Abandonment and Deterioration
Jackson abandoned Neverland in 2005 following his acquittal in a child sex abuse trial. The property has since fallen into disrepair, with photographs showing the estate rotting and deteriorating. Despite its abandoned state, the 2,700-acre ranch has been maintained with 24/7 security patrols, including special drones, throughout the years.
Original Development and Features
Jackson purchased the property in 1988 for $19.5 million and spent an additional $35 million transforming it into a personal amusement park. At its peak, Neverland featured a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, circus tent, 50-seat cinema, arcade, petting zoo, train station, basketball court, and a zoo stocked with tigers, crocodiles, and giraffes. The annual maintenance cost was approximately $10 million, contributing to Jackson's financial difficulties.
Ownership Change and Financial Loss
After years of abandonment, Jackson transferred the ranch to a company in 2008 to cover mounting debts. Billionaire Ron Burkle, described as a family friend, purchased Neverland in 2020 for $22 million—a significant loss from its initial $100 million asking price.
Recent Biopic Filming
In 2024 and 2025, the ranch served as a filming location for the Michael Jackson biopic titled Michael, starring Miles Teller. For production purposes, the amusement rides were renovated and dressed up, with extras positioned as ride operators, food vendors, and park employees. This temporary restoration provided a glimpse of the property's former grandeur before it returned to its deteriorated state.
Dark Legacy
The property's abandonment is tied to abuse allegations made against Jackson. In 2019, the documentary Leaving Neverland featured claims from Wade Robson and James Safechuck that they were abused at the ranch. The site remains a subject of ongoing legal issues, with new abuse lawsuits filed in 2026 against Jackson's estate. 
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