Israeli Builds Mobile Home on Wheels for 2,500 Shekels Monthly Rental

Yam Netz, a 30-year-old Israeli recently engaged, created a mobile home in a caravan that he lived in for four years, traveling across Israel from Eilat to Haifa and beyond. Frustrated by high rental prices and the hassle of moving, Netz purchased a basic 11-square-meter caravan shell for about 30,000 shekels and spent four months customizing the interior himself, investing an additional 60,000 shekels in materials and systems. He designed the space meticulously, focusing on daily routines to ensure functionality, and chose a rustic, warm aesthetic with wood elements to create a cozy atmosphere.

The caravan weighs around 1,500 kilograms, requiring careful selection of lightweight materials like poplar wood for cabinetry. Netz optimized every inch for storage and usability, describing the process as a game of Tetris. Living in the small space initially felt claustrophobic, but over time he embraced minimalism and found joy in changing views from his window. He typically stayed in one location for six months to a year, creating outdoor spaces to extend his living area.

After moving to Australia, Netz continued working with tiny homes and caravans and now offers his Israeli caravan for rent at 2,500 shekels per month. The rental includes all installed systems such as solar panels, water, electricity, gas, refrigerator, stove, air conditioning, and speakers. However, renters must secure a legal place to park the caravan as it does not come with land.

Netz advocates for planning one’s lifestyle needs before designing a tiny home and highlights the freedom of mobility without the burden of packing and unpacking. He finds the caravan lifestyle deeply appealing and struggles to imagine returning to conventional housing.