Buying real estate in Israel?

How war affects Tel Aviv property prices explained

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

property investment Tel Aviv

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War and military conflicts have a dramatic but predictable impact on Tel Aviv's property market, creating short-term price drops followed by strong recoveries.

Historical data reveals that Tel Aviv property prices typically fall 10-16% during major conflicts but rebound with 22-25% annual growth in post-war periods. The current 2023-2024 conflict has followed this pattern, with prices dropping 8-18% before stabilizing in mid-2025. Understanding these cycles helps investors make informed decisions about timing their property purchases in Israel's economic capital.

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 🔎📝

At Sands of Wealth, we explore the Israeli real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—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 has been the average change in Tel Aviv property prices during past wars compared to peacetime?

Tel Aviv property prices drop by an average of 10-16% during major military conflicts, based on historical data from past wars and the current 2023-2024 escalation.

During the Second Intifada and Israel-Hezbollah conflict (2000-2006), Tel Aviv property prices fell 12.6% from Q1 to Q4 2006. The current conflict has followed a similar pattern, with prices declining 8-18% into 2024-2025, particularly affecting the secondary resale market.

However, post-conflict periods consistently show rapid price rebounds. Tel Aviv property prices typically surge by 22-25% annually in the year following major conflicts, often reaching new peaks within 12-24 months. This pattern reflects the resilient demand for Tel Aviv real estate and strong investor confidence in Israel's long-term stability.

The recovery periods demonstrate Tel Aviv's unique position as Israel's economic capital, where international investors view property as a long-term safe haven despite short-term volatility during conflicts.

How quickly do Tel Aviv property prices react after war outbreaks?

Tel Aviv property prices typically drop within weeks of military escalation, with the market effectively freezing as buyers and sellers pause transactions.

The most acute price declines occur in the first 3-6 months of conflict, during which transaction volumes plummet and property valuations adjust downward. Sellers often withdraw listings while buyers adopt a wait-and-see approach, creating a temporary market standstill.

Market recovery begins surprisingly quickly once hostilities ease. Price stabilization usually starts within a few months after conflicts subside, followed by upward momentum as pent-up demand returns. The speed of reaction reflects Tel Aviv's sophisticated real estate market and the experience of investors who understand these cyclical patterns.

As of September 2025, the current conflict shows this typical pattern, with prices having dropped sharply in late 2023 and early 2024, but stabilization beginning in mid-2025 as market participants anticipate recovery.

What impact does war have on Tel Aviv rental prices in the short and long term?

War creates opposite effects on Tel Aviv rental prices compared to property sale prices, with rents typically spiking by 10-15% during conflicts due to internal displacement and housing shortages.

Short-term rental increases occur because families evacuated from border areas and damaged neighborhoods seek temporary housing in secure Tel Aviv locations. Four-room apartments in Tel Aviv have experienced rent jumps of 10-15% after major missile strikes, particularly in central and northern neighborhoods considered safer.

Long-term rental trends show gradual stabilization once displaced families return home and damaged housing stock is repaired. However, if construction delays persist and housing supply remains constrained, elevated rental prices can continue for extended periods after conflicts end.

The current 2023-2024 conflict initially caused rental spikes due to displacement, but by mid-2025, rents are leveling off while remaining above pre-war averages. This reflects the ongoing supply constraints from halted construction projects.

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Which Tel Aviv neighborhoods show the most resilience during conflicts?

Central Tel Aviv neighborhoods demonstrate the highest property value resilience during conflicts, with core affluent areas maintaining stronger price stability compared to peripheral locations.

Neighborhood Type Resilience Level Typical Price Impact
Old North (Tzafon Yashan) High 5-8% decline maximum
Ramat Aviv High 6-10% decline maximum
City Center High 7-12% decline maximum
Jaffa Medium 10-15% decline typical
South Tel Aviv Lower 12-18% decline typical
Peripheral Areas Lower 15-20% decline typical
Areas without safe rooms Lowest 18-25% decline possible

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How do foreign investors respond to Tel Aviv wars - sell, hold, or buy?

Foreign investors initially pause transactions and some conduct sell-offs during acute military escalations, but typically resume buying activity with renewed interest post-conflict.

Short-term foreign investor behavior shows reduced transaction volumes and selective selling, particularly during the initial weeks of conflicts when uncertainty peaks. Many international buyers adopt a cautious wait-and-see approach rather than making immediate decisions.

Medium to long-term patterns reveal that foreign investors often increase their Tel Aviv property purchases after conflicts, viewing Israeli real estate as a long-term safe haven investment. New waves of foreign buyers typically re-enter the market as conflicts subside, attracted by temporarily lower prices and confidence in Israel's resilience.

Current data from the 2023-2024 conflict shows this familiar pattern, with foreign investment initially declining but experts anticipating renewed international interest as market conditions stabilize in late 2025 and beyond.

What effect does war have on Tel Aviv construction projects and housing supply?

War severely disrupts Tel Aviv construction activity, with 40-50% of construction sites shutting down during major escalations, creating significant project delays and reduced new housing supply.

Construction disruptions stem from multiple factors including worker mobilization for military service, bans on Palestinian labor during security escalations, and supply chain interruptions for building materials. These factors combine to slow project completion times and increase construction costs substantially.

Labor shortages become particularly acute as Israeli workers are called to reserve duty and foreign workers face movement restrictions. This creates a cascading effect where projects scheduled for completion face months or years of delays, directly impacting future housing supply.

The supply constraints from construction delays often contribute to sustained price increases once demand returns post-conflict, as the gap between housing demand and available supply widens. Current construction disruptions from the 2023-2024 conflict are expected to impact Tel Aviv housing supply well into 2026-2027.

How do mortgage rates change during wartime in Tel Aviv?

Israel's central bank maintains elevated mortgage interest rates of 4-5.2% during wartime, directly impacting property affordability in Tel Aviv despite economic slowdown pressures.

Unlike some countries that cut rates during crises, Israeli policymakers have kept mortgage rates high to maintain currency stability and control inflation. This approach means Tel Aviv property buyers face higher monthly payments precisely when market uncertainty is greatest.

Lending policies typically become more restrictive during conflicts, with banks requiring higher down payments and conducting more stringent income verification. These stricter lending standards further reduce the pool of qualified buyers, contributing to market slowdowns.

Post-war periods do not automatically bring rate reductions, as monetary policy focuses on economic stability rather than immediate real estate market stimulation. Current high rates are expected to persist into 2025-2026, keeping property affordability constrained for many potential Tel Aviv buyers.

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

What government support stabilizes Tel Aviv's housing market during conflicts?

The Israeli government provides comprehensive property damage compensation and housing support that significantly stabilizes Tel Aviv's real estate market during conflicts.

Property owners, including non-citizens, receive government-funded repair costs, rebuilding assistance, and temporary housing if their properties suffer war damage. This comprehensive compensation system reduces the financial risk for property investors and maintains market confidence.

Rental support programs include state payment of alternative rental fees for displaced families and temporary mortgage freezes for properties with severe damage. These programs prevent forced sales that could destabilize property values during conflicts.

The government's robust safety net helps explain why Tel Aviv property markets recover quickly after conflicts, as investors understand their financial exposure is limited by state compensation programs. This support system distinguishes the Israeli property market from other conflict-affected regions worldwide.

How do property insurance costs change during Tel Aviv conflicts?

Property insurance premiums can surge threefold during conflicts, but Israel's government-backed insurance scheme absorbs most conflict-related property risks, keeping costs relatively stable for owners.

War and terror risk insurance premiums increase substantially during active conflicts, reflecting heightened security risks. However, the government-backed insurance scheme socializes most conflict-related property damage costs, preventing extreme premium increases that could destabilize the market.

Israeli property insurance rates remain more stable compared to global conflict zones because the state assumes responsibility for war-related damages. This government backing ensures that insurance availability and affordability don't become major barriers to property ownership during conflicts.

The current conflict has seen some premium increases, but the government insurance safety net continues to function effectively, maintaining investor confidence in Tel Aviv property protection despite ongoing security risks.

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 is the typical recovery time for Tel Aviv property prices after conflicts?

Tel Aviv property prices typically achieve full recovery within 12-24 months following the cessation of large-scale hostilities, often reaching new peaks above pre-war levels.

The recovery timeline follows a predictable pattern: initial stabilization begins within 3-6 months after conflicts end, followed by gradual price increases as buyer confidence returns. Full price recovery to pre-war levels usually occurs within the first year post-conflict.

Tel Aviv often experiences price appreciation beyond recovery, with property values reaching new highs within 18-24 months as pent-up demand combines with constrained supply from construction delays. This pattern has been consistent across multiple past conflicts.

The speed of recovery reflects Tel Aviv's fundamental economic strength, international investor confidence, and the temporary nature of war-related market disruptions. Current market indicators suggest the 2023-2024 conflict may follow this established recovery timeline, with full recovery anticipated by 2026-2027.

How do Tel Aviv property trends compare to other Israeli cities during wars?

Tel Aviv experiences more volatile price swings during conflicts compared to Jerusalem and Haifa but consistently leads in post-war recovery and long-term appreciation.

Tel Aviv suffers the sharpest price declines during wars, typically dropping 10-16% compared to 6-12% in Jerusalem and 8-14% in Haifa. This greater volatility reflects Tel Aviv's position as Israel's business capital, where international investor sentiment has stronger impact.

Recovery patterns favor Tel Aviv, which rebounds faster and achieves higher post-war appreciation than other major Israeli cities. Tel Aviv's economic importance and international appeal drive stronger demand recovery once conflicts subside.

Long-term performance data shows Tel Aviv consistently outperforming Jerusalem and Haifa in post-conflict periods, making it the preferred choice for investors who can tolerate short-term volatility for superior long-term returns. This pattern reinforces Tel Aviv's status as Israel's premier property investment market.

What are the latest 2023-2024 conflict data and forecasts for Tel Aviv property market?

As of September 2025, Tel Aviv property prices dropped 8-18% during the worst months of the 2023-2024 conflict but are showing stabilization and renewed upward pressure due to construction slowdowns and persistent demand.

Current market trends show rental prices initially spiked due to displacement but are now leveling off while remaining above pre-war averages. Transaction volumes remain below historical norms but are gradually increasing as market confidence returns.

Construction activity remains significantly impacted, with many projects still experiencing delays that will affect housing supply through 2026-2027. This supply constraint is creating upward pressure on both sale and rental prices as demand recovers.

Real estate experts forecast significant price growth if construction remains muted while demand rebounds post-conflict. Banking and real estate agency forecasts suggest Tel Aviv property prices could surge 15-25% in 2026-2027 if supply shortages persist alongside renewed investor confidence.

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

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. Holland Real Estate - Israeli House Prices Rising
  3. Globes - Tel Aviv Home Prices Falling
  4. Ynet News - Real Estate Market Update
  5. International Investment - Israel Housing Market Analysis
  6. Eurasia Review - Property Sector Analysis
  7. Buy It In Israel - Rental Market News
  8. Times of Israel - War Economic Impact
  9. Times of Israel - Housing Market Snapshot August 2025
  10. Bloomberg - Israel Interest Rates Policy