
Supporting the Community While Maintaining Strong Investor Returns After the LA Fires
Here at Gatsby Investment, our mission has always been to deliver value-driven real estate solutions that benefit both the communities we serve and the investors who trust us to provide strong returns. Over the last few months, we have taken time to reflect on how we can contribute meaningfully to the recovery process and ease the housing shortage while simultaneously protecting our investors.
Increased Need for Housing in Los Angeles
Before the fires, Los Angeles was already one of the most supply-constrained housing markets in the country due to under-construction, geographic limitations, and zoning codes that favor single-family residences over more practical multi-family structures. The fires then destroyed another 11,100 residential units, adding to the supply shortage.
While some investors have become hesitant to invest in Los Angeles due to the wildfire risk, it’s important to consider broader market forces that present opportunities for innovation. Disasters like this, while tragic, often accelerate policy changes and community priorities, especially around new construction and smarter urban development. As the city rebuilds, we’re seeing increased openness to new housing solutions.
Rebuilding with Intention
Gatsby is responding to the ongoing housing shortage, exacerbated by the 2025 fires, in a few key ways:
1. Multi-family developments that create attainable housing options.
Over the last several years, Gatsby has carved out a unique niche, building 4-10-unit multi-family developments on small lots, with long-term livability in mind. Our designs use space efficiently, provide modern amenities, and offer price points that work for a wider range of Angelenos. These projects not only help meet demand but also serve the evolving needs of families, renters, and first-time buyers.
2. Built-for-You homes to help families set (or keep) roots in LA.
Our Single-Family Built-for-You program offers a pathway to personalized, turn-key homeownership, ideal for families rebuilding after the fires or those looking to build their dream homes. We manage the entire development process, from lot acquisition (if needed) to architectural planning and construction, making new home construction accessible and efficient.
3. Supporting legislative changes to gentle-density zoning changes.
Gatsby believes in protecting the character of our varied neighborhoods while also allowing for more multi-family developments to accommodate more people within the existing infrastructure of the city, rather than continually expanding into more fire-prone regions. Working with the Los Angeles Builders Association (LABA), Gatsby is advocating for zoning changes that will allow for more housing units in desirable areas with strong infrastructure.
Strong Returns Earned by Providing Valuable Housing Solutions
Gatsby is committed to the Los Angeles market. LA remains one of the strongest long-term real estate markets in the country. We’re a city of international importance with limited land, high demand, and decades of proven resilience. By addressing urgent housing needs in a smart, scalable way, our developments are well-positioned for appreciation and cash flow, providing strong return potential for our investors.
We’ve seen growing interest in our current projects because they speak directly to a gap in the market: thoughtfully designed homes that balance affordability, quality, and demand.
Looking Ahead
We believe that rebuilding after the fires is about more than replacing what was lost. It’s about creating a more inclusive, resilient Los Angeles. Whether you're an investor looking for innovative opportunities or a family searching for a path back home, Gatsby wants to be your trusted partner in your real estate journey.