San Francisco Home with History of Squatting Sells for $1.3 Million

A home in San Francisco, known for its past as a squatter residence, is now on the market for $1.3 million. Despite severe neglect, it has already attracted a buyer. The property is located on Yukon Street, near the historic Castro neighborhood. Over the last five years, a group of squatters occupied the 2,100-square-foot home, as reported by the San Francisco Standard.

Neighbors have documented repeated police visits due to issues like drug use, noise, and other disturbances. Photos from the property listing reveal boarded-up doors, broken windows, and graffiti-covered walls. Reports indicate the presence of hypodermic needles, and squatters reportedly left a bucket on the top-floor deck.

According to NBC Bay Area, the house lacks basic utilities such as running water and electricity. However, listing agents Zara and James Rowbotham noted the home has seen continuous showings. It is now marked as under contract on the Vanguard Properties website.

This quick sale highlights the high value properties in poor conditions can command in San Francisco’s tight real estate market. Zara Rowbotham mentioned, “If this were a single-family, it would have gone in a minute. It could have reached something like $2 million.”

The successful listing comes amid a rise in squatting incidents in California and across the country. A 2024 survey cited by the New York Times indicated 76 percent of California property owners view squatting as a significant issue. Additionally, 70 percent reported personal experiences or knowledge of someone affected by squatters.

In reaction to these incidents, several states have enacted strict laws allowing immediate arrests of unauthorized occupants, bypassing lengthy court procedures. California, however, follows a different path. Property owners there must undertake a lengthy civil eviction process to remove squatters. In California, squatters may also claim legal ownership of a property by occupying it and paying property taxes for five years continuously.