Rebuild or Sell: Weighing the Costs, Risks, and Rewards
The Emotional and Financial Weight of the Decision
In the wake of a devastating fire, many homeowners find themselves standing on scorched land facing an impossible question: Should we rebuild—or should we move on? The answer is never simple. It’s not just about dollars and timelines—it’s about identity, legacy, and the feeling of home.
One of our trusted realtor partners puts it simply: “The decision to rebuild or sell after the fire is one of the tougher dilemmas property owners will face in the next few years.” It’s a reality unfolding across neighborhoods in Malibu and the Palisades, where vacant lots have become a visible reminder of the hard choices families are confronting. According to an April 2025 article in The New York Times, nearly 200 burned lots in Pacific Palisades have gone up for sale—but that number is just a fraction of the more than 3,600 single-family homes destroyed in the fire. It’s a striking indication of how many families are weighing their next move, and that this is a long process.
But beyond the numbers, this is a personal decision, and we recognize the emotional gravity that comes with it.
Understanding the True Cost to Rebuild
Rebuilding a home in today’s landscape involves far more than a set of plans and permits. New fire regulations, material costs, and permitting delays can make the process feel daunting. Many homeowners don’t realize how quickly expenses add up—from architectural and engineering fees to soils reports, geotechnical testing, and upgraded systems now required by code.
At Burdge Architects, we’ve seen it firsthand. With over 30 fire rebuilds on our books, we understand not just the process—but the pressure. We’ve helped clients avoid costly missteps by guiding them through the full scope of what a rebuild really entails. That kind of foresight can make all the difference.
Trusted local realtor, Tony Mark, encourages clients to zoom out: “If at all possible, I recommend homeowners take a long-term perspective… Malibu and the Palisades are two of the greatest areas on planet earth to live in. Although the next few years could be difficult, the long-term prospects for both markets remain very bright.”
The Shifting Landscape: Policy, Permits & Fire Zones
Navigating the rebuilding process has always required persistence, but recent policy shifts have brought some relief. The Governor's temporary suspension of Coastal Commission requirements for fire-affected homeowners is a change that allows projects to move forward more quickly, without months of red tape.
At the same time, CAL FIRE’s newly released hazard maps have expanded high-risk zones by 30%, bringing with them a new wave of building standards. Many of the homes lost in recent wildfires were built before modern fire codes—highlighting just how critical thoughtful, resilient design has become.
When Rebuilding Makes Sense—And When It Doesn’t
At Burdge Architects, we’re not here to push an agenda. We’re here to help people make the decision that’s right for them. For some, rebuilding means restoring a place that holds generations of memories. For others, the emotional or financial cost is too high, and moving on is the right path forward. It’s a difficult part of the job for realtors to see clients walk away from what was once home, but they play a vital role in helping families through that transition of selling. These are a few trusted professionals we can confidently recommend: Rob Radcliffe, Tony Mark, Mike Gardener, Cathy Bindley, Lily Harfouche, and Jay Rubenstein.
But if you are thinking about rebuilding, we encourage you to get guidance early. Talk to a professional who understands not only the code and permitting—but also the landscape, the history, and the community. Someone who sees not just a set of drawings, but the life you want to build.
As trusted local realtor Robert Radcliffe puts it:
“For property owners weighing their next move, I often say: if you're going to rebuild, rebuild with someone who understands not just the land, but the heart of the community.”
If you’ve been impacted by the fires and are considering your next steps, we’re here to discuss your project. Whether it’s clarity, guidance, or a new beginning—we’re ready to help.
