How Climate Disasters Turn Homeowners Into Renters

This piece was originally published on Forbes on January 7, 2026.

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…