Property Overview

This one-and-three-quarter storey home on Jessie Avenue in Earl Grey presents a classic Winnipeg character home with practical potential. Built in 1909, it sits on a notably generous 4,079 sqft lot for the area, offering more outdoor space than many neighbouring properties. The 1,250 sqft living area is comfortably in the average range for the neighbourhood. Key features include a detached garage and an unrenovated basement, indicating a home that has been maintained but is ready for personal updates. It recently sold for $250,000.

Its appeal lies in its established, tree-lined neighbourhood and the valuable combination of a character home footprint with an above-average lot size. This provides a rare opportunity for gardening, expansion, or simply more private outdoor space in a central location. The home’s assessed value is modest relative to its recent sale price, which may reflect its original condition and the value buyers placed on its lot and location.

This property would suit a buyer looking for a home with good bones in a mature neighbourhood, who is prepared to take on gradual renovations. It’s ideal for someone who values a larger yard over a fully modernized interior and sees potential in personalizing a space over time. It could also appeal to an investor seeking a character property in a stable area with solid land value.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does “one-and-three-quarter storey” mean?
This is a common architectural style in older Winnipeg homes. It typically means the second floor has full-height ceilings in the center of the house, with sloped ceilings or knee walls in the rooms under the eaves, creating a cozy, character-filled upper level.

2. The assessed value is much lower than the sale price. Why?
Municipal assessed value is for tax purposes and often lags behind the current market. The sale price reflects what a buyer recently paid based on market conditions, the home’s specific lot size, and its potential, which may not be fully captured in the assessment.

3. Is the unrenovated basement a concern?
It indicates the mechanical systems and foundation are likely original or older, so a thorough inspection is essential. However, it also means there’s no poorly executed DIY work to undo, offering a clean slate for a proper, permitted renovation to suit a new owner’s needs.

4. How does the lot size compare to newer homes?
The lot is significantly larger than the average for Earl Grey and even more so compared to many modern subdivisions. This is a key asset, providing rare outdoor space for recreation, gardening, or future additions that is hard to find in established central neighbourhoods.

5. The home is older than most on the street. What should I consider?
Its 1909 build date means charm and solid craftsmanship, but also potential for older wiring, plumbing, and insulation. A pre-purchase inspection is crucial to understand the condition and prioritize updates. The generous lot size, however, is a permanent advantage that newer homes on the street likely don’t have.