Key Characteristics and Buyer Profile

This is a 1911-built home with 1,266 sq ft of living space and a 2,499 sq ft lot at 1178 Alexander Avenue. Where it stands out is interior space: within the Weston neighbourhood, it ranks in the top 9% for living area, a full 330 sq ft above the local average. On its own street, it’s in the top 15%. That’s unusual for an older house in this area—most comparable homes here are smaller. The trade-off is the land: the lot is close to the street average but well below city norms, and the assessed value is low. The property tax assessment sits at $110,000, ranking in the bottom 1% citywide and bottom 4% within Weston. That means relatively low annual property taxes, but also reflects a lower market valuation compared to newer or larger-lot homes nearby.

The appeal here is for a buyer who prioritises interior square footage over yard space, and who is comfortable with an older home’s character and potential maintenance needs. Given the 1911 build date, the house predates most modern construction standards—systems, insulation, and layout may require updating. It would suit someone looking for a solidly sized home in a central, established neighbourhood without paying a premium for a big lot or a renovated interior. First-time buyers with some renovation budget, or investors seeking a property with below-average tax exposure and room to add value, could find it a practical fit.

Five Possible FAQs

1. Why is the living space ranked so high when the lot is average?
The home’s interior is generous for its street and neighbourhood, where many comparable houses are smaller (neighbourhood average is 936 sq ft). But the land area (2,499 sq ft) is close to the street median and below city norms, suggesting the house itself takes up a bigger share of the lot than typical for the area.

2. What does the low assessed value mean for property taxes and resale?
A lower assessment generally means lower annual property taxes. However, it can also indicate that the home hasn’t been updated recently or that the market in this part of Weston isn’t pushing values up. It doesn’t automatically mean the house is in poor condition, but buyers should verify what the assessment is based on—sometimes older homes are undervalued relative to their interior size.

3. Is a 1911 home likely to need major work?
It depends on what’s been done over the years. Many homes from that era have had updates to electrical, plumbing, and roofing, but not all. Buyers should budget for a thorough inspection, especially for foundation condition, knob-and-tube wiring, and insulation. The age can also mean solid construction and character details that are harder to find in newer builds.

4. How does this property compare to others on Alexander Avenue?
It’s one of the larger homes on the street for interior space, but it’s on the lower end for assessed value. That combination is unusual—most houses with more square footage also carry a higher tax assessment. This suggests either a less updated interior or a valuation lag. The lot size is about average for the street.

5. Who typically buys in Weston, and what’s the neighbourhood like?
Weston is an older, established area in Winnipeg with a mix of working-class and renovator-buyer activity. It’s centrally located, with access to the river, parks, and quick commutes downtown. Buyers here are often looking for more space per dollar than in trendier neighbourhoods, and they tend to be comfortable with older housing stock and gradual neighbourhood change.