Buying real estate in Israel?

Should you buy property in Tel Aviv now?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Israel Property Pack

property investment Tel Aviv

Yes, the analysis of Tel Aviv's property market is included in our pack

Tel Aviv's property market remains one of the world's most expensive, with average apartment prices reaching NIS 4.36-4.75 million as of September 2025.

Property prices have risen approximately 11% year-over-year in certain segments, though growth varies significantly between neighborhoods and property types. Rental yields remain low at 2-4% annually, while mortgage rates of 4-5% and declining transaction volumes reflect market caution amid high prices and affordability concerns.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Israel, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created ๐Ÿ”Ž๐Ÿ“

At Sands of Wealth, we explore the Israeli real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distanceโ€”we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What are the average property prices right now in Tel Aviv, and how have they changed over the past 12 months?

As of September 2025, the average apartment price in Tel Aviv ranges from NIS 4.36 to 4.75 million, equivalent to approximately $1.24M to $1.35M.

The median price per square meter stands at NIS 68,297 ($18,468), making Tel Aviv one of the world's most expensive cities for real estate. Price appreciation has been uneven across different segments, with some areas experiencing roughly 11% year-over-year growth while others show more moderate or even flat growth patterns.

Central Tel Aviv commands the highest prices at NIS 70,000-150,000 per square meter due to prime location and luxury segment concentration. The northern districts follow closely with similar premium pricing, especially in affluent neighborhoods. Southern Tel Aviv presents a more affordable option at NIS 30,000-50,000 per square meter, offering emerging neighborhoods with better value propositions.

Surrounding neighborhoods see substantial price drops as distance from the city center increases, providing more accessible entry points for buyers. The price variations reflect Tel Aviv's diverse urban landscape and development patterns.

It's something we develop in our Israel property pack.

How do prices differ between central Tel Aviv, the north, the south, and surrounding neighborhoods?

Tel Aviv's property market shows dramatic price variations based on geographic location, with central areas commanding premium prices while southern and peripheral zones offer more affordable alternatives.

Area Price per sqm (NIS) Characteristics
Central Tel Aviv 70,000-150,000 Prime location, luxury segment, highest demand
Northern Tel Aviv 65,000-140,000 Affluent neighborhoods, close to central pricing
Southern Tel Aviv 30,000-50,000 Emerging areas, better value, gentrification potential
Surrounding Areas 25,000-45,000 Distance from center, more accessible pricing
Peripheral Zones 20,000-35,000 Suburban feel, family-oriented, commuter access

What's the price difference between apartments, penthouses, and houses in these areas?

Property type significantly impacts pricing across Tel Aviv's neighborhoods, with penthouses and detached houses commanding substantial premiums over standard apartments.

Property Type Central Tel Aviv North Tel Aviv South/Emerging Areas
Standard Apartment NIS 4.1-5.2M NIS 3.8-4.8M NIS 2.5-3.5M
Penthouse Over NIS 8M NIS 7-12M NIS 5-7M
Detached House Typically over NIS 10M Over NIS 8M Rare, cheaper if available
Luxury Apartment NIS 6-8M NIS 5-7M NIS 3.5-5M
New Construction Premium pricing +15-20% Premium pricing +10-15% Market rate or slight premium

What is the current rental yield in each neighborhood, and how has it moved in the last year?

Rental yields in Tel Aviv remain low by global standards, typically ranging from 2-4% annually across the city's various neighborhoods.

Central and northern Tel Aviv districts generate the lowest yields at 2-3% due to high property prices relative to rental income. These premium areas attract investors seeking capital appreciation rather than immediate rental returns. Southern Tel Aviv and emerging neighborhoods offer higher yields of 3.5-4% as property prices remain more affordable while rental demand stays strong.

Peripheral areas can achieve yields up to 4-5% for investors willing to target family-oriented properties with longer-term tenants. Rental prices have increased approximately 6% over the past year, with 3-room apartments averaging NIS 7,000-8,500 per month across the city.

The yield improvements have been modest due to property price appreciation outpacing rental growth. Areas undergoing gentrification in southern Tel Aviv show the most promise for yield enhancement as neighborhood desirability increases.

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investing in real estate in  Tel Aviv

How do short-term rental returns compare to long-term rental returns in Tel Aviv?

Short-term rentals consistently outperform long-term leasing in Tel Aviv, generating significantly higher gross returns for property owners.

Average annual Airbnb revenue reaches NIS 120,000 ($31,000) with typical occupancy rates of 55% and average daily rates of NIS 624 ($164). Net yields from short-term rentals generally exceed long-term rental yields by 1-2 percentage points, especially in tourist-heavy and business districts.

Peak earning periods coincide with festival seasons, tech conferences, and summer tourism when daily rates can increase by 30-50%. Central Tel Aviv properties benefit most from short-term rental strategies due to proximity to attractions, restaurants, and business centers.

However, short-term rentals require active management, higher operating costs, and compliance with local regulations. Long-term rentals provide stable, predictable income with lower management overhead but generate lower overall returns.

Properties near beaches, cultural sites, and business districts show the strongest short-term rental performance, while residential neighborhoods typically favor long-term leasing strategies.

What are the transaction volumes right now, and are more people buying or selling compared to last year?

Transaction volumes in Tel Aviv have declined sharply compared to previous years, reflecting a significant shift in market dynamics.

The market currently shows more supply than demand, with developers holding high inventories of unsold apartments due to post-boom construction completions and elevated interest rates. Buyers have become increasingly cautious, particularly in luxury segments where price points have reached prohibitive levels for many potential purchasers.

Sellers face a challenging environment with extended time on market and pressure to negotiate on pricing. New construction projects experience slower absorption rates compared to 2023-2024, when demand was more robust. The luxury penthouse and high-end apartment segments show the most pronounced volume declines.

Foreign buyers continue to represent 22% of transactions, focusing predominantly on premium properties in central and northern Tel Aviv. However, even international investment has moderated compared to peak years.

It's something we develop in our Israel property pack.

What are the latest mortgage rates in Israel, and how do they affect affordability for buyers?

Current mortgage rates in Israel range from 4-5% depending on loan terms and borrower profiles, significantly impacting buyer affordability.

Mortgage Product Term (Years) Current Rate
Fixed NIS Loan 15-30 4.85-4.95%
SOFR (3-month) 30 3.00%
Variable Rate 20-30 4.20-4.80%
First-Time Buyer 25-30 4.50-4.90%
Investment Property 15-25 5.00-5.50%

These elevated rates have substantially reduced mortgage affordability, with monthly payments increasing by approximately 25-30% compared to the low-rate environment of 2021-2022. First-time buyers face particular challenges meeting debt-to-income requirements with current property prices and borrowing costs.

The combination of high property prices and elevated mortgage rates creates a double affordability squeeze, effectively pricing out many potential buyers from the market and contributing to reduced transaction volumes.

How do local salaries and cost of living compare to property prices right now?

The gap between local salaries and property prices in Tel Aviv has widened significantly, creating severe affordability challenges for residents.

Average monthly salary in Tel Aviv stands at $3,580 (NIS 12,500), ranking 23rd globally among major cities. While this exceeds most regional capitals, it falls well short of salaries in cities like Paris, New York, or Zurich with comparable property prices.

Cost of living remains exceptionally high, with a family of four requiring approximately NIS 21,250 monthly and single persons needing around NIS 12,522. Tel Aviv consistently ranks among the world's most expensive cities for daily expenses, housing costs, and general living expenses.

The purchase power analysis reveals that average households would need decades to afford property ownership at current price levels. Property price appreciation has far outpaced salary growth over the past decade, creating an increasingly unaffordable market for local residents.

This cost-to-income gap drives many locals to consider peripheral areas or alternative cities, while creating opportunities for higher-income international buyers and investors.

infographics rental yields citiesTel Aviv

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Israel versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What are the government's policies or tax incentives on buying, renting, or reselling property in Tel Aviv?

Israel's government maintains several property-related policies and tax structures that impact Tel Aviv real estate transactions, though major new incentives remain limited in 2025.

Subsidized purchase programs like Mechir Matara provide limited benefits for qualifying new construction buyers, particularly targeting first-time purchasers and young families. However, these programs typically do not apply to resale properties in prime Tel Aviv locations due to price thresholds.

Tax implications include VAT charges on new properties, substantial municipal taxes (Arnona) that are particularly high in central Tel Aviv, and potential capital gains taxes on resale profits. Foreign buyers face additional scrutiny and may encounter different tax treatment depending on residency status.

No major new incentives for property resellers or landlords have been introduced in 2025, with government focus remaining on addressing housing supply rather than demand stimulation. Rental income taxation and property transfer taxes continue at standard rates.

Regulatory measures occasionally emerge regarding short-term rentals and foreign ownership restrictions, though enforcement varies by municipality and property type.

What are the short-term risks (next 6โ€“12 months) that could push prices down or up?

Several short-term risks could significantly impact Tel Aviv property prices over the next 6-12 months, with both upward and downward pressure factors at play.

Potential price stagnation or modest declines could result from further interest rate increases, geopolitical events affecting regional confidence, or security concerns disrupting market stability. The substantial unsold inventory overhang, particularly in new luxury developments, creates vulnerability to price corrections in premium segments.

Conversely, supply constraints from delayed construction projects, continued tech sector strength, and foreign investment inflows could support or drive prices higher. Currency fluctuations affecting international buyers and regional economic developments also influence short-term market dynamics.

Government policy changes regarding housing supply, taxation, or foreign ownership could create immediate market impacts. Infrastructure project announcements or completions might boost specific neighborhood valuations.

Market sentiment remains fragile, with buyer confidence susceptible to news cycles and broader economic indicators affecting both domestic and international demand patterns.

What are the medium-term trends (2โ€“4 years) expected for Tel Aviv's property market?

Medium-term projections for Tel Aviv's property market suggest continued growth despite current challenges, driven by fundamental supply-demand dynamics and infrastructure development.

Urban renewal projects including light rail expansion, highway improvements, and city center redevelopment are expected to enhance property values, particularly in areas with improved connectivity. The tech sector's continued strength provides underlying demand from high-income workers and international talent.

Most market analysts forecast annual price appreciation of 3-9% over the 2025-2029 period, assuming normalization of interest rates and resolution of current inventory overhangs. Supply shortage constraints persist due to regulatory limitations and construction bottlenecks.

Energy-efficient properties and apartments with outdoor space are gaining importance, creating segment differentiation within the market. Neighborhoods undergoing gentrification, particularly in southern Tel Aviv, show potential for above-average appreciation.

It's something we develop in our Israel property pack.

What are the long-term factors (5โ€“10 years) like demographics, infrastructure, and foreign investment that could shape the market?

Long-term factors strongly favor continued property value appreciation in Tel Aviv, despite current market challenges and affordability concerns.

Demographic trends include growing population, continued urbanization, and high inbound migration, especially of tech workers and international professionals. Israel's young population and high birth rates support long-term housing demand, while Tel Aviv's status as the country's economic center attracts internal migration.

Major infrastructure investments in transit systems, smart city technologies, and urban connectivity will likely enhance property values throughout the metropolitan area. Climate adaptation measures and sustainable development initiatives may create premium valuations for environmentally advanced properties.

Foreign investment is expected to remain strong, though subject to potential regulatory changes regarding ownership restrictions or rental controls. International buyers view Tel Aviv as a gateway to Middle Eastern markets and a stable democracy for wealth preservation.

Planning and regulatory constraints will likely keep property supply limited unless major reforms address permitting processes and land availability. This fundamental supply-demand imbalance should continue supporting price appreciation over the decade.

The technology sector's expansion and Israel's position as a global innovation hub create long-term economic drivers that support premium real estate valuations in Tel Aviv.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. Global Property Guide - Israel Price History
  2. Sands of Wealth - Tel Aviv Property Analysis
  3. Sands of Wealth - Average Apartment Prices Israel
  4. Buy It In Israel - Housing Prices Update
  5. Globes - Tel Aviv Home Prices Analysis
  6. Globes - Housing Prices Israel Update
  7. Semerenko Group - Penthouse Market Insights
  8. Airbtics - Tel Aviv Airbnb Revenue Analysis
  9. Sands of Wealth - Tel Aviv Real Estate Trends
  10. Conbiz Management - Income Producing Assets