178 Spence Street – Property Summary
Overview & Buyer Profile
This is a 1,974 sqft home built in 1902 on a 3,952 sqft lot, located at 178 Spence Street in Winnipeg’s West Broadway neighbourhood. Its key appeal lies in the combination of generous living space and a below-average assessed value relative to the city as a whole. The home is larger than 89% of properties citywide, yet its assessed value sits well below the city median—meaning you’re getting significant interior square footage without paying a premium for it. On the street and in the neighbourhood, both size and value are close to average, so this isn’t an outlier in its immediate area. The land size is typical for the street and neighbourhood but notably smaller than typical Winnipeg lots. The year built is early 1900s, consistent with the character of West Broadway, but older than 99% of homes citywide.
This property would suit a buyer who values interior space over land size, and who is comfortable with an older home that likely has original character and may require updates or maintenance typical of a house from 1902. It may also appeal to someone who wants to be in a central, established neighbourhood without paying the premium often seen in newer or more suburban areas. Investors looking for a larger-than-average unit in a lower-assessed bracket might also find it interesting, but should factor in the age and lot constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the assessed value compare to similar homes in the area?
On Spence Street, the assessed value of $288k is above the street average of $247.5k, ranking in the top 31%. In the wider West Broadway neighbourhood, it’s closer to the middle (average $295.4k, ranking top 46%). Citywide, it falls well below the average of $390.1k, meaning this property is assessed more modestly than most homes in Winnipeg despite its larger living area.
2. Is the living space actually larger than most homes in the city?
Yes. At 1,974 sqft, this home ranks in the top 11% citywide for living area among comparable properties. On its own street and in West Broadway, it’s roughly average—the street average is 1,925 sqft and the neighbourhood average is 2,017 sqft. So while it’s not unusually large locally, it is significantly bigger than the typical Winnipeg home.
3. The home was built in 1902. What should I expect in terms of condition or upkeep?
The year built is older than 99% of homes citywide, and is in line with other properties on the street (average 1909) and in the neighbourhood (average 1910). Expect original construction materials, likely updating needs for plumbing, electrical, insulation, and possibly foundation work. Older homes in this area often have character features but also require ongoing maintenance. A thorough inspection is strongly recommended.
4. How does the lot size compare, and is that a drawback?
The lot is 3,952 sqft, which is typical for Spence Street and West Broadway. However, citywide it ranks in the bottom 25%—the average Winnipeg lot is 6,570 sqft. If you’re used to a larger yard or want space for expansion, this may feel tight. For someone who prioritizes indoor space and a walkable location over a large garden, it’s likely fine.
5. What’s the neighbourhood like in terms of rankings and value?
West Broadway is a central, older neighbourhood with mixed housing. This property holds a mid-range position locally for both living area and assessed value. Its assessed value is a bit below the neighbourhood average, but not dramatically so. The house is one of the older ones even by local standards, and the lot is typical for the area. It’s not a standout in any one direction, which may appeal to buyers looking for a balanced, unflashy entry into the neighbourhood.