A house formerly used as a marijuana grow-op in Winnipeg is up for sale after it was seized by the province almost a year ago.

The seizure was made under the Criminal Property Forfeiture Act.

"Using this legislation, we can seize a house being used for crime and help turn it back into a safe and healthy part of the neighbourhood for the benefit of law-abiding Manitobans," said Andrew Swan, the province's minister of justice.

The house is located in the southeast end of Winnipeg at 31 Northport Bay. On Sept. 24, 2008, police seized more than 850 marijuana plants from the home. The home was officially seized by the province a year later.

The asking price for the house is listed at $349,000 and repairs to it are the responsibility of whoever buys it, said the province.

"This house is priced below market for the area there will be cost to remediate it but people will get their own advice on what to do," said Swan.

Housing officials recommend having a professional inspector trained in dealing with grow-ops look at a former grow-op house before buying.

"There's more trouble, generally, where you can't see it. One of the other issues typically is the electrical system," said Ari Marantz, president of the association.

At the Northport home, the province said criminals stole hydro.

"They drilled through the foundation, pulled the hydro out from the meter and connected it directly inside," said Gord Schumacher, Manitoba's criminal forfeiture director.

Additionally, no one can legally live in the house until it passes air quality tests.

Despite the stigma that some may see attached to former grow-op houses, one local realtor said the homes also have a draw.

"Sometimes the price is better, so there's always a buyer when there's a deal, especially in Winnipeg," said Natasha Kouk, a Royal LePage realtor.

Money raised through the sale of the forfeited properties goes to a fund that supports activities that include compensating victims of crime and covering court costs for seizing the property.

The house on Northport Bay is the second home seized for being used as a grow-op.

- with a report from CTV's Laura Lowe