I
n the five months following the devastating Pacific Palisades fires, 67 land sales have closed, offering a glimpse into post-disaster buyer behavior and property ownership trends. According to local real estate broker Anthony Marguleas of Amalfi Estates, these early sales suggest that private dealmaking practices remain unchanged despite the area's upheaval.

    The data shows that only 12% of transactions occurred off-market, consistent with pre-fire patterns. A closer look at buyer activity reveals limited bulk purchasing by any single entity, with no buyer owning more than three properties. One developer purchased three parcels, while three others acquired two each, alleviating concerns about corporate consolidation.

    Ownership structure indicates owner-user interest in 29 of the 67 parcels, suggesting buyers plan to rebuild for personal use. The remaining lots were acquired by LLCs or corporations, likely indicating developer or investor activity. "Roughly half of these buyers appear to be planning to rebuild for personal use," said Marguleas.

    With an estimated 2,000 properties affected by the fires, these initial sales represent only a fraction of what's expected in the months and years ahead. Monitoring these early trends is crucial for gauging rebuilding momentum and community recovery. "This is still the beginning," noted Marguleas, "but it gives us a valuable snapshot of what's happening on the ground."