Israel Offers Subsidized Land for Reserve Soldiers in Mitzpe Ramon

The Israeli government is launching a tender to sell land plots in Mitzpe Ramon at significantly reduced prices, primarily targeting reserve soldiers, especially combatants. This initiative comes as housing prices in Israel have surged, making areas like Mitzpe Ramon, once considered remote, more attractive. The tender, set to open next month and conclude in October, will offer 51 plots for single-family homes.

Plots are allocated with priority given to disabled individuals (5 plots), local combat reserve soldiers (23 plots), and combat reserve soldiers from across the country, including those who already own homes (23 plots). Non-combat reserve soldiers may receive a plot only if land remains, a scenario deemed highly unlikely. The land itself is priced between 20,000 to 40,000 shekels for eligible reserve soldiers, a fraction of current market values.

However, buyers must also cover development costs, including roads and infrastructure. These costs range from 300,000 to 600,000 shekels, depending on the plot size. When combined with the land price and VAT, the total cost for a plot can reach up to half a million shekels. Adding construction costs, estimated at around 2 million shekels, the total investment for a home in Mitzpe Ramon could be under 2.5 million shekels.

This price point is considered competitive, even lower than starting prices for similar properties in nearby towns like Dimona and Yeruham. The article notes a similar tender in Kfar Tavor where some reserve soldiers opted out due to development costs, leading to a final price of 3.82 million shekels for a property, which is comparable to prices in more desirable areas.