The slowdown in the sale of homes continued alongside rising apartment prices in the second quarter of 2014, Government Assessor Tal Alderotti reports. The price of an average 4-room apartment in Israel's six largest cities rose 1.6% in the second quarter of 2014 and 6% in the 12 months ending in June.
In the second quarter average home prices rose most sharply in Ramle (7%), followed by Eilat (6%), Jerusalem and Modiin (4% each). Prices only rose by 1% in Tel Aviv in the second quarter but 9% over the 12 months ending in the second quarter. Prices fell by 1% in Holon and by 4% in Beersheva in the second quarter. There was no change in prices in Ashkelon, Herzliya and Kfar Saba in the second quarter.
The Government Assessor notes that there was a major slowdown in home sales in the second quarter, mainly of new homes because of the government's plan to charge 0% VAT to new homebuyers. However, he noted that the low number of deals had not stemmed rising prices.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 25, 2014
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