158 Aikins Street – Property Summary

Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile

This is a 2,116 sqft home built in 1905 on a 2,144 sqft lot in Winnipeg’s William Whyte neighbourhood. The property stands out most for its living space: it ranks in the top 3% for size on its street and within the neighbourhood, and top 8% citywide. In a market where comparable homes average roughly 1,100–1,300 sqft, this is a genuinely spacious house.

The trade-off is land. The lot is small—bottom 1% on the street, bottom 2% in the area, and bottom 1% citywide. That’s an uncommon combination: a large house on a very compact site. It suggests the home was built for density, possibly as a multi-unit conversion or a narrow infill property.

Its assessed value ($179k) sits around average for the street, but well above the neighbourhood average ($149k) and far below the citywide average ($390k). The year built (1905) is older than most nearby homes and much older than the citywide norm.

Appeal & likely buyers: This property suits someone who values interior square footage over yard space and is comfortable with an older home that may require maintenance typical of a 1905 build. It could appeal to a buyer looking for a larger-than-expected house at a relatively low price point, possibly an investor or a household that prioritizes indoor living areas over outdoor recreation. The small lot also means less yard work—a practical upside often overlooked. It may be less suitable for families wanting a big garden or for buyers hoping for a newer, low-maintenance structure.

Five Possible FAQs

1. Why is the assessed value so much lower than the citywide average, but higher than the neighbourhood average?
The home sits in William Whyte, a neighbourhood where property values are generally lower than the Winnipeg average. At $179k, this home is above the local norm because of its large living area, but still well below citywide figures because of the older age, smaller lot, and the area’s overall market conditions.

2. Is a 1905 home likely to have major issues?
Quite possibly. Homes from that era often have outdated electrical, plumbing, or insulation, and may contain materials like lead paint or asbestos. Foundation and roof age are also worth a close look. A thorough home inspection is strongly recommended. That said, many century homes in Winnipeg have been well-maintained, so age alone isn’t a dealbreaker.

3. The lot is very small by city standards. What does that mean practically?
With 2,144 sqft of land, there isn’t much room for a large deck, garden, or off-street parking beyond maybe one compact car. It does mean less maintenance, but also less privacy from neighbours. Check zoning rules—some small lots in older neighbourhoods have shared driveways or easements.

4. How does this home compare to others currently for sale in William Whyte?
It’s larger in living area than most, but on a smaller lot and older than many. You’d need to compare recent sales in the area to see if the spacious interior commands a premium, or if the small lot and age hold the price back. The rankings suggest it’s a standout for size, but not for land or modernity.

5. Could this property be a good investment?
Potentially, but with caveats. The low assessed value relative to citywide averages might point to upside if the neighbourhood appreciates. However, the small lot limits redevelopment options, and the older home may need significant capital expenditures. It may work best as a rental or a long-term hold where square footage attracts tenants or buyers who care more about indoor space than outdoor space.