685 Burrows Avenue – Property Summary

Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile

This is a small, older home in Winnipeg’s William Whyte neighbourhood, built in 1905. At 572 square feet of living area on a 3,004-square-foot lot, it is significantly smaller and older than most homes on its street, in its neighbourhood, and across the city. The assessed value is $91,000, well below the street average of $227,300 and the citywide average of $390,100.

The appeal lies in its low entry price. For buyers priced out of larger, newer homes, this property offers a foothold in the market—particularly for those willing to take on renovation work or who simply need a very small footprint. The land area is roughly average for the street and neighbourhood, which is notable: while the house itself is tiny, the lot is not unusually cramped by local standards. That could matter for future expansion or yard space.

This property would suit first-time buyers with limited budgets, investors looking for a low-cost rental or flip, or anyone comfortable with a smaller, older home in a working-class neighbourhood. It is less suited to those seeking move-in-ready convenience, family-sized space, or quick resale value.

Five Possible FAQs

1. Why is the assessed value so much lower than the street average?
The assessed value reflects the home’s small living area, age, and likely condition relative to other properties on Burrows Avenue. Many neighbouring homes are larger and newer, which pulls the average up. The $91,000 assessment is consistent with a property that is below average in nearly every comparative category.

2. Is the land area considered small or average?
On the street and neighbourhood level, the land area is around average. Citywide, it is below average, but that’s because Winnipeg includes many suburban lots that are much larger. For this specific area, the lot is typical.

3. How does the age of the home affect its practical value?
A 1905 build means older construction methods, likely outdated electrical, plumbing, and insulation. But it also means the home predates many modern building code restrictions, which can be an advantage for certain renovations. It is one of the oldest homes on the street—ranked in the bottom 12% by year built—so expect maintenance needs typical of a century-old house.

4. What does “Top 99%” or “Top 100%” in the rankings actually mean?
These rankings compare the property against all comparable homes in a given area. A “Top 99%” ranking for living area means it is smaller than 99% of homes on the same street—only 1% are smaller. The “Top 100%” citywide ranking indicates it is among the absolute smallest and lowest-valued homes in Winnipeg. The bar fill shows roughly how many peers you outperform; in this case, very few.

5. What should I consider before buying a home this small?
Think about how you actually use space. 572 square feet is roughly the size of a two-bedroom apartment. Layout matters, and older small homes often have chopped-up rooms rather than open plans. Also consider resale: the market for very small single-family homes is narrower. However, if your priority is affordability and you are not planning to sell soon, the low entry cost can make financial sense, especially if you can improve the property over time.