548 William Avenue – Property Summary

Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile

This is a late-19th-century house (built 1893) on William Avenue in Winnipeg’s West Alexander neighbourhood. With 1,690 square feet of living space, it’s noticeably larger than most nearby homes—ranking in the top 12% on the street and top 20% in the area. The assessed value of $259,000 is above the street and neighbourhood averages ($204,200 and $187,300 respectively), but well below the citywide median of $390,100. The lot is 3,168 square feet, which is slightly smaller than typical for the street and neighbourhood, and significantly smaller than the city average.

The appeal here is a combination of size and relative affordability. You get generous interior square footage without paying a premium for a large lot or a newer build. The property is older, which will appeal to buyers who appreciate character, established streets, and mature neighbourhoods—but it also means potential maintenance or renovation needs are realistic to expect. It’s not a starter home for someone wanting turn-key, but it could suit someone who values space over land, or a buyer who sees value in an older home with good bones in a working-class inner-city area.

Five FAQs

1. How does the year built affect livability and resale?
The house is over 130 years old, and while that often means solid construction and unique details, it can also come with older wiring, plumbing, or insulation. It’s wise to budget for updating systems over time. On resale, older homes in this area tend to hold value but don’t appreciate as quickly as newer builds in higher-demand zones.

2. Is the assessed value a good indicator of market price?
Assessed value is a rough baseline used for property taxes, not a market appraisal. In this case, the $259,000 assessment is higher than the street and neighbourhood averages, but well below citywide. Actual sale price will depend on condition, finish quality, and demand at the time. The numbers suggest the home is priced below many newer homes citywide, which could be appealing for buyers on a budget.

3. How does the lot size compare to others in the area?
The lot is 3,168 square feet—smaller than the street average of 3,800 and the neighbourhood average of 3,591. It ranks in the top 60–68% locally, meaning it’s not unusually small, but it’s below typical for the city. Yard space is modest, so it’s better suited for someone who doesn’t need a large garden or extensive outdoor entertaining area.

4. What type of neighbourhood is West Alexander?
West Alexander is an older, established part of Winnipeg with a mix of residential and light commercial uses. The area has seen some reinvestment in recent decades but is still more affordable than many central neighbourhoods. It’s not a high-demand zone like River Heights or Wolseley, which keeps prices lower. It may appeal to buyers who prioritize square footage over neighbourhood prestige.

5. What should I look for during a home inspection on a house this old?
Priorities include: foundation condition (especially in Winnipeg’s frost cycles), electrical system (likely knob-and-tube or early Romex), plumbing (galvanized steel or lead pipes are common in pre-1900 houses), and window/door draftiness. Roof age and insulation levels are also worth close attention. A thorough inspection specific to historic homes is recommended.