Property Overview: 46 McKenzie Street, Winnipeg

Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile

This is a compact, one-storey home in Winnipeg's Dufferin Industrial area, built in 1901. Its key characteristic is its exceptionally modest scale: at 616 sqft, the living area is significantly smaller than most homes in the city, neighbourhood, and even on its own street. The property sits on a 2,063 sqft lot and includes an attached garage and an unfinished basement. Its most striking feature is its assessed value, which is among the lowest in Winnipeg, reflecting its basic nature and the need for updates.

The appeal lies in pure affordability and potential. This is not a move-in-ready home but a foundational opportunity. It suits a very specific buyer: an investor looking for an entry-point rental in an industrial-adjacent area, a hands-on individual seeking an extremely low-cost project to renovate slowly according to their own vision, or someone prioritizing minimal property taxes and a simple footprint above all else. A less obvious perspective is its potential as a functional live-work space for a tradesperson or artisan, where the garage and location could be operational assets, and the small house is sufficient for basic living quarters.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the assessed value so low?
The assessed value reflects the property's very small size, age, and basic condition. The data shows it ranks at the very bottom for value compared to other Winnipeg homes, indicating it is viewed as a foundational property requiring significant investment.

2. What does the "below average" ranking for living area mean?
The home's 616 sqft of living space places it in the bottom 5% citywide and the very bottom of its street. This means it is substantially smaller than a typical house, functioning more like a large cottage or cabin, and necessitates efficient use of space.

3. Is the Dufferin Industrial area primarily residential?
While there are residential streets like McKenzie, the area is mixed with light industrial and commercial uses. Buyers should be comfortable with this environment, where nearby properties may be businesses or warehouses, not just houses.

4. What are the major immediate considerations for a buyer?
The unfinished basement and the age of the home (125 years) suggest systems like plumbing, electrical, and insulation likely need evaluation and modernization. The 2020 sale price of $60k, while above the current assessed value, indicates the market price accounts for these required updates.

5. How does the lot size impact potential?
At just over 2,000 sqft, the lot is smaller than average but provides essential outdoor space and parking. Expansion of the home's footprint would be limited, but the lot is manageable for low-maintenance living and offers potential for a small garden or patio.