Property Overview: 1421 Ross Avenue W

Key Characteristics & Buyer Suitability

This 1905 home in Winnipeg’s Weston neighbourhood offers 780 square feet of living space on a notably generous 4,157-square-foot lot. The property’s main draw is the land. It ranks in the top 24% on its street and top 20% in the neighbourhood for lot size, which is unusual for a house of this age and size. The assessed value of $208,000 is roughly in line with street averages but stands out at the neighbourhood level, where it ranks in the top 27%. That suggests the land is already adding measurable value relative to nearby homes.

The trade-off is clear: the house is small and old. Living area ranks in the bottom quarter citywide, and the year built (1905) places it among the oldest 2% of properties in Winnipeg. For buyers, this isn’t necessarily a negative—it means lower purchase price relative to land, and potential for renovation, expansion, or redevelopment. Note that citywide averages for living area (1,342 sqft) and assessed value ($390,100) are significantly higher, highlighting that this property is priced well below the urban median. The rankings use a bar system where fuller fill means you outperform more peers; colour indicates tier (e.g., red for top tier, gray for bottom).

This property would suit buyers who prioritize outdoor space, lot value, or a future building project over move-in-ready square footage. It may appeal to someone handy, an investor looking at infill potential, or a buyer who wants a lower-cost entry into a central neighbourhood without compromising on yard size. It is less suited to someone seeking a turnkey home with modern living space or a family needing immediate interior square footage.

Five Possible FAQs

1. Is the house livable as-is, or does it need major work?
The listing data doesn’t speak to condition, but the stats show a very old home (1905) with a small footprint. Older homes in this age bracket often require updated systems (plumbing, electrical, insulation) and may have legacy materials. It’s wise to budget for a thorough inspection and expect some level of renovation, even if the property appears functional.

2. How does the assessed value compare to what I might pay?
The assessed value is $208,000, which is above the neighbourhood average of $184,700. That doesn’t set the sale price—market conditions and buyer demand do. But it does suggest the current assessment sees the property as worth slightly more than typical Weston homes, likely due to the lot. Check recent sales on Ross Avenue for a realistic price range.

3. What are the implications of the land being much larger than the house?
A large lot in an older, central neighbourhood often opens up options: adding an extension, building a secondary suite (check zoning), or even tearing down and rebuilding. The land’s top-24% street ranking also means you have more outdoor space than most neighbours, which can be a lifestyle perk but may require more upkeep.

4. How does the property rank for year built, and why does it matter?
It ranks in the bottom 2% citywide for age, meaning almost all other homes in Winnipeg are newer. That matters because older houses can have charm and solid materials (like old-growth lumber), but may also have outdated layouts, smaller rooms, and higher maintenance costs. It’s a trade-off between character and convenience.

5. What does the bar fill colour mean in the rankings?
The fill colour reflects how your property compares to peers: red for top tier, blue for above average, amber for below average, and gray for bottom tier. The bar length shows the share of peers you outperform. For example, the land area has a strong fill (top 24% on the street), while the year built likely shows a short or gray bar, indicating you’re near the bottom in that category.