709 Elgin Avenue – Property Overview

Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile

This is a 1,280-square-foot home built in 1905 on a 3,121-square-foot lot in West Alexander. Its living area is slightly above the street average but roughly on par with the neighbourhood and city medians. The assessed value—$171,000—is notably low for Winnipeg as a whole, placing it in the bottom 5% citywide, though it sits near the middle of the pack for both Elgin Avenue and West Alexander.

The property’s main appeal is price relative to space. You get a functional living area that beats many nearby homes, but at an assessed value that undercuts most citywide comparables. The trade-off is a smaller-than-average lot and an older build (1905), which means the home likely needs updating and may carry maintenance considerations typical of century homes.

This property would suit a buyer who values square footage over lot size and is comfortable with an older home that may require work. It’s a practical fit for someone looking to enter the market in a central neighbourhood without stretching their budget, or for an investor focused on cash flow rather than land value appreciation. The low citywide assessed value relative to living area is a less obvious strong point—it could mean lower property taxes than many homes with similar interior space.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the living area compare to other homes in West Alexander?
It’s close to the neighbourhood average. The home’s 1,280 square feet ranks in the top 45% of comparable properties in the area, where the average is 1,299 square feet.

2. Why is the assessed value so low compared to the city average?
The citywide median for comparable homes is $390,100—more than double this property’s $171,000 assessment. This reflects the older age, smaller lot, and likely less updated condition relative to the broader Winnipeg market. On Elgin Avenue specifically, the assessment is around average.

3. What should I expect from a home built in 1905?
Older construction often means solid framing but potential issues with insulation, wiring, plumbing, and foundation. The home is older than 98% of properties citywide, so factor in a thorough inspection and some renovation budget. Character details may also be present, which some buyers value.

4. Is the lot size a concern?
At 3,121 square feet, the lot is smaller than average for the street (3,608 sqft) and significantly smaller than the citywide average (6,570 sqft). This limits expansion potential and yard space but keeps the property compact and easier to maintain.

5. Who typically buys in West Alexander?
The area attracts a mix of first-time buyers, renovators, and long-term residents looking for older, more affordable central neighbourhoods. It’s not a high-demand prestige area, but it offers proximity to downtown and established amenities.