Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile
This is a 1914-built home in the Weston neighbourhood of Winnipeg, with 741 square feet of living space on a notably large 5,217-square-foot lot. The property sits squarely in the older, smaller category for its street and area—both its size and assessed value rank below average locally and even further below citywide averages. The lot, however, is a standout. It ranks in the top 15% on the street and top 4% in the community, well above the typical Weston lot size.
The appeal here isn’t in the house itself being generous or updated—it’s in the land. For someone looking at a tight budget, the low assessed value ($143,000) means relatively modest property taxes. The large lot offers potential for expansion (a garage, a workshop, a garden, or even future redevelopment if zoning allows) that many comparable homes in this price range lack. The age of the house (over 110 years old) means it’s likely seen various renovations over the decades, so condition is something to verify in person.
This property would suit a buyer who is land-focused rather than house-focused: someone who can work with a smaller interior, or who wants room to add square footage down the line. It could also work for an investor or DIY homeowner comfortable with older homes and the maintenance they require. First-time buyers on a tighter budget who value outdoor space over interior size might also find it a fit, provided they’re not expecting a move-in-ready, modernized finish. It is not well-suited to someone looking for a large, turnkey home in a central or trendy area.
Five Possible FAQs
1. How does the property’s assessed value affect my ownership costs?
With an assessed value of $143,000, the property’s property taxes are based on that figure (using the current mill rate for Winnipeg). This is well below both the Weston average ($185,000) and the citywide average ($390,000), so annual taxes should be relatively low compared to many other houses. Keep in mind that if you make significant improvements or add square footage, the assessment (and taxes) could rise upon reassessment.
2. The lot is listed at 5,217 square feet—what can I realistically do with it?
This depends on current zoning and setback rules for the property. The lot is roughly 50% larger than the Weston average, which gives room for a detached garage, a large garden, outdoor living space, or potentially an addition, but you should check with the city’s planning department. The fact that it’s a 1914 home in an older neighbourhood may also mean heritage or zoning constraints exist. A title search or a conversation with a local real estate lawyer or surveyor would clarify what’s allowed.
3. The house was built in 1914. What common issues should I look for?
Older homes of this era often have knob-and-tube wiring (which many insurers won’t cover), lead or galvanized plumbing, and foundations made of stone or brick rather than poured concrete. Asbestos was also commonly used in insulation, floor tiles, and pipe wrapping up until the 1980s. A thorough home inspection by someone experienced with pre-1940s houses is strongly recommended, along with a separate plumbing and electrical inspection.
4. How does the living space compare to other homes nearby?
At 741 square feet, this home is notably smaller than both the street average (1,090 sq ft) and the Weston average (936 sq ft). It’s in the bottom 28% of the neighbourhood by size. That said, the large lot partially offsets the small interior—many homes of this age in Weston were originally modest worker cottages, so you’re not an outlier for the era, but you’ll have less indoor room than most newer or renovated homes nearby.
5. What is the “progress bar” ranking system used in the data?
The ranking system compares this property to others in three concentric areas: the same street, the same community (Weston), and all of Winnipeg. Rankings are expressed as a percentile—e.g., top 15% on the street means the lot is larger than 85% of homes on that street. Progress bars are colour-coded (green/blue/amber/grey) to show how the property stacks up, with longer bars meaning more favourable compared to peers. These are relative measures, not absolute quality scores, and are useful for benchmarking but shouldn’t replace a physical walkthrough.