1660 Alexander Avenue – Property Summary
Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile
This is a compact, century-old home in Winnipeg’s Weston neighbourhood with a notably small living area (726 sqft) and a correspondingly low assessed value ($142k). Its standout feature is the land: at 3,243 sqft, the lot ranks in the top 29% on Alexander Avenue and well above the street average. That means the property offers something increasingly rare in many older urban areas—a decent-sized yard attached to a modestly priced house. The building itself dates to 1911, which puts it among the older homes in the neighbourhood (top 63% on the street) and well below the citywide average build year of 1966.
The appeal here isn’t about move-in-ready square footage or modern finishes. It’s about land-to-price ratio and potential. A buyer willing to invest in renovations—or someone who values outdoor space over interior size—could find this a smart entry point into a stable, older neighbourhood. It would also suit someone looking to downsize from a larger home without giving up a garden, or a buyer open to a longer-term project. The low assessed value relative to the citywide average (bottom 2%) reinforces that this is a value play, not a polished product.
Five Possible FAQs
1. How does the living area compare to other homes in Weston?
It ranks in the bottom quarter of the neighbourhood. The average living area for comparable homes in Weston is 936 sqft, so this unit is about 22% smaller. On its own street, it ranks 502 out of 608—definitely on the compact side.
2. The land area seems decent—what does “above average” actually mean here?
On Alexander Avenue, the average lot is about 2,977 sqft. This property’s 3,243 sqft puts it in the top 29% of homes on the same street. In the broader Weston area, it’s roughly average (ranked 724 out of 1,736). For context, citywide average lot sizes are much larger (6,570 sqft), but that’s heavily influenced by newer subdivisions.
3. Is the low assessed value a red flag?
Not necessarily. The assessed value tracks the living area, age, and condition rather than land value alone. A small, older home will have a lower assessment. But because this property’s lot is larger than average for the street, the assessment might not fully capture what a buyer could do with the yard—such as an addition, garden suite, or simply more outdoor living space.
4. What should I know about a house built in 1911?
Expect older systems (plumbing, electrical, insulation) and potential foundation or roof updates. Many homes of this era have good bones but require ongoing maintenance. The upside: they’re often on larger lots than newer infill builds, and the neighbourhood has established trees and character. A thorough inspection is essential.
5. How does this property compare to newer homes in the suburbs?
It’s not a direct comparison. Newer homes will offer more square footage, modern layouts, and higher energy efficiency. But they also come with higher purchase prices, smaller lots (often less than 3,000 sqft in newer subdivisions), and higher property taxes. This home trades interior space for land and affordability—it’s a different value proposition, not a worse one.