It’s been one year since the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles destroyed homes in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena. And while residents are still figuring out whether and how to rebuild, speculators have wasted no time buying up distressed properties and vacant land. According to Redfin data, investors purchased roughly 40% of the vacant lots sold in fire-ravaged neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Malibu during the third quarter of 2025.