Palisades Land Boom: A Golden Opportunity for Investors and Homebuilders

Multiple land listings have entered the market in wildfire-affected Palisades this month, fostering optimism for the community’s reconstruction. As the region recovers, investors and homebuilders are taking advantage of a rare opportunity to secure prime land at competitive prices.

If you've been considering purchasing land in a desirable Southern California location, this might be the time to act. Here's a breakdown of the latest trends, pricing insights, and what to expect in the coming months.

A Surge in Land Listings

According to Anthony Marguleas, owner of Amalfi Estates, as of Friday, 19 land listings were active. By Monday, a handful of additional lots had been listed. He expects about 500 to 750 land parcels to be listed over the next few years, representing about 10 percent of plots that burned in the Palisades.

The surge in listings is already attracting a wave of interest, with many properties receiving dozens of inquiries within days of hitting the market.

Land Prices Drop – But Demand Stays High

Earlier this month, Marguleas stated during a community meeting that land values in the neighborhood are expected to decrease by about 25 percent to 30 percent compared to pre-fire prices. Despite this drop, buyers are eager to secure lots, given the Palisades' prime location and long-term potential.

For instance, a 10,000-square-foot lot on Avenida De La Herradura recently sold for $1.2 million—about 19 percent over the asking price within just a month. Another 7,700-square-foot parcel on Mc Kendree Avenue, listed at $2.9 million, went under contract after only one week on the market.

Pricing Trends and Investment Potential

Current land prices in the Palisades range from approximately $750,000 to just under $4 million, depending on size and location. Unlike luxury home sales, these land transactions have yet to exceed the $5 million threshold for LA County’s "mansion tax," avoiding the additional 4 to 5.5 percent tax imposed by Measure ULA.

For investors and builders, the timing is critical—securing land at a lower price before redevelopment demand drives values back up could be a lucrative move.

Calls for Tax Relief and Policy Changes

In response to the fires, a group of high-profile LA brokers, including Oppenheim Group founder Jason Oppenheim and Ben Belack Group founder Ben Belack, have urged city and state officials to provide relief for affected property owners. Their requests include:

• Exempting wildfire victims from the ULA tax
• Increasing California FAIR Plan insurance coverage
• Loosening building codes to expedite redevelopment
• Temporarily pausing property taxes in the affected areas

While the city has yet to publicly respond to these requests, ongoing discussions could influence rebuilding efforts and future land values.

Bottom Line

The Palisades real estate market is undergoing a transformation, offering unique opportunities for investors, homebuilders, and future residents. With land prices down, demand strong, and more listings on the horizon, now could be the ideal time to make your move.

If you're considering investing in land or making Orange County your next home, let's connect! Here at Whitestone Real Estate, we specialize in helping buyers and sellers navigate market trends, ensuring they make informed decisions. Whether you're looking for an investment opportunity or the perfect place to build your dream home, we’ve got you covered.

Reference: Dickerson, L. (2025, February 24). Palisades land listings soar — with 750 more projected to hit market. Inman.