71 Academy Road

71 Academy Road – Property Summary

Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile

This is a 1,144 sqft home built in 1950 on a 4,174 sqft lot.

What stands out: The property is small in both living area and land compared to others on Academy Road and in the Wellington Crescent neighbourhood. On its own street, it ranks in the bottom 13% for living area and the bottom 3% for lot size. The assessed value ($253k) reflects this—it’s well below both the street average ($440k) and the neighbourhood average ($805k). Citywide, the living area and value sit closer to average, partly because the city includes a much wider mix of housing types.

Where its appeal lies: The main draw is price relative to location. This is one of the most affordable entries into a high-end area. The home itself is not a standout in its immediate setting, but being in Wellington Crescent offers access to a desirable neighbourhood, mature trees, and established streets—at a fraction of the typical cost. The year built (1950) is newer than many nearby homes, which average around 1940, so the structure may require less foundational work than older neighbours.

Who it suits: Buyers who want the address and the area's cachet but don’t need a large house or lot. It could work for someone planning a renovation to increase living space, or for those who prioritize location over square footage. It’s less suited for families wanting a big yard or for buyers expecting the property to match the scale of neighbouring homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the assessed value so much lower than the average on Academy Road?
   Most homes on this street are larger and sit on bigger lots. The assessed value tracks size and condition, so this property’s smaller footprint and land area place it near the bottom of the street. It’s not necessarily in poor condition—it’s simply smaller than what’s typical nearby.

2. Does the ranking system mean the property is “bad” compared to others?
   No. The rankings compare this home to similar properties in three different scopes (street, neighbourhood, city). Being ranked lower on the street or in Wellington Crescent just means it’s smaller and less expensive than the majority around it. That can be an advantage if you’re looking for a lower price point in an expensive area.

3. Is the land area likely to be an issue for future resale?
   It depends on the buyer. For someone wanting a large yard or the potential to subdivide, yes—this lot is small. But for a buyer who values low-maintenance outdoor space, it’s a plus. The land area is about 63% of the citywide average, so it’s below typical city lots, but not unusually so for older, densely built urban streets.

4. How does the 1950 build year affect maintenance?
   It’s newer than many homes on Academy Road and in Wellington Crescent, where the average is late 1930s. That means you’re less likely to face issues with knob-and-tube wiring, old cast-iron plumbing, or frost heave in a shallow foundation. It still may have original windows, insulation, or roofing, but it’s from a period when building codes were more modern than pre-war homes.

5. What’s the neighbourhood like for day-to-day living?
   Wellington Crescent is a well-established, upper-middle-class area with large older homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the Assiniboine River. It’s quiet but not isolated—downtown is about 10 minutes by car. Schools, parks, and some local shops are nearby, but you’ll likely drive for most errands. The area is more suburban in feel than central neighbourhoods, but house lots here are generally much larger than elsewhere in the city.