739 Selkirk Avenue

739 Selkirk Avenue – Property Summary

Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile

This is a 1,524-square-foot home built in 1906, sitting on a 3,010-square-foot lot in Winnipeg’s William Whyte neighbourhood. Its standout feature is living space: the house is significantly larger than most homes on its street (top 12%), in its neighbourhood (top 15%), and even citywide (top 29%). That extra square footage is paired with an assessed value of $73,000, which ranks near the bottom on the street, in the neighbourhood, and across the city. The land area is slightly below average for the street but close to the neighbourhood median.

The appeal lies in the imbalance between size and cost. A buyer gets a relatively spacious house at a price point that reflects the lower end of the market. This suits someone who prioritizes interior room over lot size or a modern build—likely a first-time buyer, an investor looking for a rental with good square footage per dollar, or someone willing to take on a project in an older home. The 1906 construction suggests maintenance and updates should be expected; the low assessed value may also mean property taxes are lower, but it could signal deferred upkeep.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the assessed value so low compared to other homes on this street?
The $73,000 assessment places this property in the bottom 1% on Selkirk Avenue and bottom 4% citywide. This likely reflects the home’s age (1906), its condition, and possibly outdated systems or finishes. It does not necessarily mean the house is uninhabitable, but it suggests that comparable sales in the area are for homes in better shape or with more recent renovations.

2. Is a 1,524-square-foot house on a 3,010-square-foot lot unusual?
It’s not unusual for an older inner-city neighbourhood. The lot is on the smaller side for the street but right around the average for William Whyte. The house itself takes up a larger proportion of the lot than newer suburban homes would, which is common for pre-war construction. Yard space will be limited.

3. How does the 1906 build affect insurance and renovation costs?
Older homes often have different wiring, plumbing, and foundation materials. Some insurers charge higher premiums or require inspections. Renovations may involve bringing things up to modern code, which can cost more than updating a mid-century house. It’s worth getting quotes before making an offer.

4. Does the low assessed value mean the neighbourhood is declining?
Not necessarily. William Whyte is an older, established area with a mix of well-maintained and neglected properties. A low assessment can also reflect inconsistent local sales data or a property that hasn't been updated recently. It’s a good idea to walk the street and check nearby sales over the last six months rather than relying solely on rank.

5. What type of offer should I consider based on this data?
The assessed value is a starting point, not a final price. Since the house ranks in the top 15% for living area in the neighbourhood but near the bottom for assessed value, the price per square foot is likely very low. A reasonable offer might land somewhere between the assessment and the street average, depending on the home’s actual condition and any recent comparable sales—not just the ranks shown here. Always get an inspection.