Are California Home Buyers Desperate Enough To Buy Former Meth Labs?

California's housing crisis has forced potential home buyers to be less picky about the homes they'll consider buying.

But just how desperate are they?

Despite the housing shortage and the median price of a home being $800,000, there is one type of home many potential buyers are unwilling to compromise on: former drug houses.

According to a survey by Rehabs.com, half of buyers said they would pull out of a deal if they found out they were moving into a house that was once a drug den.

The survey of 3,300 also revealed that those who would be willing to purchase a property that used to be a drug lab would expect a 42% discount, which would be $211,684 off the listing price based on average property prices in California.

According to Rehabs.com, those who want a discount or refuse to purchase former drug dens have a good reason. The presence of crystal meth can lead to serious health issues if property contamination occurs.

The chemicals used during the production of methamphetamine can permeate the house's walls, ceilings, air ducts, and carpeting.

The survey found that more than half say the cost of proper cleaning would be the main worry if they decided to live in a former drug house.

Potential buyers can see how close they would live to a former meth lab thanks to a detailed study by Rehabs.com, which you can find here.