Property Overview: 395 Garlies Street, Winnipeg

Section 1: Key Characteristics & Appeal

This one-and-a-half storey home on Garlies Street in the Inkster-Faraday neighbourhood presents a practical, no-frills opportunity. Built in 1913, it features 1,091 sqft of living space, a detached garage, and a full, unrenovated basement on a standard 3,001 sqft lot.

Its core appeal lies in its position as an affordable entry point into the Winnipeg market. The home’s assessed value is notably low compared to both the immediate street and the city overall, suggesting a potentially lower purchase price or tax burden. It suits buyers seeking a straightforward project home—someone comfortable with a basement that needs work, who values functional space over modern finishes, and who is looking for a live-in renovation opportunity without the premium of an updated property. A thoughtful perspective is that its older age and below-average assessment on its own street could indicate a home that has been overlooked by recent market surges, offering a chance to add value through thoughtful updates. It’s a fit for pragmatic first-time buyers, investors looking for a rental property with a solid foundation, or downsizers seeking a modest, manageable footprint.

Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the low assessed value a red flag?
Not necessarily. While it indicates the home is valued below many peers, this is common for older homes that haven’t been recently renovated. It typically reflects the property’s current condition rather than a fundamental problem, and can mean lower property taxes.

2. What should I expect with a 1913 build?
You should budget for and expect older building materials and systems. A thorough inspection is essential to understand the state of the foundation, wiring, plumbing, and insulation. The character and solid construction of an older home come with the responsibility of ongoing maintenance.

3. The basement is noted as “not renovated.” What does that imply?
This typically means the basement is in original or utilitarian condition. It likely has concrete walls and floors, basic lighting, and is suited for storage or laundry. Finishing it would be a project, but it also provides a blank slate.

4. How does the living space compare to the area?
At 1,091 sqft, it’s slightly above average for similar homes on Garlies Street and in Inkster-Faraday. This suggests a reasonably spacious interior for the neighbourhood, even if it’s modest by wider city standards.

5. Who would this property not suit?
It would not suit buyers seeking a move-in-ready home with modern amenities, or those unwilling to take on projects. The unrenovated basement and older age also mean it’s likely not ideal for anyone needing fully accessible or immediately energy-efficient living spaces.