Property Summary: 423 Haney Street, Varsity View, Winnipeg
Key Characteristics & Appeal
This is a classic, well-proportioned two-storey home built in 1954, situated on an exceptionally large, nearly 12,000 sqft lot in the established Varsity View neighborhood. Its primary appeal lies in the combination of generous indoor and outdoor space. With 1,740 sqft of living area, it offers more room than most homes in the city, ranking in the top 17% for size in Winnipeg. However, the true standout feature is the lot size, which places it in the top 4% of all properties in Winnipeg, offering rare potential for expansion, gardening, or private outdoor enjoyment.
The home suits two main types of buyers: those seeking a solid, spacious family home in a central academic community with room to grow, and value-driven visionaries who see the underlying asset. The house itself presents as a functional blank canvas with an unfinished basement, ideal for buyers who want to customize and renovate over time to their own taste. While the structure is 72 years old, its enduring value is anchored in the irreplaceable land. It’s a property where the future possibilities—whether adding a suite, a large addition, or simply enjoying vast green space in the city—are as compelling as the existing house.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the lot size ranking actually mean?
The property’s lot is larger than 96% of all residential lots in Winnipeg, making it a truly rare find. In practical terms, this means unparalleled space for additions, recreational use, or simply more privacy than is typical for a city property.
2. The house was built in 1954. What should I be aware of?
As a home from the mid-1950s, prospective buyers should budget for updates to major aging systems (like plumbing, electrical, and the roof) and anticipate a style of layout that may differ from modern open-concept designs. The unfinished basement allows for easy inspection of foundational and mechanical elements.
3. Who is the typical buyer in Varsity View?
The neighborhood, adjacent to the University of Manitoba, attracts a mix of academic staff, students, and families drawn to its stable, community-oriented feel and convenient location. This property, with its large lot, particularly appeals to those planning a longer-term family home.
4. How does the assessment value relate to the asking price?
The municipal assessment of $370,000 is a tax valuation snapshot from a prior date and serves as one data point. The final market price is determined by current demand, the property’s unique attributes (especially the lot size), and recent sales of comparable homes, which may differ significantly from the assessed value.
5. What are the advantages of an unfinished basement?
An unfinished basement provides flexible, cost-effective storage and utility space. More importantly, it offers a clear view of the home’s foundation and mechanical systems for inspection, and it allows a new owner to finish it to their exact specifications without needing to first demolish an existing renovation.