One thing about east-coast cities in Canada, especially Halifax, is that our classic squared-off, saltbox Victorian houses can either look like
this, or like
this, depending on how well-preserved or well-restored they are.
However ramshackle an old masonry building is, it's unlikely to become too shack-like. But these wood-framed buildings can quickly look like little more than featureless cubes when you tear away the Victorian gingerbread and replace wood shingles with aluminum/vinyl siding. There are plenty of renovations underway to de-shackify houses like these, but there are still lots around. Some are quite distinguished-looking and well-appointed inside, which is a weird juxtaposition with their extremely humble curb appeal.
The most shack-like building in my neighbourhood has got to be
this old house, which is as rough-looking inside as it is outside. It's slated to be torn down for a new mid-rise, I believe.