779 Ross Avenue – Property Summary
Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile
This is a 1907-built home with 1,248 square feet of living space on a 3,233-square-foot lot in the West Alexander neighbourhood of Winnipeg. Its standout feature is the interior square footage, which ranks in the top 19% along Ross Avenue—significantly above the street average of 1,020 sq ft. That makes it one of the larger homes on the block, offering more room than many nearby properties built in the same era.
The assessed tax value sits at $149,000, well below both the street and city averages. Similarly, the land size is modest by citywide standards (85th percentile for smaller lots), though it's fairly typical for the immediate neighbourhood. The building's age is a double-edged sword: it's older than most homes in Winnipeg (96th percentile for older stock), but it fits right in with the West Alexander area, where the average build year is 1921.
Where the appeal lies: You get above-average interior space on a street where homes tend to be smaller, combined with a low tax assessment. That's an unusual balance. The home likely has the bones and character of a well-aged property, while not carrying the tax burden of newer or higher-valued homes nearby.
Who it suits: Buyers who value interior space over land, appreciate early 20th-century character, and want a property that sits below the tax radar. It's less suited for someone looking for a recent build, a large yard, or a property in a high-appreciation tax bracket. It could work well for someone who's comfortable maintaining an older home and prioritises square footage indoors over outdoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the property's size compare to others in the area?
The home is larger than most on Ross Avenue (top 19%) but fairly average within West Alexander and citywide. It's not oversized, but it offers a clear advantage over neighbouring houses on the same street.
2. Is the tax assessment unusually low?
Yes. At $149,000, it's below both the street average ($200,000) and far below the city average ($390,000). The property ranks in the bottom 3% citywide for assessed value, which means lower property taxes relative to most Winnipeg homes.
3. What should I know about the age of the building?
Built in 1907, it's older than most homes in the city and even older than the average on its own street (1942). However, it's a closer match to the West Alexander neighbourhood, where many homes date to the 1920s. A thorough home inspection is advisable, with attention to structural, electrical, and plumbing systems.
4. How does the lot size affect the property's value?
The lot is close to the street and neighbourhood averages but significantly smaller than the typical Winnipeg lot. For buyers who don't need a large yard, this isn't a drawback—but it may limit future expansion or outdoor storage options. It also keeps the overall property price lower than comparable homes on bigger lots.
5. What kind of neighbourhood is West Alexander?
It's an established, older area of Winnipeg with a mix of early 20th-century homes. The housing stock is similar in age and character to this property, so it won't look out of place. It's a practical choice for someone looking for an older neighbourhood with modest lot sizes and a lower tax base.