961 William Avenue – Property Summary

Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile

This is a 1,284 sqft home built in 1903 on a 3,299 sqft lot in the West Alexander neighbourhood of Winnipeg. Its assessed value is $183,000.

Where this property stands out is its living space. At 1,284 sqft, it’s noticeably larger than the average home on William Avenue (1,090 sqft), placing it in the top 24% on the street. That extra square footage gives it a practical advantage—more room than many neighbouring houses without being oversized or hard to maintain.

The lot is slightly below the street median but only moderately smaller than the neighbourhood average. It’s not a sprawling yard, but it’s a functional city lot. The assessed value is low relative to the city as a whole—well below the citywide average of $390k—which reflects both the older home stock and the area’s current market positioning. The year built (1903) places it among the older homes on the street and in the neighbourhood, meaning it likely has original character but may also need updates.

This property would suit a buyer comfortable with an older home—someone who values space over a turnkey finish and doesn’t mind the quirks or potential maintenance that come with a pre-war house. It’s also a strong candidate for anyone looking for entry-level pricing in Winnipeg without compromising on indoor square footage. For an investor, the gap between interior size and price could signal room for value-add improvements, but the older construction and modest land size limit upside compared to a full-scope reno play.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the assessed value compare to similar homes nearby?
On William Avenue, the assessed value is near the middle of the pack—around the 56th percentile. In the broader West Alexander neighbourhood, it’s almost exactly average. The big contrast is citywide: this home is in the bottom 6% of assessed values across Winnipeg, meaning it’s priced far below typical city benchmarks.

2. Is the living area actually usable in a 1903 home?
Yes, but expect rooms to be more compartmentalized than in a modern open-concept layout. The total square footage is solid for the street, but the age means you may have smaller doorways, lower ceilings, or less efficient use of space by contemporary standards. Worth seeing in person to confirm flow.

3. What’s the typical buyer for this property?
First-time buyers who want more indoor space than a starter condo or a newer bungalow would offer. Also someone comfortable with older homes—likely not a flipper or a luxury buyer, given the lot size and citywide value ranking.

4. How does the land size factor into value?
The lot is 3,299 sqft, which is slightly below average for the street and neighbourhood, and well below the citywide average for comparable homes. In an older neighbourhood like West Alexander, land value can be a key driver of long-term appreciation. If lot size matters to you, this is not a standout. If you’re focused on the house itself, it’s fine.

5. What should I look out for with a home built in 1903?
Older homes often have knob-and-tube wiring, aging plumbing, lead paint, and less insulation. Foundation and roof condition should be inspected carefully. The upside is that these houses were often built with solid materials—like old-growth lumber—that can outlast modern framing if they’ve been maintained. Check for updates rather than assuming anything has been done.