New home prices were 1% lower in March than in February, according to the Ministry of Finance's monthly macroeconomic Red Lights survey. The report says that home prices fell nationwide, with the exception of Tel Aviv and Haifa. The largest drop was in the Sharon.
Home purchases rose 7% in March from the preceding month, although they were 4% fewer than in March 2010. Home purchases by investors were 12% lower in March than in February, after falling 31% in January-February compared with December 2010. Investors accounted for 22% of home purchases in March, the lowest proportion since the second quarter of 2003.
Sales of second-hand apartments by investors were strong, especially in Beersheva, where the proportion was 50% higher in March compared with March 2010, and double the nationwide average.
Home purchases were strong in Jerusalem and Rehovot, especially for new homes. However, new home purchases fell sharply in Tel Aviv, the Central District, and Beersheva.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 11, 2011
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