Property Overview & Key Characteristics

This two-storey home at 439 Desalaberry Avenue is a classic Winnipeg character property built in 1907, sitting on a notably generous 4,961 sqft lot in the Chalmers neighbourhood. Its primary appeal lies in its substantial land size, which is well above average for both the immediate street and the broader area, offering significant potential for expansion, gardening, or outdoor living. With 1,525 sqft of living space, the house itself is comfortably sized, ranking among the larger homes in Chalmers. It features a basement that is present but not renovated, and there is no garage or pool.

The property suits buyers looking for a project or a long-term hold with a focus on land value. It is ideal for someone with vision—perhaps a renovator who appreciates classic architecture and is prepared to modernize the interior systems and finishes over time. The very low assessed value reflects its unrenovated state and age, making it a potential entry point into a neighbourhood with larger-than-average lots. It’s less suited for those seeking a turn-key, modern home without any immediate work.

A thoughtful perspective: while the home is one of the oldest on the street, this can translate into unique architectural details and sturdy construction not found in newer builds. The large lot in a mature neighbourhood offers a rare sense of space and privacy that is increasingly hard to find at this price point, positioning it as a strategic purchase for future value rather than immediate perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the assessed value so much lower than the last sale price?
The assessed value is primarily for municipal tax purposes and often lags behind market value, especially for older homes that haven't been recently renovated. The low assessment here likely reflects the property's unrenovated condition and older systems, not necessarily its current market potential or land value.

2. What does "basement not renovated" typically imply?
This usually means the basement is in its original or functional state, with older finishes and utilities. It may be suited for storage and laundry but could require moisture management, insulation, or foundational updates to be converted into comfortable living space. An inspection is highly recommended.

3. How significant is the large lot size?
Very. The lot is in the top 12% for size within Chalmers. This is a key asset, providing more outdoor space than most neighbouring properties and offering future potential for additions, a garage, or landscaping that smaller lots cannot accommodate.

4. Given the age of the home, what should I budget for immediately?
While dependent on an inspection, buyers should realistically budget for updates to essential systems common in century-old homes. This can include wiring, plumbing, heating, and insulation. The roof and windows should also be carefully evaluated.

5. Is the lack of a garage a major drawback?
This depends on the buyer's needs. The large lot does offer space to potentially add a garage or a substantial parking pad in the future, which mitigates this issue for those planning longer-term improvements. For now, on-street parking would be the norm.