What Is a Zombie House? And What’s the Benefit of Flipping Them?

In recent weeks, a unique trend has resurfaced within the home renovation sphere: the renovation of so-called “zombie houses”. This revival can be attributed to the popular television series *Million Dollar Zombie Flips* and its companion show, *Zombie House Flipping*. These programmes focus on the ambitious task of revitalising abandoned and run-down properties, aiming to restore not only their value but also the surrounding community’s well-being.

The term “zombie house” refers to properties that have been left in a state of neglect, typically due to owners abandoning their homes during the foreclosure process. Characterised by significant disrepair, these houses often feature overgrown gardens, visible damage, and an overall lack of maintenance. In New York City, a property is classified as a zombie house if it is “abandoned and vacant,” features a distressed physical state with indicators such as weeds and graffiti, and is undergoing foreclosure procedures.

These neglected homes can lead to a myriad of problems within their neighbourhoods, including diminished property values and potential safety hazards. According to RocketMortgage, a zombie house arises when homeowners default on their mortgages, vacate the premises prematurely, and fail to engage in the foreclosure process until after they have left, thus leaving the properties in limbo.

At the heart of both *Million Dollar Zombie Flips* and *Zombie House Flipping* lies the promise of rejuvenation. Hosts like James Dainard seek out these derelict properties with the intent to transform them into desirable residences while providing financial profit to themselves and their partners. Dainard expresses his approach succinctly, stating his goal of acquiring “run-down properties no one else wants” and converting them into “stunning million-dollar homes.”

An example featured in the latest season involved a property purchased at $900,000, which had suffered severe neglect, boasting rotten walls, a ceiling riddled with holes, and piles of refuse cluttering every room. After committing an additional $250,000 to renovations, the team listed the home for $1.6 million, aiming for a potential profit of approximately $450,000, barring taxes and closing costs. Another property from a subsequent episode had a charred roof and a severely damaged garage. Acquired for $545,000, the team invested $175,000 in its restoration, subsequently listing it for $1 million with hopes of securing a profit around $280,000.

Although the prospects of flipping zombie homes can be lucrative, Dainard cautions that significant challenges accompany these projects. One particularly troublesome experience he shared involved a property that initially appeared to be a great opportunity due to its desirable location. However, complications arose when the house began to shift structurally, forcing the team to abandon their renovation plans entirely in favour of demolishing the building and starting anew.

Dainard highlights that many flips can become burdened by lengthy and challenging permitting processes. Problems can often arise unexpectedly, complicating decisions about design, budgeting, and labour costs. In his view, the television audience sees a reality that reflects the complexities of attempting to transform these homes; if the project does not meet his strict criteria, the houses are often deemed too problematic to salvage.

Fans of home renovation shows can look forward to new episodes of *Million Dollar Zombie Flips* every Saturday at 11 a.m. on A&E’s Home.Made.Nation, with episodes available for streaming the following day. The enduring appeal of this genre further fuels interest in the potential of transforming zombie houses into vibrant homes once more. As these shows continue to air, they remind viewers of the possible resurgence of dilapidated properties and the creative vision required to bring them back to life.