Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile

This 768 sqft home at 731 Ross Avenue sits on a notably large lot—5,137 sqft—which places it in the top 13% on its street and top 12% in the West Alexander neighbourhood. That’s the standout feature here: the land is generous relative to most nearby properties. The house itself was built in 1995, making it considerably newer than the surrounding stock (the neighbourhood average is 1921). This means the structure will likely require fewer immediate updates than many of its neighbours.

The assessed value sits at $210,000, which is close to the street and neighbourhood averages, but well below the citywide median of $390,000. That reflects both the smaller living area and the location. Living area is below average at 768 sqft—ranking in the bottom quarter locally. So you’re trading interior square footage for a bigger yard and a newer build.

The appeal is mainly for someone who prioritises outdoor space and doesn’t need a large interior footprint. It could suit a first-time buyer looking for a newer home without the premium price tag of a fully renovated older house, or someone willing to invest in a modest addition later. Because the land is large relative to the house, there may be potential for future expansion—but you’d want to verify zoning and setback rules before counting on that. It’s less suited to buyers who need move-in-ready space or who place a high value on being in a trendy, central neighbourhood.

Five Possible FAQs

1. How does the property tax compare to other homes in the area?
The assessed value of $210,000 is close to the street average of $200,000 and the neighbourhood average of $187,000. That means property taxes should be in line with or slightly above the local norm, but well under the citywide median assessed value of $390,000.

2. Is the house in a historic or older neighbourhood?
West Alexander is an older area—most homes were built in the 1920s on average. This house is an outlier at 1995, so the street and surrounding blocks have a mix of character homes and a few newer infill builds. The neighbourhood has an established feel, not a newly developed one.

3. What kind of outdoor space does the lot provide?
At just over 5,100 sqft, the lot is about 50% larger than the typical property on Ross Avenue and about 40% larger than the West Alexander average. That gives room for a garden, a workshop, or possibly a future laneway suite or addition, subject to local approvals.

4. How does the living space compare to typical starter homes?
At 768 sqft, it’s smaller than the average one- or two-bedroom starter home in the city. It’s comparable to a compact two-bedroom apartment in terms of square footage. If you need more than one bedroom and a combined living/dining area, you’ll want to see the floor plan in person.

5. Is the price reasonable given the smaller interior?
The assessment suggests the market values the land and newer construction more than the limited living area. For someone who wants a newer structure without paying for extra rooms they won’t use, the price could be fair. For buyers who need maximum interior square footage for their budget, older homes in the area may offer more house for similar money.