As previously cited, 85% of the approximately 1.700 historic buildings made of coral stone are in a very poor state of repair, while many houses have already collapsed. While climate change is a major challenge in conserving the coral stone buildings, political turbulence has contributed greatly to their demise. Under British colonial influence, Zanzibar became a protectorate and gained independence from Britain in 1963 as a constitutional monarchy under the rule of Sultan Jamshid bin Abdullah. Political power remained in the hands of the Arab minority, despite electoral victories by African-majority parties being undercut by political maneuvering and British support for the sultan.

The revolution in 1964 marked a sharp turn toward African socialism. The cultural impact was a massive change in Zanzibar's demographics, property redistribution, and ethnic relations. Many confiscated residences in Stone Town were redistributed to African Zanzibaris, who were given rights of residence but not ownership. A single large house might be divided into multiple family units, leading to overcrowding and a decline in building maintenance. Some of the most prominent houses and palaces were turned into government offices, schools, or hospitals. The lack of private investment further contributed to urban decay in many parts of Stone Town.