460 Magnus Avenue – Property Summary

Key Characteristics and Buyer Profile

This home at 460 Magnus Avenue in Winnipeg’s William Whyte neighbourhood stands out almost entirely for its lot. The land area is 5,510 square feet, placing it in the top 3% on its street and top 2% in the neighbourhood. That is an unusually large inner-city lot, especially for a property built in 1906. Most homes on Magnus Avenue sit on roughly 3,500 square feet, so this one offers close to 60% more outdoor space than the typical nearby property. City-wide, the lot is still above average, though less exceptional given larger suburban parcels.

The house itself is modest. The living area is 848 square feet, below the street average of 1,017 and well below city-wide norms. The assessed value of $124,000 reflects that: it’s below the neighbourhood average of $149,100 and dramatically below the city-wide average of $390,100. The year built (1906) puts it among the older homes in the area, but that is common for the neighbourhood—many nearby houses date from the 1920s and 1930s.

The property suits buyers who prioritize outdoor space, gardening, or the potential for expansion (e.g., a garage, workshop, or addition) over finished square footage. It is not a turnkey family home for someone wanting modern finishes and generous interior space. It would appeal most to someone comfortable with an older, smaller house who sees the large lot as the primary asset—whether for practical use, long-term investment, or redevelopment potential. The low assessed value may also appeal to buyers looking for a lower property tax base relative to land-rich properties in pricier areas.

Five Possible FAQs

1. Why is the assessed value so low compared to the city average?
The home’s living area (848 sqft) is well below city-wide averages, and the home is older (1906). In Winnipeg, assessed value primarily reflects the structure’s condition, size, and age, not just land. Large lots in older neighbourhoods often have lower total assessments than newer suburban homes with larger, more modern houses.

2. Is the large lot suitable for a garage or secondary dwelling?
At 5,510 sqft, the lot is generous by neighbourhood standards, but zoning and setback rules in the William Whyte area would determine what is possible. A detached garage is common on lots of this size, but a secondary suite would require a zoning check with the city. The lot is not oversized by suburban standards, so feasibility depends on specific bylaws.

3. How old is the house, and what condition should I expect?
Built in 1906, it is among the older homes in Winnipeg. Buyers should expect original construction methods (e.g., knob-and-tube wiring, plaster walls, cast-iron plumbing) and plan for updates unless recent renovations have been completed. An inspection is strongly recommended, especially for foundation, roof, and electrical systems.

4. How does this property compare to others currently for sale in William Whyte?
The standout feature is the lot size—most listings in the area have land areas between 3,000 and 4,000 sqft. The living area and assessed value are below average for the neighbourhood, which means this is likely one of the more affordable options in terms of purchase price, but with above-average outdoor space.

5. What is the neighbourhood like for day-to-day living?
William Whyte is a central Winnipeg neighbourhood with a mix of older homes, rental properties, and some newer infill. It offers proximity to downtown, the North End, and major routes like Main Street. Amenities are modest, with local convenience stores and parks nearby. It is not a high-demand area for families seeking new subdivision amenities, but it has a stable, established residential character with ongoing reinvestment in some blocks.