Malibu rebuilding stalls 18 months after Palisades Fire

The July 7 2025 Palisades Fire devastated Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway, destroying over 700 structures. One year and a half later, only a handful of homes have begun reconstruction. Homeowners face soaring rebuilding costs, insurance gaps and a protracted permitting process.

Matt Greenberg, who sold his beachfront lot after his permits were approved the same day the fire started, described the city’s process as “an absolute nightmare” and said he could not imagine rebuilding. The City of Malibu recorded 1,076 damage‑related permits but only 88 for new home construction. Mayor Marianne Riggins noted the scale of destruction, while many residents opt to sell rather than endure the financial and bureaucratic hurdles.

The slowdown leaves Malibu looking like a “ghost town” and raises concerns about the future ownership and affordability of the coastal community.