Home Mortgage Alliance Corporation (HMAC)

Bunker Down: The Rich Person's Guide to Surviving the Apocalypse

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Published Date 8/15/2024

In an era where political tensions are sky-high, some well-heeled Americans are quietly crafting their "just in case" plans. The Wall Street Journal’s Kris Maher and Jim Carlton offer examples of elaborate escape strategies ranging from snagging citizenship in far-flung countries to investing in the ultimate panic room: a luxury bunker that would make Austin Powers jealous.

Maher and Carlton cite Ron Hubbard, CEO of Atlas Survival Shelters, who has seen a surge in interest following recent political events. "They think civil war or revolution is coming to America," he says, probably while mentally counting his newfound riches. Atlas's "super-luxury" bunkers are like underground penthouses, complete with bulletproof hatches, gas-tight marine-grade doors, and decontamination rooms. Because nothing says "end of the world" quite like granite countertops and oak flooring.

Of course, these modern-day self-contained enclaves don't come cheap, with larger models costing upwards of $200,000. It is, after all, hard to put a price on surviving the apocalypse in style. Just ask Kim and Khloe Kardashian, who got a taste of bunker life for their reality show.

We've seen this societal anxiety before — from the 1950s nuclear threat all the way to the COVID-19 pandemic. But today's unease has a special flavor, seasoned generously with political rhetoric. Elaine May, a historian at the University of Minnesota, calls it "a new sort of anxiety, driven and encouraged by political actors."

Maher and Carlton also want to introduce you to Geoffrey Toledo, a 37-year-old real estate investor eyeing a unit in the "Survival Condo," a 15-story-deep bunker in an abandoned Kansas missile silo. With amenities like a swimming pool and cocktail lounge, it's less "doomsday shelter" and more "underground resort." Toledo is touring a 1,846-square-foot unit priced at a cool $2.4 million.

They also mention Survival Condo’s Larry Hall, who reports surging interest as the election approaches. A 29-year-old investor is considering a 950-square-foot unit for $1.3 million, describing it as “turnkey." Of course, for the ultra-wealthy, it's all about having options. Scott Bowman, a partner at McDermott Will & Emery, advises families with net worths above $500 million on how to move assets outside the U.S. in case of economic collapse — like financial hide-and-seek, but with billions at stake.

If you prefer to be more socially engaged, Vivos Group sells shares in bunker communities across the U.S. Their South Dakota location boasts 600 concrete bunkers on rolling grasslands. For just $55,000, you can lease your own piece of subterranean suburbia. Their website promises "5-Star Survival Luxury and Comfort,” Philippe Briggs, a retired police detective, leases one of these bunkers for his family. He notes it doubles as a summer getaway. Okay. Nothing says "vacation" quite like a reinforced concrete box buried in the ground.

For those who'd rather not wait out the apocalypse in America, there's always the option of foreign citizenship. Jean-Philippe Brunet, a Montreal immigration attorney, reports increased inquiries about moving to Canada. Judi Galst of Henley & Partners USA has seen applications for foreign citizenship skyrocket. The most popular programs are in the Caribbean, Malta, Portugal, Spain, and Greece. Becoming a Maltese citizen requires a nonrefundable contribution of about $813,000 and a real estate purchase.

Whether you're bunkering down or jetting off, remember: in the face of uncertainty, a little dark humor and a lot of money go a long way.

WSJ, TBWS

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