When you think of reality TV royalty, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt — known for their unforgettable presence on The Hills — often come to mind. But in early 2025, their glamorous life took a devastating turn when the LA wildfires ravaged their neighborhood in Pacific Palisades, reducing their dream home to rubble.

In a candid interview and series of social media updates, the couple revealed that despite their fame, they simply don’t have the financial resources to rebuild.

“We just don’t have the finances”

“We just don’t have the finances,” Montag admitted emotionally, reflecting on the shocking aftermath. The couple bought their 2,300-square-foot house back in 2017 for $2.5 million — a symbol of success after years of public scrutiny and reinvention. But now, after the wildfire swept through in January 2025, the cost to rebuild has skyrocketed to an estimated $5 million.

“That’s just something we can’t afford right now,” she added. “Even just maintaining the lot — paying the mortgage on a home that no longer exists — is overwhelming.”

Life in limbo

The couple has since relocated to a rental property in Santa Barbara with their two sons, Gunner (6) and Ryker (2). What was supposed to be a temporary fix has now become their new normal as they face legal, financial, and emotional obstacles.

Spencer Pratt described the loss as surreal. “There are moments where I walk outside and expect to see our yard, our house, our life — and it’s just not there anymore,” he said in a recent podcast appearance.

Turning to unexpected income

To keep their family afloat, Heidi and Spencer have been hustling behind the scenes. Montag’s once-criticized 2010 album Superficial saw a surprising resurgence after a TikTok trend brought it back into the spotlight. It even hit #1 on iTunes in early 2025, bringing in unexpected royalties.

“It’s wild. I never thought people would actually be listening to that album again — and not ironically,” Heidi joked.

Meanwhile, Spencer revealed that TikTok Live donations have brought in nearly $20,000 in just one week. “It’s not what I imagined doing at this point in life, but people have been incredibly supportive. We’re grateful.”

The couple has also leaned into brand deals, including a new partnership between Heidi and Ryde, a health-focused supplement drink.

Taking legal action

But behind the scenes, they’ve taken serious steps to fight back. In May, the couple filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and the L.A. Department of Water and Power. They allege that the city’s poor infrastructure and mismanagement of water pressure during the fire contributed to the massive damage to their home and others nearby.

“We want accountability,” Spencer said. “We’re not just doing this for us. A lot of people in our neighborhood lost everything, and there’s been no real explanation.”

The legal battle could take months, possibly years, but the couple is determined to push forward.

A humbling chapter

Once known for flaunting their wealth and drama-filled lifestyle, Heidi and Spencer are now facing a much different reality. “This experience has been incredibly humbling,” Montag said. “We’ve learned what truly matters. It’s our family, our health, and finding joy in the little things.”

Fans, many of whom followed the couple’s chaotic rise and fall over the past decade, have responded with sympathy and support. Comments on social media range from heartfelt encouragement to praise for their resilience.

“You’ve shown incredible strength,” one fan wrote. “You’re proving that being a celebrity doesn’t mean you’re immune to tragedy — but it does mean you have a platform to inspire others.”

The road ahead

Despite their setbacks, the couple hasn’t given up hope. “We’re taking it one day at a time,” Spencer said. “This might not be the life we envisioned, but it’s still our life — and we’re determined to make it work.”

Heidi echoed his sentiment, adding, “We’re not asking for pity. We’re just being real. We lost our home, but not our purpose.”

They’ve also teased the idea of turning their experience into a new reality show or docuseries, hoping to use their platform to raise awareness about the growing wildfire crisis in California and the lack of support for middle-income homeowners caught in the crossfire.

A broader conversation

Their story is also sparking a wider discussion about disaster recovery and the illusion of wealth in Hollywood. Many assume celebrities can simply bounce back from financial loss, but the reality — especially for those who haven’t had consistent income from acting or appearances — can be far more complicated.

Experts note that insurance often doesn’t cover the full cost of rebuilding, and even high-profile figures like Montag and Pratt can find themselves in limbo when disaster strikes.

A new chapter?

As they continue to navigate life after loss, Heidi and Spencer remain hopeful. Whether through music, TikTok, or future media projects, they are finding new ways to stay afloat — and possibly, even thrive.

Their journey is far from over, but one thing is clear: behind the headlines and celebrity filters are two people doing their best to rebuild, not just a house, but a future.