337 Burrows Avenue — Property Summary

Key Characteristics & Suitability

This is a small, older home in Winnipeg's William Whyte neighbourhood, built in 1905 with 896 square feet of living space on a 3,267-square-foot lot. Its assessed value is $85,000.

What stands out: The property is significantly cheaper than almost everything else — ranked in the bottom 2% on its street, bottom 11% in the neighbourhood, and among the very lowest city-wide. That low price reflects the small size and age. The lot itself is fairly average for the area but small by city standards. The house is older than most nearby properties, and the living area is below average at every level of comparison.

What’s less obvious: Being old and small in this context doesn’t necessarily mean poor condition — the data doesn’t speak to renovations or upkeep. A house built in 1905 in a neighbourhood where the average is 1927 means many homes in the area are also pre-war, so you’re not alone in dealing with older construction. The land-to-building ratio is favourable: a 3,267 sqft lot with an 896 sqft house leaves room for expansion, a garage, or a garden, which newer, tighter subdivisions rarely offer. On a street where most homes are assessed at $227,000, this property opens the door to an area that might otherwise be out of reach.

Who it suits: Buyers who are comfortable with a fixer-upper or who have the skills and budget to renovate. First-time buyers looking for the cheapest entry point into a specific neighbourhood. Investors or flippers targeting properties with low acquisition costs and potential for value-add through expansion or modernisation. Someone who values lot space over finished square footage.

Five Frequently Asked Questions

1. How accurate is the assessed value as a measure of what I’d pay?
Assessed value is used for property tax calculations, not market pricing. In a low-assessment bracket like this, the sale price could be higher or lower depending on condition, recent upgrades, and competition. The $85,000 figure tells you this is a low-end property in the city’s eyes, but expect the market to set its own number.

2. Is a house built in 1905 likely to have major structural issues?
Not necessarily, but it’s worth a thorough inspection. Many homes from that era have solid foundations (stone or concrete) and good bones if maintained. Common issues include outdated wiring, lead pipes, knob-and-tube electrical, asbestos in insulation or flooring, and settling in the foundation. The fact that it’s still standing and in the tax rolls after 120 years is a decent sign, but don’t skip the inspection.

3. Could I add square footage to this house?
Possibly. The lot is 3,267 sqft, which is about average for the neighbourhood. That’s enough for a two-storey house or a modest bungalow with an addition. You’d need to check local zoning rules, setback requirements, and whether the house’s existing structure and foundation can support an extension. The land-to-building ratio works in your favour — you’re not on a postage-stamp lot.

4. What’s the William Whyte neighbourhood like?
William Whyte is a central Winnipeg neighbourhood with a mix of older single-family homes and rental properties. It’s generally considered an entry-level area with modest prices. Proximity to downtown, schools, and transit is decent. Like many older central neighbourhoods, it has pockets of higher vacancy and lower household income. It’s worth spending time walking the block at different times of day to get a feel for it.

5. How does this home compare to others in its price range city-wide?
At $85,000 assessed, you’re at the very bottom of the Winnipeg market — ranked in the bottom 1% city-wide. That places it among the most affordable properties in the entire city. Most homes in this bracket are small, old, and in need of work, often in central or older suburban neighbourhoods. You won’t find many alternatives with a land area this large for the price.