Property Overview: 171 Thomas Berry Street, Central St. Boniface

Key Characteristics & Appeal

This home is a classic one-and-three-quarter storey character property built in 1912, offering a blend of historic charm and practical updates. Its key feature is a renovated basement, adding valuable finished space to the 1,176 sqft living area. The lot size of 3,126 sqft is generous for the Central St. Boniface neighbourhood, providing above-average outdoor space in an established, walkable community.

The appeal lies in its balanced position. It’s not the newest or largest home, but it sits comfortably around the average for its immediate street and area in terms of living space and assessed value ($330k). This suggests a solid, mid-market property in a desirable location. The 2017 sale price of $315,000 indicates a history of value appreciation. It would suit a first-time buyer or downsizer looking for a character home with some modern touches (like the basement) in a central, francophone-inspired neighbourhood, without the premium price tag of a fully modernized or larger property. A thoughtful perspective is that its "around average" metrics across the board signal stability and lower risk, as it aligns closely with the established norms of its community rather than standing out as an outlier.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a "renovated basement" typically mean for a home of this era?
It usually indicates the basement has been finished into livable space, such as a rec room or additional bedroom, and likely includes updated moisture control and insulation. For a 1912 home, verifying the quality and permits for this renovation would be important.

2. How does the lack of a garage affect parking and storage?
The property has no garage, which is common for older homes in central neighbourhoods. Buyers should plan for on-street parking and consider the basement or shed solutions for storage. The large lot does offer potential for adding a garage or parking pad, subject to city bylaws.

3. The home is over 110 years old. What should I budget for maintenance?
While the renovated basement is a plus, you should anticipate maintenance consistent with a century-old home, such as potential updates to original windows, plumbing, or electrical systems. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.

4. The assessed value is $330k, but it sold for $315k in 2017. What does this indicate?
The increase from the 2017 sale price to the current assessed value reflects market appreciation over seven years. The assessed value is used for property tax calculation; the current market value would be determined by recent comparable sales and present condition.

5. The rankings show the land is "below average" for the area but "around average" for the street. Which is more relevant?
The street-level comparison is often more meaningful for daily living, as it reflects the immediate streetscape. Having a lot that is typical for Thomas Berry Street means your property is in scale with your direct neighbours, even if lots are larger elsewhere in St. Boniface.