownership. With a modest 644 sqft of living space, a renovated basement, and a detached garage on a standard 5,099 sqft lot, it represents one of the most accessible priced homes in its immediate area and across the city. The data clearly positions it in the bottom tier for size and assessed value compared to neighbours, but this translates to a very low financial barrier to entry.
It would suit a pragmatic first-time buyer, an investor looking for a rental property, or someone seeking a minimal footprint without a complex renovation project. Its value is in what it is: a functional, basic home. A less obvious perspective is that its below-average metrics in a stable neighbourhood could offer a cushion against market dips and present a clear opportunity for value-adding improvements, should future investment be possible. This isn't a luxury property; it's a practical foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the assessed value so much lower than the city-wide average?
The assessed value reflects the home's smaller size, age, and basic characteristics compared to the broader Winnipeg market. It is consistently ranked in the bottom 10-15% of homes in its immediate area for value, which is indicative of its position as an affordable, entry-level property.
2. What does "renovated basement" mean?
While the listing notes the basement is renovated, specifics on the finish quality, permits, or the nature of the renovation (e.g., cosmetic vs. structural) are not provided. This would be a key point for a home inspection to verify the workmanship and ensure it meets current standards.
3. Is this a good investment?
For an investor, the low entry cost and proven rental demand in established neighbourhoods like Kirkfield are positives. However, the very small living area may limit the rental demographic to single occupants or couples, and the older building will require a proactive maintenance budget.
4. How does the sold price history work?
The listed sold price (e.g., ~$20.5k-$23.5k in 7/2021) is an estimated range from public data. The exact sale price is available by request via email from the site, which they provide manually without using your email for marketing.
5. The home is much smaller than others on the street. What should I consider?
You are purchasing a significantly more compact home than most on the block. This ensures lower utility costs and property taxes, but also means living space is efficient. It's crucial to ensure the layout and storage meet your needs, as expanding the footprint may be challenging on the existing lot.