Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile

This 1,408 sq ft home on Virginia Place, built in 1996, sits on a 4,608 sq ft lot in the Whyte Ridge neighbourhood. Relative to its street, the home’s living space is on the smaller side (ranking 20th out of 22 homes), but it aligns closely with averages in the broader Whyte Ridge area and is comfortably above the citywide median. The assessed value of $500,000 is slightly below the street and neighbourhood averages, yet ranks in the top 20% citywide—reflecting both the desirability of the area and the fact that the home itself isn’t oversized for its lot.

The appeal here is balance. This isn’t a showpiece or the biggest house on the block; it’s a solid, mid-90s build in a well-regarded neighbourhood, priced reasonably relative to its immediate neighbours. The lot is slightly smaller than typical for Whyte Ridge, which may matter to some, but the home’s age (1996) means it’s newer than the vast majority of Winnipeg’s housing stock, where the average build year is 1966.

This property would suit a buyer who values location and relative value over square footage. Ideal candidates include downsizers looking for a manageable single-family home without a massive yard, or first-time buyers who want a modernish house in an established area without paying a premium for the largest unit on the street. It’s also a good fit for anyone who plans to stay put for a while—the neighbourhood stability and below-street-average tax assessment offer predictability.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does this home compare in size to others nearby?
On Virginia Place itself, this is one of the smaller homes (top 91% meaning only two are smaller). But compared to the wider Whyte Ridge area, it’s very close to the average. So you’re not sacrificing much space relative to the neighbourhood—you’re just not getting the biggest option available on your particular street.

2. The lot seems small; is that common for the area?
The lot is 4,608 sq ft, which is a bit below the Whyte Ridge average of about 6,175 sq ft. It ranks in the bottom 16% for the community. That said, it’s in line with many mid-90s infill-style lots. If yard space is a priority, this might feel tight. If you’re more interested in a low-maintenance outdoor area, it could be an advantage.

3. Why is the assessed value lower than average on the street but higher than average citywide?
The street (Virginia Place) has a handful of larger, more expensive homes that pull the average up. Meanwhile, Winnipeg overall has many older and lower-valued properties, so this home’s $500,000 assessment looks strong citywide. It means you’re getting into a well-off pocket of the city without paying a top-tier street premium.

4. Is a 1996 build considered old or new for this area?
It’s right in the middle for Virginia Place and Whyte Ridge, where the average build year is around 1994–1996. But citywide, it’s comfortably newer than 81% of homes. So while it won’t feel brand new, you’re buying a 25+ year old home that was built in a good era for construction standards in Winnipeg, without the maintenance headaches of a 1960s house.

5. What kind of renovation or update costs might I expect?
The data doesn’t specify interior condition, but a 1996 home is at an age where major systems (roof, furnace, windows) could be approaching replacement if not already done. It’s worth checking those specifically. On the upside, layouts from the mid-90s are often more open than older homes, and electrical/plumbing systems are generally up to modern codes. Don’t assume it needs a full reno—just budget for potential mid-life updates.