1. Key Characteristics & What Makes It Stand Out
This is a 1908 home on Aberdeen Avenue in the William Whyte neighbourhood, with 1,136 sq. ft. of living space and a 3,264 sq. ft. lot. The property falls squarely in the middle of the pack for its street and neighbourhood in terms of size—it's not the biggest, but it's not cramped either. The lot is actually slightly larger than the street average (top 29%), which is a meaningful advantage given older urban layouts often come with tighter plots.
Where this property really stands out is in its assessment value. At $149,000, it's just below the neighbourhood average and dramatically below the citywide average of $390,000 (landing in the bottom 3% citywide for assessed value). For a buyer, this points to relatively low property taxes compared to most Winnipeg homes. That said, the building itself is older (1908), which is typical for the area but well below the city's median build year of 1966. This suggests a buyer should be prepared for older-home upkeep—plumbing, electrical, insulation, and foundation work are worth a close look.
Who it suits: A buyer looking for an affordable entry into a central neighbourhood with character, who values lower tax overhead and doesn't mind putting time or money into an older home. It would also suit someone prioritizing land over house size—the lot is generous for the street, offering yard space that's less common in this part of the city.
2. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is this a good investment property given the low assessment?
Possibly, but not for quick flipping. The low assessment suggests the home hasn't been updated to a degree that drives up taxable value, which can keep holding costs down. However, a 1908 build in a middle-ranking neighbourhood means appreciation may be steady but slow. It's more suited to a buy-and-hold strategy where low taxes and reasonable square footage attract long-term tenants.
Q2: How do the property taxes compare to similar homes in Winnipeg?
They're well below average. The assessed value of $149,000 puts this home in the bottom 3% citywide, which translates directly to lower annual tax bills. A buyer moving from a newer or more expensive area will likely notice a significant difference in carrying costs.
Q3: What should I watch out for with a 1908 home?
Older homes often have original wiring (knob-and-tube), cast iron plumbing, and limited insulation. The foundation and roof are also worth inspecting thoroughly—these are common areas where age shows first. Renovations may also need to account for lead paint or asbestos in older materials. This isn't a move-in-ready property unless recent updates are documented.
Q4: How does the lot size affect usability?
The lot is 3,264 sq. ft., which is slightly above the street average and notably larger than typical infill lots in older Winnipeg neighbourhoods. That means room for a decent garden, a garage or shed, or even a small addition if zoning allows. It's a solid urban lot without the maintenance burden of a sprawling suburban yard.
Q5: Is this area family-friendly or more suited to singles and couples?
William Whyte is a mixed-use, central neighbourhood with older housing stock and a range of demographics. It's less polished than some suburban developments but offers proximity to downtown and the North End. Families may find it works if they value walkability and community feel over new amenities; that said, school options and nearby services should be researched individually.