780 Alfred Avenue – Property Summary
Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile
This is a compact older home in Winnipeg’s William Whyte neighbourhood, built in 1909 with 681 square feet of living space on a 3,004-square-foot lot. The assessed value sits at $148,000.
The property’s main appeal is affordability. It ranks in the bottom 3% city-wide for size and value, which means it’s priced well below the typical Winnipeg home. On its own street, the assessed value is around average, suggesting the block has a range of properties. The land-to-building ratio is generous: the lot is nearly 4.5 times the size of the house, which is unusual for an older inner-city property.
Where it falls short is living space. At 681 square feet, it’s smaller than 92% of homes on Alfred Avenue and 97% of homes city-wide. The year built (1909) also puts it among the older 5% of Winnipeg properties, so buyers should expect maintenance typical of a century-old house.
This property suits:
- First-time buyers priced out of newer or larger homes
- Investors looking for a low-cost entry into the William Whyte area
- Someone willing to renovate or add square footage (the lot could accommodate an addition)
- Buyers who prioritize location over size—the neighbourhood has seen some redevelopment interest
It would not suit anyone needing a move-in-ready family home or who wants modern dimensions without significant work.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does this house compare to others in William Whyte?
It’s smaller than average for the neighbourhood (681 sqft vs. 1,158 sqft median), but its assessed value is close to the neighbourhood median ($148k vs. $149.1k). The lot size is also near the neighbourhood average. So while the building is compact, the land and price align with what’s typical for the area.
2. Is the assessed value of $148k a realistic market price?
Assessed value is not always market price—it’s a city valuation used for property tax purposes. Given the home’s age and small size, $148k could be a reasonable starting point, but a comparative market analysis from a local agent would be needed. The fact that it’s near the neighbourhood median suggests it’s not an outlier.
3. What should I know about a house built in 1909?
Older homes often have knob-and-tube wiring, lead paint, outdated plumbing, and foundations that may need attention. Insulation and energy efficiency are usually poor unless upgraded. A thorough home inspection is essential. On the positive side, older homes in Winnipeg often have solid wood framing and taller ceilings than modern builds.
4. Can I add living space to this property?
The 3,004 sqft lot is large enough that an addition or a detached secondary suite could be possible, depending on zoning and setback requirements. William Whyte is zoned for mixed residential uses, so a garage conversion or small infill might also be options. Talk to the city’s planning department before making plans.
5. Why are the city-wide rankings so low compared to street and neighbourhood rankings?
City-wide, this home competes with all of Winnipeg, including newer suburbs with much larger houses and lots. Locally—on Alfred Avenue and in William Whyte—the home is more average because the area itself has a mix of smaller, older properties. So the rankings reflect different reference groups, not necessarily that the house is in poor condition.