From Dorms to Lone Soldier Housing to Social Projects: New Real Estate Initiatives in Israel

In a festive week for the Israeli property sector, new real estate milestones were celebrated across the country. Student housing was inaugurated in Rehovot, Carasso Real Estate completed a major urban renewal project in Givatayim, Infinity Plaza was launched in Ra’anana, the Contractors’ Association announced renovations for lone soldiers, and the city of Hadera appointed a new head of building licensing.

Student Housing Inaugurated in Rehovot

At a ceremony attended by Rehovot Mayor Metan Dila, the new student dormitory building in Rehovot was inaugurated at 3 Etzel Street. Built through a partnership between the municipality, Shikun & Binui, and H.L.R. (the Rehovot Development Company), the complex includes 490 residential units for students, singles, and couples. The 17-story tower is located at Etzel and Derech HaYam, near the city’s academic institutions.

Constructed by Shikun & Binui and Solel Boneh at a cost of over NIS 260 million, the project received a three-star green building rating and was completed in just 27 months—earlier than planned. The new housing provides a vital solution to the city’s housing shortage, particularly for students at the Weizmann Institute of Science, the Hebrew University Faculty of Agriculture, the Peres Academic Center, and Kaplan Nursing School. The complex also offers retail spaces serving both residents and the wider public, including Super Sapir, Hamania, and Shibolet Hasharon.

Carasso Real Estate Completes Project in Givatayim

Carasso Real Estate has completed one of Givatayim’s flagship urban renewal projects—“Yavne’eli.” As part of the plan, three old buildings at 24–28 Yavne’eli Street were demolished and replaced with two new seven-story buildings containing 51 modern apartments. A celebratory event marked the completion and full occupancy of the project, with new and old residents joining company staff and the general contractor, G.N. Quality Projects.

Built under the framework of Tama 38/2, the development replaced 20 old apartments with upgraded homes. Residents will benefit from shared amenities including a gym and a resident’s club with a library operated by “Returning Story,” an initiative that combines rehabilitation and employment training for people facing work barriers. Residents can borrow and order books online, as well as recommend new titles for the building’s library.

Infinity Plaza Launched in Ra’anana

Infinity Plaza was officially opened at Infinity Park Ra’anana, adjacent to the Ra’anana South Interchange. The event included a park tour and a toast to the holiday season. The plaza is a central feature of Infinity Park, which also includes a train station within the complex.

The project converted an existing structure into flexible office and workspaces after undergoing a comprehensive retrofit. The site now features 50,000 sqm of employment space, with floor plates of up to 9,000 sqm. The spaces are customizable, offering high design flexibility.

Attendees included the project’s developers—Shmuel Seid, co-founder of REIT 1, Meir Noga, CEO of S.A.N. Zahav, Ra’anana Mayor Haim Broida, and architect Eran Naim. The launch also introduced “Infinity Joy,” a program offering leisure and cultural experiences for park tenants, including a 2,000 sqm gym, business lounge, podcast rooms, a 300-seat auditorium, and an outdoor amphitheater for 250 people, all set within a vibrant culinary boulevard.

Contractors’ Association to Renovate Apartments for Lone Soldiers

The Israel Contractors’ Association, led by Eran Siv, has partnered with the Ministry of Defense’s Fund for Discharged Soldiers, headed by Chairman Hagai Reznik, to renovate apartments for discharged lone soldiers and reservists across the country.

The initiative was announced during the association’s annual conference at the Dead Sea. Contractors will volunteer to repair and maintain the homes of discharged lone soldiers at no cost. A pilot program is already underway with the “New Spirit” organization, which houses dozens of discharged soldiers, and will soon be expanded nationwide. A 24-hour hotline has been launched for soldiers to request assistance.

Hadera Appoints New Head of Building Licensing

As part of its planning and development drive, the Hadera Municipality has appointed Roni Yuval as the new head of its Building Licensing Department. Yuval, who holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and Policy from the University of Haifa, previously served as head of architectural design control in Netanya’s engineering division.

In her new role, Yuval will oversee licensing processes for strategic projects in Hadera, including urban renewal, employment complexes, and public buildings, which are expected to drive the city’s growth in the coming years. She will manage building permits, oversee workflows, and present applications to committees.

Yuval also brings experience from her tenure in Haifa’s Engineering Administration, where she supervised building permit applications, including projects under Tama 38 and new construction.