Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile

This property offers an above-average 1,400 sqft of living space within a 1911-built home on a modest 2,513 sqft lot. Located on Powers Street in Winnipeg’s St. John’s area, it is comparatively spacious for the street and neighbourhood—ranking in the top 13% locally and top 30% for the area. The tax-assessed value sits around $144k, which is average for the street but well below neighbourhood and city medians.

The appeal lies in the combination of generous interior square footage and a low tax base. For a house of this age and size, the assessed value suggests either preservation of original character, a lack of major recent renovations, or location factors that keep market expectations grounded. This makes it a practical fit for buyers who prioritize usable indoor space over lot size, who are comfortable with an older home’s maintenance realities, or who are seeking entry-level affordability in a city where comparable interior dimensions typically cost more. It is less suited to someone wanting a large yard, a modern open-plan layout, or a quick resale in a high-appreciation corridor.

Five FAQs

1. Is a 1911 home a risk, or does that era have construction advantages?
Homes from this period often have old-growth timber framing, plaster-and-lath walls, and deeper foundations than mid-century builds—materials that can outlast modern stick framing. However, you should expect outdated electrical, potential lead paint, and possibly no insulation in the original walls. The risk is less about the age and more about how well the systems have been updated over the decades.

2. Why is the assessed value so low compared to the area?
The property sits in the bottom 3% of citywide assessed values despite its above-average size. This likely reflects a combination of its smaller lot (bottom 5% citywide), limited recent renovation history, and the specific block’s market dynamics. For an owner, it can mean lower property taxes—but it may also signal slower appreciation compared to more improved or better-located homes.

3. How usable is a 2,513 sqft lot for a house of this size?
That lot is tight for a 1,400 sqft home. You’ll have limited backyard space and minimal side yards. Gardeners or families wanting play space should plan carefully; this is more of a “house-first” lot. On the positive side, less land means less mowing and lower maintenance.

4. Does the ranking data suggest this is a good deal or a warning?
Mixed. The high living-area ranking relative to the low assessed value can signal value—you get more square footage per tax dollar. But the low lot-size and year-built rankings (both in the bottom percentiles citywide) often correlate with less demand. It’s a decent buy if you plan to stay put; less so if you need to sell quickly.

5. What should I check before making an offer?
Beyond the standard inspection, focus on the foundation (stone or concrete? any settling?), the state of the original windows, and the electrical panel’s capacity. Also look up whether the neighbourhood has any heritage overlay restrictions that could limit exterior changes. A quick check of recent sales on Powers Street will tell you if the low assessment reflects real market value or just an outdated city appraisal.