257 Dorothy Street – Property Summary

Overview & Buyer Profile

This is a 1,322 sqft home built in 1907, located in Winnipeg’s West Alexander neighbourhood, on a 2,283 sqft lot. Its assessed value is $196,000.

Where the appeal lies: The selling points here are subtle but real. The lot is the largest on Dorothy Street, which matters if you value outdoor space relative to immediate neighbours. The assessed value is well below the citywide average ($390,100), so the property sits at a comparatively low price point for Winnipeg. At $196,000, it’s also lower than the street average ($201,800), meaning it could represent decent value on the block. The year built (1907) places it among older homes in the city, which may appeal to buyers who appreciate pre-war construction and character.

What type of buyer it suits: A first-time buyer or investor looking for an affordable entry into a central neighbourhood, particularly someone who doesn’t need a large house but wants more land than most on the same street. The home is smaller than average for the street (1,322 vs 1,578 sqft), so a buyer seeking near-median interior space should look elsewhere. This is more of a “live small, own the lot” opportunity. It also works for someone comfortable with an older home’s maintenance realities, or who is open to renovation.

Caveat: The lot is actually below average for the neighbourhood (2,283 vs 3,591 sqft) and far below the city average, so the land advantage is strictly street-level, not area-wide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the assessed value compare to similar homes nearby?
The home is assessed at $196,000, which is about 3% below the Dorothy Street average of $201,800. In the broader West Alexander neighbourhood, it’s 4.6% above the local average of $187,300. Citywide, it falls in the bottom 8% of assessed values, reflecting the older and smaller housing stock in this part of Winnipeg.

2. Is the living space considered small?
Yes and no. It’s below the street average (1,578 sqft) and the city average (1,342 sqft), but essentially matches the neighbourhood average (1,299 sqft). On Dorothy Street, it’s the second-smallest home out of five. For a single person, couple, or small family, it’s likely functional. For someone used to suburban floor plans, it would feel compact.

3. What does “year built 1907” mean in practical terms?
The home is significantly older than the citywide median (1966) and older than most homes on its street (average 1927). This typically means knob-and-tube or cloth wiring, possible lead paint, less insulation, and an older foundation. It also means higher likelihood of plaster walls, solid wood trim, and a layout that wasn’t designed for open-concept living. A home inspection and utility history are strongly recommended.

4. How does the lot size affect usability?
The lot is 2,283 sqft. On Dorothy Street, this is the largest parcel (ranked 1/5). In the neighbourhood, however, it’s in the bottom 10%—most lots in West Alexander are about 50% larger. So you have a decent yard among immediate neighbours, but a small yard compared to homes just a few blocks away. Useful for gardening, a small workshop, or parking, but not for extensive landscaping or expansion.

5. Who is this home not suitable for?
Buyers who need a large family home with generous rooms, or who want a modern, move-in-ready property with minimal maintenance. Also unsuitable for anyone who values a big private lot, as the land is small by city standards. Investors looking for rapid appreciation may also want to note the property sits in an older, lower-assessed-value tier of the city market.