For a Retiree Purchasing a Home on the Israeli Coast, What Are the Average Monthly HOA Fees?

You’ve found your dream apartment with a sea view, a perfect place to enjoy your retirement on Israel’s beautiful coast. You’ve budgeted for the purchase price, taxes, and moving costs. But there’s one recurring expense that is crucial for financial planning, yet often overlooked: the monthly building committee fee, known universally in Israel as Va'ad Bayit.

The Va'ad Bayit is the Israeli equivalent of a Homeowners’ Association (HOA) fee. It’s a monthly payment made by all residents of a condominium building to cover the shared expenses of the property. For retirees on a fixed income, understanding the likely range of these fees in coastal properties is essential.

The cost of the Va'ad Bayit is directly tied to the level of amenities the building offers. Let’s break it down into tiers.

Tier 1: Standard Building (No Frills) This is a typical apartment building, perhaps 10-30 years old, with an elevator but no other major amenities.

• What it Covers: Elevator maintenance, cleaning of the common areas (lobby, staircase), gardening for the shared entrance, and electricity for common spaces.

• Average Monthly Cost: In coastal cities like Netanya, Ashdod, or Bat Yam, expect to pay 250 to 450 shekels per month for a standard building.

Tier 2: Modern Building with Amenities This is a newer building (less than 10 years old) or a luxury tower with more facilities.

• What it Covers: Everything in Tier 1, plus maintenance for additional amenities like a residents’ gym, a social lounge, and 24/7 security or a doorman (shomer). The presence of a doorman is one of the biggest cost drivers.

• Average Monthly Cost: For a building with a gym and lounge, the Va'ad Bayit will typically be 600 to 1,000 shekels per month. If the building includes a 24/7 doorman, that figure will rise to 1,000 to 1,500 shekels.

Tier 3: Full-Service Luxury Complex with a Pool This is the top end of the market, common in high-end projects in places like Herzliya Pituach, North Tel Aviv, or Ir Yamim in Netanya.

• What it Covers: All of the above, plus the very significant cost of maintaining a swimming pool (lifeguards, chemicals, cleaning, insurance).

• Average Monthly Cost: For a building with a doorman and a swimming pool, expect the Va'ad Bayit to start at 1,500 shekels and often exceed 2,500 shekels per month.

When purchasing an apartment, always ask for the current Va'ad Bayit fee and review the building’s financial statements if possible. It’s a fixed part of your monthly budget, and planning for it accurately is a key step to a comfortable and stress-free retirement on the coast.

Too Long; Didn’t Read

• Va'ad Bayit Explained: It’s the Israeli version of an HOA fee, covering shared building maintenance costs.

• Standard Building (Elevator Only): Expect 250 – 450 ILS per month.

• Modern Building (Gym, Doorman): Expect 600 – 1,500 ILS per month, with the doorman being a major cost factor.

• Luxury Complex (Pool, Doorman): Expect 1,500 – 2,500+ ILS per month, as pools are very expensive to maintain.

• Actionable Advice: Always confirm the exact Va'ad Bayit fee before purchasing a property, as it’s a significant recurring monthly expense.