552 Aberdeen Avenue – Property Summary
Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile
This is a small, older home on a generous lot in Winnipeg’s William Whyte neighbourhood. At 528 square feet of living area, it’s significantly smaller than most homes on its street, in its area, and across the city. The house was built in 1909, which puts it among the older properties on Aberdeen Avenue and well before the citywide average of 1966. Its assessed value of $75,000 is low relative to local and citywide medians.
The standout feature here is the land. The lot measures 3,267 square feet, placing it in the top 22% on Aberdeen Avenue and around the middle of the neighbourhood. For citywide standards, it’s below the typical suburban lot size, but within this older, more compact urban area, the lot is competitive and above average for the street.
The appeal lies in the land-to-building ratio. Buyers are effectively paying for a sizable urban lot with a small, century-old structure on it. This property would suit someone looking for a renovation project with room to expand, an investor interested in a low-cost entry point into the neighbourhood, or a buyer who values outdoor space over indoor square footage. It is less suited to those seeking a move-in-ready home or a typical family-sized layout. The low assessed value also means lower property taxes, which can be an advantage for owners planning to hold the property while making gradual improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the living area so small compared to other homes on the street?
The 528 sqft living area is about half the street average (1,025 sqft) and puts this home among the smallest in the neighbourhood. Many homes on Aberdeen Avenue were built as larger single-family houses or have since been expanded. This unit likely started as a modest worker’s cottage, a common typology in this area from the early 1900s that has largely been replaced or added onto over time.
2. Is the low assessed value a problem or an opportunity?
It depends on your goals. A $75,000 assessment means lower annual property taxes, which is helpful if you’re renovating slowly or holding long-term. However, it also reflects the home’s current condition and size. A buyer planning to add square footage or significantly upgrade the property should be aware that reassessments happen, and taxes may rise after improvements.
3. How does the lot size compare to typical Winnipeg homes?
Citywide, the average lot is about 6,570 sqft, so this lot is roughly half that size. But within William Whyte and on Aberdeen Avenue, lots trend smaller and more uniform—3,267 sqft is actually above average for the street. In the context of older, inner-city neighbourhoods, this is a practical, functional lot with room for a garden, a workshop, or a future addition.
4. What does “ranked #503 out of 520” on the street actually mean?
Rankings compare this property to others with similar characteristics (i.e., other homes on the same street for street-level rankings, or all Winnipeg homes for citywide). A rank of #503 out of 520 means there are only 17 homes on Aberdeen Avenue with smaller living areas—so this is near the very bottom for size. For land area, a rank of #115 out of 520 means only 114 lots on the street are larger, which is a strong position. These rankings help buyers see at a glance where a property stands relative to its immediate neighbours.
5. Is this a good candidate for a teardown or an addition?
The lot is large enough to support an addition or a new structure, subject to zoning and permitting in the William Whyte area. However, the house itself is 115 years old, so a teardown isn’t out of the question if the foundation or structure is beyond repair. Buyers should check current city regulations for minimum lot sizes, setbacks, and heritage designations before committing to a major redevelopment. A local contractor or architect familiar with Winnipeg’s older neighbourhoods would be a wise first step.