Property Overview: 169 Chalmers Avenue

Key Characteristics & Appeal

This one-and-three-quarter storey home, built in 1907, presents a classic character home opportunity on a standard city lot in Winnipeg's Chalmers neighbourhood. Its primary appeal lies in its generous living space—at 1,244 sqft, it offers significantly more room than most comparable homes in its immediate area. This makes it a practical choice for those seeking the charm of an older home without the typically cramped floor plans.

The property suits two main types of buyers. First, it’s ideal for an owner-occupant who values space over move-in perfection and is prepared for the ongoing stewardship a 119-year-old home requires. The basement exists but is unrenovated, and there is no garage, pointing to a project-ready canvas. Second, it represents a solid value proposition for an investor or renovator, given its above-average assessed value for the local area against a recent sale price that sits below the citywide average. This suggests potential equity for someone willing to make updates.

A less obvious perspective is its positioning within the community. While the home itself is older than most on its street, its lot size is typical for the avenue. This indicates the home is a well-established part of the streetscape, not an outlier, offering a sense of neighbourhood consistency. The appeal is grounded in space, location, and potential, rather than modern finishes or amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does "one & 3/4 storey" mean?
This is a common architectural style where the second floor has slightly sloped ceilings because the roof line begins partway through that level. It often features cozy bedrooms and unique character, but may have less full-height wall space than a pure two-storey home.

2. Is the low assessed value a concern?
Not necessarily. The assessed value is above average for both Chalmers Avenue and the wider Chalmers neighbourhood, indicating the city views it favorably within its local context. The lower citywide ranking reflects the much higher property values in newer or more affluent areas of Winnipeg, not a deficiency in this property.

3. What are the implications of the unrenovated basement?
This means the basement is in a functional, likely unfinished state. It provides essential utility space and storage but will require investment to become a finished living area. Buyers should budget for potential updates to flooring, walls, and moisture management common in century-old homes.

4. How does the lack of a garage affect daily life and value?
On-street parking is the norm here. This is a typical trade-off in established neighbourhoods, keeping the purchase price accessible. For some buyers, it’s a drawback; for others, it’s an acceptable compromise for the location and lot size, with the possibility of adding a garage later.

5. The home sold recently in 2023. What does that indicate?
The relatively recent sale suggests a motivated seller or a quick turnover. It provides a clear, current market price benchmark (300k), which is useful for comparison. It may also indicate that the property is well-understood in the local market, having been evaluated by other buyers not long ago.