Property Overview: 355 Harcourt Street, Winnipeg

This one and three-quarter storey home, built in 1918, presents a classic character property on a generous 6,594 sqft lot in the Booth neighbourhood. Its appeal lies in its solid fundamentals: a large, mature lot that ranks well for size, a living area above average for its street, and a home that is notably older and more established than most in Winnipeg. The last known sale was in 2017 for $250,000, with a current assessed value of $25,100. It features a basement that is not renovated and does not include a pool or garage.

Key Characteristics & Ideal Buyer

The primary draw here is the land and the home's historic pedigree. The lot size is a significant asset, offering ample outdoor space and potential in a city where newer lots are often smaller. The house itself, while requiring updates, is structurally a product of an era known for durable craftsmanship. Its age places it among the older and more established homes in the broader city, which can appeal to those seeking character over modernity.

This property would suit a specific type of buyer: a hands-on individual or family looking for a project with a strong foundational asset—the land. It’s ideal for someone who values the charm of a century-old home and is prepared for the renovation journey, particularly without the expectation of a modern garage or finished basement. The buyer is likely prioritizing lot size and neighbourhood character over move-in-ready finishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does "one and three-quarter storey" mean?
This typically describes a home with a full main floor and a second floor where the roofline slopes inward, making some of the upper rooms have sloped ceilings or slightly reduced square footage compared to a full two-storey design. It's a common architectural style for homes of this era.

2. The assessed value seems low compared to the 2017 sale price. Why?
Municipal assessed value for tax purposes is not a direct reflection of current market value. It is an administrative valuation based on mass appraisal techniques and may not capture recent market shifts or the specific condition of the property. The sale price from 2017 is a better historical indicator of what a buyer actually paid at that time.

3. What are the implications of an unrenovated basement?
An unrenovated basement likely means it’s in a rough, utility-focused state (housing the furnace, laundry, etc.) without finished living space. It presents both a blank canvas for future development and a potential area where foundational or moisture issues should be carefully inspected.

4. How significant is the lack of a garage?
For many buyers, this is a notable consideration. It means relying on street parking and finding alternative storage solutions. However, on a large lot, there may be potential to add a garage or shed in the future, subject to local zoning and bylaws.

5. The home ranks very high for its age locally. What does that indicate?
Ranking in the top 11% in Winnipeg for age (newer = better rank) is counterintuitive but informative. It means that compared to the city's overall housing stock, this 1918 home is actually newer than 89% of other properties. This highlights Winnipeg's vast number of very old homes and suggests this property might be in a pocket of relatively younger, early-20th-century construction.