Key Characteristics & Appeal

This is a compact 812-square-foot home built in 1950, sitting on a 3,348-square-foot lot on Selkirk Avenue in Winnipeg’s William Whyte neighbourhood. The property is relatively modest in size compared to citywide averages, but its strongest asset is its assessed value relative to its immediate surroundings. Within the neighbourhood, it ranks in the top 13% for assessed value, significantly above the local average of $149,100. This suggests the home has been well-maintained or updated in ways that have increased its market worth compared to nearby properties. On the street itself, the value is merely average, which may indicate that Selkirk Avenue has a mix of conditions and prices.

The living area is below average at every level—street, neighbourhood, and city—so the appeal here is not spaciousness. The land area is relatively generous for the neighbourhood (ranking in the top 41%) but still small by city standards. The home is older than many citywide properties (top 72% citywide for year built), but it is newer than most homes in its immediate area, ranking in the top 19% within William Whyte.

Who it would suit: A buyer looking for an entry-level property in a neighbourhood with potential, rather than a turnkey family home with large rooms. It could work for someone who values a solid structure and a better-than-average lot size for the area, and who is willing to compromise on square footage. Investors or first-time buyers focused on value relative to the neighbourhood—not citywide benchmarks—might see this as an undervalued asset. The property likely appeals more to those familiar with William Whyte’s character and price dynamics than to someone seeking a typical suburban home.

Five Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the assessed value compare to similar homes on the street?
The assessed value of $213,000 is slightly above the street average of $193,800, ranking in the top 38%. This means it’s not the highest on Selkirk Avenue, but it’s above the median—suggesting the home is in decent condition relative to its immediate neighbours.

2. Is the living area too small for a family?
At 812 square feet, this is a small home. It's below average even for the neighbourhood, where the typical home is around 1,158 square feet. It could work for a couple, a single person, or a small family if space is used efficiently, but it would feel tight for a household with multiple children or those needing dedicated office space.

3. How old is the property, and has it likely been updated?
Built in 1950, it is newer than the neighbourhood average of 1927 but older than the citywide average of 1966. The above-average assessed value in the neighbourhood suggests that either the home has had updates (e.g., electrical, plumbing, roof, or interior finishes) or the lot and location hold more value. Buyers should still factor in potential mid-century maintenance needs like foundation, windows, or insulation.

4. What’s the lot like, and is there room for expansion?
The lot is 3,348 square feet—average for the neighbourhood (top 41%) but well below the citywide average of 6,570 square feet. There is some outdoor space, but it is not oversized. Expanding the home’s footprint would be limited by zoning and lot coverage rules, but the land area is not so small that it rules out a modest addition or a garage if that’s allowed.

5. Why is the citywide ranking so low despite strong neighbourhood value?
The home ranks in the top 90% citywide for assessed value (meaning 90% of city homes are worth more) because Winnipeg has many higher-value neighbourhoods. Within William Whyte, however, this property sits above the local average, showing that it performs well in a lower-priced area. This is common for older, inner-city homes where local context matters more than citywide comparisons.