Property Overview

This one-storey home at 668 Queenston Street in Central River Heights presents a practical opportunity with specific appeal. Built in 1953, it sits on a notably spacious 5,386 sqft lot that ranks in the top 25% for size on its street, offering above-average outdoor space for the immediate area. The home itself, with 1,346 sqft of living space, is modest in size compared to some neighbours but aligns with the city-wide average. Key features include a renovated basement and a detached garage. Its current assessed value of $420k is around the middle range for the neighbourhood and city, but notably below the average for Queenston Street itself, hinting at a value proposition within a desirable location. The home’s appeal lies in its generous lot in a mature, established neighbourhood—a canvas for gardening, expansion, or future redevelopment. It would suit a buyer looking for a solid starter home with renovation potential, a downsizer wanting manageable single-level living with a large yard, or a land-value investor attracted by the lot size in a central area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the lot size ranking actually mean for me?
The "Top 25%" ranking for land area means this property's lot is larger than 75% of comparable homes on Queenston Street. In practical terms, you're getting more private outdoor space than most properties on the block, which is a significant asset in a mature neighbourhood where lots are often subdivided.

The assessed value seems low for the street. Is that a concern?
The assessed value being below the street average can indicate a few things. It often reflects the home's more modest living area and older construction date compared to larger or more updated homes on the block. It's not necessarily a red flag, but it underscores that the value here is weighted more toward the land and location than the current structure, which may require updates.

How significant is having a renovated basement?
In a one-storey home, a renovated basement effectively doubles your usable living space. It’s crucial for adding bedrooms, recreational space, or storage, making the home functional for a modern family despite the main floor's average square footage.

The home sold for much less in 2019 and 2020. What happened?
The previous sale prices (around $30k-$35k) are not typical for a standard market sale and strongly suggest those were likely transfers between family members, private sales, or sales of a partial interest. They do not reflect the property's market value at that time or today.

What are the less obvious factors to consider here?
Two points stand out. First, the detached garage offers flexibility but also means navigating the yard in winter. Second, while the lot is large, homes from this era often have older infrastructure (like sewer lines or foundations) that should be inspected, as the land value may be carrying the price. It's a property where future potential is a key part of its present value.