749 Ross Avenue – Property Summary

Key Characteristics and Buyer Profile

This is a 1,960-square-foot home on a 5,048-square-foot lot, built in 1905. The property stands out most for its size: both the living area and lot are significantly larger than average on Ross Avenue and in the West Alexander neighbourhood. The living area ranks in the top 3% on its street and top 10% in the area, while the lot ranks in the top 15% on the street and top 14% in the neighbourhood. The home is older than most nearby – top 85% on the street for age – but sits on a very usable piece of land. The assessed value ($185,000) is around average for the street and neighbourhood but well below the citywide average ($390,100), which reflects the home’s age and possibly its condition or finishes relative to newer citywide stock.

The appeal is twofold. First, the generous living area and lot size offer space that is hard to find in this part of Winnipeg. Second, the relatively low assessed value (compared to the city at large) could signal value if a buyer is willing to invest in updates. This property would suit someone who prioritises square footage and outdoor space over a move-in-ready, modern interior. It’s a good fit for a buyer with renovation experience or a long-term outlook who wants to build equity through improvements. It’s less suited for someone seeking a turnkey home or a property in a newly developed area.

Five Possible FAQs

1. The assessed value seems low compared to the city average. Does that mean the property is undervalued or in poor condition?
Probably a bit of both. The low citywide ranking (bottom 6%) for assessed value suggests the home’s age and likely condition bring its value down relative to newer homes across the city. But locally, the value is around average for Ross Avenue and West Alexander, so it’s priced consistently with comparable older homes in the area. A buyer would want a professional inspection to understand what condition is driving the assessment.

2. How does an 1905 build affect insurance, maintenance, and renovations?
Older homes often have outdated electrical, plumbing, or foundation systems. Insurance may be slightly higher, and some insurers have stricter requirements for older wiring (e.g., knob-and-tube). Renovations can uncover surprises, but they also allow a buyer to modernise a property with good bones and a large lot. A pre-purchase home inspection is essential.

3. What is the neighbourhood like in West Alexander, and is the large lot common there?
West Alexander is an established, older neighbourhood. While lots of 5,000+ square feet are not extremely rare, this property’s lot is above average for the area (top 14%). Larger lots are more common in outer suburbs or newer subdivisions. In this part of Winnipeg, a lot this size is a tangible advantage – it offers room for gardens, a garage, or additions that smaller lots don’t.

4. How do the rankings work, and what do they tell me about this home’s competitiveness?
The rankings compare this property to all similar homes on the same street, in the neighbourhood, and citywide. The key takeaway is that this home is unusually spacious for its immediate location (elite on the street, top tier in the neighbourhood), but its assessed value holds it back citywide. This creates a potential gap: a buyer may be able to improve the value with targeted upgrades while already benefiting from a larger-than-normal footprint.

5. Is the neighbourhood analysis map available, and what will it show me?
Yes, the property can be viewed on a neighbourhood map alongside nearby houses. That map will show how this home’s year built, living area, assessed value, and lot size compare to its closest neighbours. It’s useful for checking if the street has many similar-sized lots or if older homes are clustered in one area. You can access it through the “Open neighbourhood map analysis” link.