Arrived Homes, a Seattle-based real estate startup, has purchased the house used for exterior shots of the Byers family home in the popular Netflix series “Stranger Things.” The company has recreated the interior sets from the show, including the iconic Christmas lights/alphabet wall in the living room. Fans of the show can now stay in the house and experience the world of Hawkins, Ind., circa 1983. Arrived Homes uses crowdfunding to allow anyone to purchase shares of rental properties, opening up real estate investing to a wider range of individuals.
The house is located near the Atlanta airport and was bought by Arrived Homes for $400,000, with an additional $500,000 invested in renovations to recreate the look of the show. The company has worked with professional set designers who worked on “Stranger Things” to ensure authenticity in the recreation of the sets. Arrived Homes aims to offer fans of the show a chance to own a piece of the property for as little as $100, allowing them to share in the income generated from rentals. The ultimate goal is for fans to engage with the property and be a part of its success.
Alejandro Chouza, Arrived Homes COO and a self-proclaimed “Stranger Things” fan, has been closely involved in the project. He spent months collecting 1980s-era artifacts to help decorate the house, adding authenticity to the experience. The house is expected to be rented out on Airbnb for around $350/night on weekdays and $700/night on weekends, with the capacity to sleep eight guests. Chouza has also taken measures to prevent theft of set pieces, such as bolting down certain items in the rooms.
Arrived Homes has funded 437 properties in 65 markets, with over $200 million invested by nearly 700,000 registered backers. The company has been investing aggressively in the Midwest, focusing on markets where they are optimistic about rental income and appreciation over time. While based in Seattle, Arrived Homes does not own any properties on the West Coast due to unfavorable unit economics. The startup has explored other film-famous homes, such as the “Goonies” house and the “Home Alone” house, but found the prices too steep for investment.
“Stranger Things” first premiered in 2016 and has been a hit with audiences worldwide. The show follows a group of kids and other characters in a fictional town as they battle creatures and elements from an alternate dimension. The fifth and final season is set to stream in 2025. Arrived Homes’ recreation of the Byers house offers fans a unique opportunity to step into the world of the show and experience the nostalgia of the 1980s. The company’s innovative approach to real estate investing aims to democratize access to property ownership and allow fans to engage with their favorite shows in a whole new way.
