A neglected San Francisco home with a history of squatter occupation is now on the market for $1.3 million, and it already has a buyer. Situated on Yukon Street, close to the historic Castro neighborhood, this 2,100-square-foot residence has seen various squatters occupy it over the past five years, as reported by the San Francisco Standard.

Local residents have noted frequent police visits due to disturbances such as drug use and noise complaints. Pictures from the property listing reveal boarded-up doors, shattered windows, and graffiti-covered walls. There is also debris like hypodermic needles, and evidence of squatters having left a makeshift toilet on the top-floor deck.

Despite lacking utilities, such as running water and electricity, the home has attracted significant interest. As NBC Bay Area reports, real estate agents Zara and James Rowbotham have indicated that interest has been steady. The property is already marked as under contract on Vanguard Properties website.

This quick sale highlights the high value of San Francisco real estate, where even severely neglected homes can command significant prices. Zara Rowbotham commented to the SF Standard, speculating that if this were a single-family dwelling in better condition, it could have sold for close to $2 million.

According to NBC Bay Area, the property is located at the edge of Kite Hill in the Eureka Valley neighborhood. The unexpected success of this listing occurs amidst a rise in squatting incidents across California and the broader U.S.

A New York Times report included findings from a 2024 survey, which revealed that 76 percent of California property owners perceived squatting as a significant issue. Additionally, 70 percent said they had experienced squatting or knew someone who had.

In response, several states have enacted laws to enable law enforcement to arrest unauthorized occupants swiftly, sidestepping typical court proceedings. Yet, California remains an exception. Under state law, property owners must undergo an extensive civil eviction process for removing squatters. California’s statutes even allow squatters to legally claim a property if they occupy it and pay its taxes for five consecutive years.