Ra'anana Plans Major Expansion With 12,000 New Apartments

The city of Ra'anana is initiating a new master plan to accommodate significant growth, projecting an increase to between 130,000 and 135,000 residents. This plan could potentially add approximately 12,000 new housing units, increasing the population by an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 people over the coming decades. The strategy involves maintaining moderate building heights in older neighborhoods while increasing density along Ahuza Street, near future public transport hubs, and on the city's outskirts. This approach aims to allow for greater density without solely relying on private vehicles, especially with the anticipated arrival of the metropolitan subway (metro).

Mayor Haim Broide indicated that buildings along Ahuza Street could reach 13 to 15 stories, a move intended to make urban renewal economically viable and boost local commerce and employment. In contrast, the older city center is expected to see buildings of up to eight stories, with even greater heights permitted on the city's periphery. The master plan update is a multi-year process involving public consultation, planning, and approvals, with the final numbers subject to change. The 12,000 apartments represent a long-term planning potential rather than an immediate supply increase.

The expansion comes as Ra'anana faces a very expensive housing market, with four-room apartments averaging around 3.3 million shekels and five-room apartments costing between 4 to 4.4 million shekels. The influx of new units, if spread over 15 to 20 years, would represent a moderate annual increase. However, it could significantly alter competition within the city and increase the supply of new homes in an area with limited current offerings. The plan also considers diversifying the housing stock, aiming to include more three-room apartments to make the city more accessible to young couples, addressing a significant price gap compared to nearby Kfar Saba.