Heading for a shake-up in the real estate market? Sharp drop in apartment sales in July

The Chief Economist at the Ministry of Finance published the real estate report for July 2026, revealing weakness in most parameters. A total of 7,692 apartments were sold, a 12% decrease compared to June. In the free market, sales of new apartments dropped by 22% compared to June. The inventory of unsold new apartments remains high at approximately 85,000 units. Investors continue to reduce their exposure. Beersheba stands out with a 74% decline in new apartment sales over two years.

The Chief Economist at the Ministry of Finance published today (Thursday) the real estate report for July 2026, which shows weakness in most housing market parameters. According to the ministry, July was one of the weakest months in the housing market since the early 2000s. In July, 7,692 apartments were sold, a 12% decrease compared to June and a 4% decrease compared to July last year. In the free market, 6,582 apartments were sold, a 13% decrease compared to June. The new apartment market saw a sharp 22% drop compared to June, with 1,858 apartments sold. In the second-hand market, 4,724 apartments were sold, a 9% decrease compared to June. The inventory of unsold new apartments remains high at approximately 85,000 units, representing about 27 months of supply. Investors continue to reduce their exposure, purchasing 1,146 apartments, an 18% decrease compared to June. Beersheba stands out with 170 new apartments sold since the beginning of the year, a 74% decline over two years. However, an examination of the months May through July shows a 21% increase compared to the three preceding months.