Property Summary: 51 Bernier Bay
Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile
What Stands Out
The main draw here is the lot. At 6,595 square feet, it’s significantly larger than most properties in the neighbourhood (top 19%) and the city (top 21%). The house itself is small at 912 square feet—below average for the street, neighbourhood, and Winnipeg overall—so what you’re getting is space to expand, garden, or build. The assessed value of $364,000 aligns closely with street and neighbourhood averages, meaning you’re not paying a premium for the land. The home dates to 1956, making it among the older houses on the street (top 4%), but slightly ahead of the neighbourhood and city averages.
Where the Appeal Lies
For someone who values outdoor space, privacy, or future development potential, this property makes sense. The small living area might frustrate a family looking for move-in-ready square footage, but the lot opens up options—adding a garage, an extension, or simply having a deep yard in an established area. The older build means you’ll likely budget for updates, but it also suggests solid construction and mature landscaping. It’s a property with flexibility rather than polish.
Who It Suits
- Buyers comfortable with a fixer-upper or cosmetic update who see the lot as the real asset.
- Downsizers who want a manageable interior but plenty of outdoor room for gardening or workshops.
- Investors or flippers looking for a property with land leverage in a stable neighbourhood like Windsor Park.
- Anyone priced out of larger homes who’d rather buy land now and build later.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the living area compare to similar homes in the area?
The house is 912 square feet, which is about 11% smaller than the street average (1,022 sqft) and 16% smaller than the neighbourhood average (1,091 sqft). Citywide, comparable homes average 1,342 square feet, so this is a notably compact home.
2. Is the assessed value reasonable for what’s here?
The $364,000 assessment is very close to the street average ($362,200) and slightly above the neighbourhood average ($354,200). It’s below the citywide average for comparable homes ($390,100). Given the large lot and older house, the value seems balanced—you’re paying for land, not a finished interior.
3. What’s the condition of a house built in 1956?
No inspection data is provided here, but a home from this era will likely have original or aging mechanicals, windows, insulation, and possibly knob-and-tube wiring. Expect to budget for upgrades. The fact that it’s among the older homes on the street (top 4%) means many neighbours may have already renovated, so you’d want to check if any work has been done. There’s potential for character features, but also for deferred maintenance.
4. Can I build an addition or a garage on this lot?
The lot is 6,595 square feet, which is above average for the neighbourhood (6,030 sqft) and city (6,570 sqft). Zoning in Windsor Park generally permits single-family detached homes with room for garages and extensions, but you’d need to verify setbacks, lot coverage limits, and any heritage restrictions with the city. The size gives you options, but it’s not a blank canvas.
5. Why is the land ranked so high but the house ranked so low?
This is a case of competing priorities. The lot ranks in the top 21% citywide for size, while the living area ranks in the bottom 18%. That’s typical for older, smaller homes on bigger parcels in established neighbourhoods. The land value is ahead of the curve; the building value lags behind. It’s a trade-off—less indoor space now, but more room to grow.