The fire station is expected to be sold by the city for approximately $500,000, Philbin said.

The fire station was under the control of the Boston Fire Department until MTV moved in seven young people this January.

"The fire engines had been taken out several years ago," said Steve MacDonald, spokesperson for the Boston Fire Department.

MacDonald said that the station was serving in a "support service" capacity prior to the department's relinquishing control.

MTV rented the building for six months, MacDonald said.

Philbin said MTV paid "fair market rent" during the six-month period, though he declined to say how much that was.

But a nearby Beacon Hill broker speculated that the property probably drew $4,000 per month in rent.

Philbin characterized MTV's renting the property as a "win-win situation" in part because of the renovations MTV made to the station.

MTV insulated the station, put in air conditioning, sound-proofed the station, installed new windows and updated the electrical systems.

Philbin said he received no complaints from neighbors during the show's filming.

This season of "The Real World" features "seven young adults-sharing their lives, their values, a house and energy when they volunteer in a children's after school program," according to the MTV news release.