459 Burrows Avenue – Property Summary
Key Characteristics & Buyer Fit
This is a rare combination of modest living space on a genuinely oversized lot. At 2,022 square feet, the house is larger than 90% of homes citywide, but its real standout feature is the land: 6,535 square feet ranks in the top 1% on the street and in the neighbourhood. The building itself dates to 1905, so it’s an older home in a neighbourhood where most houses were built in the late 1920s or earlier. The assessed value of $190,000 is roughly average for the street but well above the neighbourhood average of $149,100, which reflects the larger square footage.
The appeal here is less about turnkey condition and more about potential. You get a relatively large house on a lot that is genuinely rare for William Whyte—most nearby properties sit on just over 3,200 square feet. This gives room for additions, a garage, a large garden, or subdivision potential (subject to zoning). The low citywide rank for assessed value (bottom 7%) also suggests the property may be undervalued relative to its size and land, though the older age and possible deferred maintenance likely play a role.
Who it suits: Buyers who value space over finish, and who are comfortable with an older home in an area where many properties are from the same era. It’s a strong fit for someone looking for a fixer-upper or a long-term hold with land upside. Less suited to someone wanting a low-maintenance, recently built home or a high-end finish out of the gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the assessed value so low compared to the city average?
The valuation is driven partly by the home’s age and location within a lower-priced neighbourhood. The citywide average includes newer, more expensive areas, so a 1905 house in William Whyte ranks in the bottom 7% despite being larger than most. That said, its assessed value is still 27% above the neighbourhood average, which tracks with its extra living area.
2. Is the land really usable, or is it just a narrow deep lot?
The lot is 6,535 square feet—nearly double the street average. Without a survey, it’s hard to confirm shape, but the ranking data suggests it’s among the largest parcels on Burrows Avenue. In older inner-city areas, large lots often come with depth rather than width, so it’s worth checking through the neighbourhood map tool for setbacks and easements.
3. How does a 1905 home compare to others in the area?
It’s older than 75% of homes in the neighbourhood and 88% of homes on the street. That said, William Whyte’s housing stock is predominantly pre-war, so a 1905 build isn’t an outlier. Expect older systems, plaster walls, and likely no original foundation insulation. The upside is character details that newer infill often lacks.
4. What’s the neighbourhood like for resale?
William Whyte ranks in the top 4% citywide for living area but bottom 25% for assessed value. That gap points to an area where square footage doesn’t command a premium—yet. If the neighbourhood sees reinvestment or upzoning, a large lot could gain significantly. For now, it’s a value play rather than a liquid market.
5. Should I be concerned about the “Below Average” year-built rank?
Not necessarily, but it depends on maintenance history. A 1905 house that’s been updated (wiring, plumbing, roof, foundation) can be a solid asset. One that hasn’t will require significant capital. The low assessed value relative to size may already reflect this. A thorough home inspection is essential—especially for knob-and-tube wiring, lead pipes, or settling foundations common in homes of this era.