Jerusalem Residents Prefer Low-Rise Buildings Amidst High-Rise Construction Boom

A recent survey of 400 Jerusalem residents revealed a strong preference for living in buildings up to eight stories high, a stark contrast to the city's current construction trends. The survey, conducted by Geocartography Institute for Ram Adarath and Sela'it Real Estate, found that 78.1% of respondents favor low-rise housing, with only 3% preferring towers of 16 stories or more. This preference is particularly pronounced among the ultra-Orthodox and Arab populations, who constitute a significant portion of Jerusalem's residents and traditionally favor lower buildings. The survey also indicated that higher education and income levels correlate with a stronger preference for low-rise living.

However, data from the Central Bureau of Statistics paints a different picture of actual construction. As of March 2026, nearly half of all active construction projects in Jerusalem involve buildings of 16 stories or higher, accounting for 45.2% of nearly 20,000 new apartments. In contrast, only 31.3% of new apartments are being built in buildings up to eight stories, often located in established neighborhoods like Rehavia where prices start around 50,000 shekels per square meter.

While the survey doesn't definitively identify actual buyers or their preferences at the point of purchase, it highlights a significant disconnect between residents' stated desires and the type of housing being actively developed. When asked about the advantages of low-rise buildings, respondents cited improved quality of life, greater privacy, and simpler neighborhood management as key factors.