1480 Catharine Avenue – Property Summary

Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile

This is a compact 700 sqft home built in 1948, sitting on a generous 4,001 sqft lot in Winnipeg’s Weston neighbourhood. The property’s main draw isn’t the living space—it’s small by every measure (street, neighbourhood, and citywide)—but the land it sits on. The lot is significantly larger than average for both its street and neighbourhood, ranking in the top 28% and 24% respectively. That means the appeal here is more about potential than current livability: a buyer looking for a lower entry point into a central neighbourhood, with room to expand, build a garage, or garden, would find this worthwhile. The assessed value is well below neighbourhood and city averages (ranking in the bottom 16% locally), which reflects both the smaller house and possibly its condition or finishes. It’s not a move-in-ready showpiece; it’s a property best suited to buyers who prioritize land over square footage, value a quieter street within a mature neighbourhood, and are comfortable with a home that may need updating or a long-term plan.

Five Possible FAQs

1. Why is the assessed value so low compared to other homes in Winnipeg?
The assessed value of $135k is low primarily because of the living area (700 sqft) and the home’s age (1948). While the lot is larger than average for Weston, the house itself is smaller and older than most comparable homes citywide, where the average assessed value is $390k. The ranking reflects the combination of size and condition relative to the market.

2. Is the neighbourhood (Weston) considered a good area to buy in?
Weston is an older, established neighbourhood with a mix of post-war housing. It’s not a high-glamour area, but it’s central and has decent lot sizes. The property’s lot ranks well above average locally, which suggests some properties here offer more outdoor space than in many newer subdivisions. It’s worth driving through the street to get a feel for the block and nearby amenities.

3. Can I build an addition or a secondary suite on this lot?
With 4,001 sqft of land, you have more flexibility than most homes on Catharine Avenue. However, local zoning rules, setback requirements, and utility connections will dictate what’s possible. A 1948 home may also have older foundation or framing, so any expansion would need a structural assessment. The lot size is encouraging, but you’d need to check with the city before planning major changes.

4. How does the home’s age (1948) affect things like maintenance and insurance?
A 1948 home is post-war, so it likely has original framing, possibly knob-and-tube wiring or older plumbing, and may not have modern insulation. Insurance can be slightly higher, and some lenders may require an inspection for older homes. The upside: the lot size and the street’s average build year (1953) means you’re not the oldest house around—some neighbours are even older.

5. What’s the biggest selling point if the living area is so small?
The land. For someone looking for a starter home with space to grow—or someone wanting to invest in a central Winnipeg location without paying for a finished house they don’t need—the lot is the asset. It’s also a quieter street (ranked 14th out of 18 for living area, meaning it’s not a high-density corridor), which appeals to buyers who want a bit more privacy and outdoor room than a typical small home offers.