Property Overview: 238 Rutland Street, Winnipeg

Section 1: Key Characteristics & Appeal

This home is a classic one-and-three-quarter storey house in Winnipeg's King Edward neighbourhood, built in 1912. Its key characteristic is its above-average living space (1,088 sq ft) for both its immediate street and the broader neighbourhood, offering more room than many comparable local properties. It sits on a standard city lot and features a detached garage. The basement is noted as unrenovated.

The appeal lies in its position as a character home with practical space in an established area. For buyers, it represents a straightforward opportunity: you're acquiring a historically authentic structure with good relative square footage, but one that likely requires modernization. The assessed value is modest relative to the citywide average, suggesting an entry point into the market.

This property would best suit a pragmatic buyer who values space over turn-key condition. It’s a potential fit for a hands-on homeowner comfortable with gradual updates, or an investor looking for a rental property in a central location. A less obvious perspective is that its older construction (pre-1920) offers a specific charm and build quality not found in newer homes, but this comes with an expectation of ongoing maintenance and potential system upgrades.

Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does "one-and-three-quarter storey" mean?
This is a traditional architectural style where the second floor has sloped ceilings following the roofline, creating cozy bedrooms with potentially less full-height wall space than a pure two-storey home. It's a defining feature of many early 20th-century Winnipeg houses.

2. The assessed value seems very low compared to typical sale prices. Why?
Municipal assessed value for tax purposes is often significantly lower than market value and should not be used as a direct indicator of sale price. The city-wide comparison here highlights that this home's assessment is low relative to newer areas, not its potential market price.

3. What are the implications of an unrenovated basement?
This typically indicates the basement remains in a utilitarian state, likely with original foundations, flooring, and mechanical systems. It presents both a blank canvas and a priority for inspection, particularly for moisture management and the condition of the furnace, wiring, and plumbing.

4. How does the living area compare meaningfully?
While the home is around average size city-wide, it ranks in the top 26% on its own street and top 23% in King Edward for living area. This means it offers more interior space than most direct neighbours, which is a relative advantage in this specific location.

5. The home is over 110 years old. What should I consider?
This age brings character but also necessitates a thorough inspection. Key focuses should be the foundation, roof, wiring (knob-and-tube may be present), plumbing, and windows. Energy efficiency will likely be lower than modern standards, impacting utility costs.