Ashkelon real estate prices fall due to Qassams

Rent, real estate prices in Ashkelon fall after Qassam attacks on southern city
Ofer Petersburg

Rocket fire from the Gaza Strip has affected apartment prices in Ashkelon. Last week, over 100 apartments were rented or sold in the city at rates 30 percent lower than their market value.

Investors and tenants are leaving the city after two rocket attacks.

A study conducted by appraiser Levi Yitzhak shows that renting and purchasing prices fell considerably after a rocket fell in a school in the center of the city two days ago.

Qassam Attack

Another Qassam hits Ashkelon / Shmulik Hadad

For second time in 24 hours, Qassam hits neighborhood in southern city; eight people treated for shock, including four children. Hundreds gather in area. Earlier, mayor meets with city council members to discuss rocket fire

Full Story

Most residents of the city lack a sense of security because most buildings are old are lack undergrounds and fortified facilities.

The pediatric section at the Barzilai Hospital in the city has not been fortified despite the management's warning to the Ministries of Defense and Health that the city could become a target for terror attacks from the Gaza Strip.

"I have been a faithful resident for 30 years, but my family pressed me to leave. My son wets himself at night and my wife can't sleep. We decided to rent the apartment for a very low price of USD 350 a months although it consists of four rooms. But no one wants to rent it because it is in the south of the city, within the range of Qassam rockets," one resident said.

Real estate prices in Ashdod meanwhile have risen because of high demands from Ashkelon residents who want to move to the city.