California faces a severe housing shortage, yet thousands of homes sit vacant across the state.
Estimated Vacant Homes in California
- Approximately 1.7 million housing units are vacant statewide
- This includes:
- Second homes or investment properties
- Units for sale or rent
- Abandoned or neglected buildings
While exact numbers vary by city, vacancy rates are rising due to economic shifts and housing costs.
Why Are There So Many Vacant Homes?
- High housing costs: Many homes are too expensive to sell or rent
- Investor ownership: Some properties held as long-term investments
- Inheritance issues: Heir property not yet settled or maintained
- Urban decline: Some older neighborhoods see disinvestment
Top Cities with High Vacancy Rates
- Los Angeles County: Over 300,000 vacant units
- San Bernardino County: ~180,000 vacant
- Riverside County: ~150,000 vacant
- Fresno, Bakersfield, and Stockton: Also show high vacancy trends
Efforts to Reduce Vacancy
- Vacant property taxes: Cities like Oakland and San Jose impose fees on unused homes
- ADU incentives: Encourage homeowners to build rental units
- Landlord support programs: Help bring vacant rentals back to market
Conclusion
There are an estimated 1.7 million vacant homes in California, contributing to the state’s housing crisis. While many are second homes or investment properties, cities are exploring ways to incentivize occupancy and increase housing supply.
FAQs
Q: How many vacant homes are there in California?
A: Around 1.7 million housing units are vacant across the state.
Q: Why are so many homes empty?
A: High prices, investor ownership, inheritance issues, and urban decline all play a role.
Q: Are cities doing anything about vacant homes?
A: Yes — some charge extra taxes or offer incentives to bring properties back online.
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