Houses for sale in Winnipeg: Birds Hill

Country living in Birds Hill

Birds Hill is a semi-rural spot just northeast of the city, and here is the first thing to know: it is in the Rural Municipality of East St. Paul, not Winnipeg. That is exactly the appeal for a lot of people. More land, more privacy, a bit of distance from the neighbours, and still a short drive to town. The provincial park next door, all glacial hills, forest and trails, sets the tone. This is space, not tight suburban streets.

Acreages and custom homes

Most of what you find here is a detached house on a good-sized, often treed lot, and a lot of it is custom or higher-end. Established bungalows on a couple of acres. Big custom builds. Equestrian properties with room for horses. Heavily treed parcels where you barely see the road. Some people buy a place ready to go. Others buy a lot and build. Both happen out here.

Buying an acreage: do this first

An acreage is a different animal from a city lot. Because this is East St. Paul, check the property taxes and how services work, they are not the same as Winnipeg's. Most places run on a private well and a septic field, so find out their age, condition, water quality and when they were last serviced. Look at the driveway and road access too, and any shared-road arrangements, and how the land drains. And if there is a shop, a barn or an addition, make sure it was permitted. Get those right and an acreage is a joy. Skip them and it is a headache.

Who it suits, and selling

People who actually want land, a hobby farm, a big garage or shop, or just room to breathe. It is a niche market of one-of-a-kind properties, so if you are selling, spell out what makes yours special, the acreage and its features, the well and septic, the outbuildings, anything you have upgraded. The right buyer knows it when they see it.

Is Birds Hill part of Winnipeg?
No. It is in the Rural Municipality of East St. Paul, northeast of the city, which changes the taxes and services.

What kind of homes are here?
Mostly detached houses on large, often treed lots, including a lot of custom and acreage properties.

Are homes on city water and sewer?
Usually not. Most run on a private well and septic, so check their age and condition.

What should I check on an acreage?
Taxes and services, the well and septic, road and driveway access, drainage, and permits for any outbuildings or additions.