32 Ruby Street – Property Summary
Key Characteristics & Ideal Buyer Profile
This is a 1923 home in Wolseley, Winnipeg, with 840 square feet of living space on a 2,959-square-foot lot. Its assessed value is $334,000.
The property’s main appeal lies in its age and location. Built in 1923, it is older than most homes on its street (top 15%) and in the wider Wolseley neighbourhood (top 20%). This suggests original character features—likely woodwork, trim, or layout details typical of early 20th-century construction—that newer infill houses lack. The assessed value sits around average for the street and neighbourhood, which may indicate the home is priced fairly for its condition and size.
The downside is the living area. At 840 square feet, it’s well below the average for Ruby Street and Wolseley (both around 1,600–1,700 sqft). The lot, while modest, is typical for the street but small by citywide standards. This means limited space for expansion or outdoor amenities.
This property would suit a buyer who values character over square footage—someone willing to accept a smaller footprint in exchange for an older home with established neighbourhood charm. It is less suited to families needing multiple bedrooms or a large yard, or to buyers planning a major addition. Wolseley’s walkability, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the river make it a fit for those who prioritize location and community feel over raw space.
Five Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the 840 sqft compare to other homes in Wolseley?
It’s significantly smaller. The average living area for comparable homes on Ruby Street is 1,686 sqft, and for Wolseley it’s 1,622 sqft. This property is in the bottom 3% locally. If you need more than one or two bedrooms, this may feel cramped.
2. Is the assessed value of $334,000 a good deal?
It’s close to average for both the street ($372.5k average) and neighbourhood ($371.3k average), but slightly below. Citywide, the average for comparable homes is $390k. The value seems fair for the size and age, but you’d want to confirm the condition in person—older homes can have hidden costs.
3. Why is the year built considered a strength?
Being built in 1923 puts it in the top 15% of oldest homes on Ruby Street and top 20% in Wolseley. That doesn’t mean it’s in perfect shape, but it likely retains original details (e.g., hardwood floors, solid wood doors, higher ceilings) that are hard to find in newer builds. Buyers seeking vintage character often pay a premium for this.
4. Can I build an addition or add a second storey?
The 2,959-sqft lot is below the neighbourhood average (3,434 sqft) and especially small compared to citywide averages (6,570 sqft). Zoning and setback rules will limit how much you can expand. Check with the city before assuming you can double the square footage. Most likely, any addition would need to be modest and might require a variance.
5. How does this property compare to newer homes in the area from a maintenance perspective?
An older home means older systems—plumbing, electrical, insulation, roof—unless they’ve been updated. The rankings don’t show recent renovations. Budget for potential upgrades, especially if you’re aiming for energy efficiency. On the plus side, older homes often have better materials (e.g., old-growth lumber) and less cheap composite finishes than some new builds. Factor in inspection costs before making an offer.