Israel's Public Housing Stock Sees Modest Growth After Decade of Decline

After more than a decade of shrinking, Israel's public housing stock experienced a slight increase in 2025, according to a report released by the Ministry of Construction and Housing's Housing Division. The total number of public housing units rose to 47,299 by the end of 2025, a net increase of just 156 units from the previous year's 47,143. This represents a minimal growth of approximately 0.3%.

Despite the slight increase in available units, the average waiting time for public housing decreased by six months, from 44 to 38 months. This reduction is partly attributed to the "Stable and Secure Rent" program, launched in 2024, which offers eligible individuals increased rent subsidies in the private market as an alternative to waiting for public housing. In 2025, 268 households participated in this program.

The report highlights that the public housing stock had significantly diminished between 2012 and 2022, falling by 19% from 60,100 to 49,100 units. A primary driver of this decline was the sale of public housing units to their tenants under the Public Housing Law, outpacing the acquisition of new units. Between 2014 and 2024, 15,582 units were sold, while only 3,867 were purchased by the state.

In addition to public housing, the Housing Division provided monthly rent assistance to an average of 106,349 low-income households in 2025, costing approximately 1.511 billion shekels annually. The report also detailed efforts in urban renewal, the rehabilitation of units damaged during Operation "With All Your Might," and assistance to families displaced by the conflict. Furthermore, 736 requests for adapting public housing units for individuals with mobility disabilities were processed, with 688 approved.

The "Apartment at a Discount" program also saw significant activity, with 151,874 households registering for eligibility in 2025, including 43,895 reservists. The program expanded priority for reservists, increasing their allocated housing share. In total, 3,503 active reservists were awarded apartments through this program in 2025.