A San Francisco home with a documented history of squatting has been placed under contract for $1.3 million, despite its severe neglect. The 2,100-square-foot property on Yukon Street, located near the Castro neighborhood, has reportedly been occupied by a shifting group of squatters for the past five years.
Neighbors have cited frequent police calls to the residence over the years due to disturbances including drugs and noise. Listing photos reveal the extent of the property's disrepair, showing boarded-up doors, shattered windows, graffiti-covered interior walls, and evidence of human waste. The home also lacks operational electricity and running water.
Despite its condition, the property has seen significant interest, with listing agents reporting continuous showings. The speed of its sale is being attributed to the constrained real estate market in San Francisco, where limited inventory can drive up prices even for properties in poor condition. According to one of the listing agents, a similar single-family home in good condition could have potentially sold for around $2 million.
The sale occurs amidst a nationwide increase in squatting incidents. A 2024 survey indicated that a large majority of California property owners view squatting as a significant issue, with many reporting personal or familiar experiences with it. In response, several states have enacted legislation allowing for quicker removal of unauthorized occupants. California, however, maintains a more lengthy civil eviction process for property owners, and under state law, squatters can potentially claim ownership if they occupy a property and pay its property taxes for five consecutive years.