Property Summary: 120 Garfield Street S, Winnipeg

1. Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile

This is a 1921-built home with 826 sq. ft. of living space on a 3,293 sq. ft. lot. Its standout feature is the lot size—it’s larger than average for the street, ranking in the top 29% locally. The assessed value of $270,000 is essentially on par with other homes on Garfield Street, which makes it a relatively affordable entry point into the Wolseley neighborhood. Wolseley itself is an older, established area, and this property’s age (built in 1921) is actually above average for the neighborhood, where many homes are even older. The living area is below average by street, neighborhood, and city standards.

The appeal here is less about the interior square footage and more about the land and the location. Buyers would likely be those interested in a modestly sized home on a good lot in a sought-after central neighborhood. It could suit a first-time buyer looking for a renovation project, someone who values outdoor space and a mature, walkable area over a larger house, or an investor who sees potential in adding square footage or redeveloping the lot, subject to zoning. The trade-off is clear: you get less interior space than typical for the area, but you’re paying a price that reflects that, while securing a relatively generous piece of land in a neighborhood with strong character and older housing stock.

2. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: The listing data mentions rankings. What do those percentages actually mean?
A: Each ranking shows how this property compares to similar homes. For example, “Top 29%” for lot size means it’s larger than 71% of comparable homes on this street. “Top 97%” for neighborhood living area means it’s smaller than 97% of comparable homes in Wolseley. These are local benchmarks, not city-wide averages.

Q: The assessed value is $270,000, but the neighborhood average is much higher. Why?
A: The neighborhood average ($371.3k) includes a wide range of homes, likely with larger living areas and more modern updates. This property’s value is right at the street average, reflecting its smaller footprint and older construction. It’s not an outlier for Garfield Street itself, only for the broader Wolseley area.

Q: Is a 1921 home a concern?
A: Not necessarily, but it depends on maintenance history. In Wolseley, homes of this era are common and often well-built. Being “above average” for age in the neighborhood suggests it’s newer than many of its immediate neighbours. However, buyers should budget for older-home realities like knob-and-tube wiring, lead pipes, or foundation work. A thorough inspection is essential.

Q: The living area is 826 sq. ft. Is that too small for a family?
A: That depends on your needs. It’s below average for the city, but many families in older central neighborhoods manage well with this size, especially if they value yard space, location, and lower costs over a larger interior. It could work as a starter home or for a couple. Adding a second story or rear extension could be an option, but that should be investigated with the city’s planning department early on.

Q: How does the lot size compare to other homes in Winnipeg?
A: The lot is 3,293 sq. ft., which is below the citywide average of 6,570 sq. ft. for comparable homes. However, within Garfield Street, it’s above average (top 29%). So it’s a good-sized lot for this specific street and neighborhood, but not large by overall suburban standards. Homes in older, inner-city areas like Wolseley typically have smaller lots than newer suburban developments.