The Importance of an Elevator (Ma’alit) in Israeli Real Estate
In Israel, where the majority of the urban population lives in multi-story apartment buildings (binyanim), an elevator is one of the most important features a property can have. Its presence or absence can dramatically affect a property’s value, marketability, and the quality of life for its residents.
Elevators in New vs. Old Buildings
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New Construction: According to Israeli building regulations, any new residential building with more than four floors (including the ground floor) is required to have an elevator. As a result, an elevator is a standard specification in virtually all modern apartment projects.
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Older Buildings: Many buildings constructed before the 1980s, especially those with 3-4 floors, were built without elevators. Living on the third or fourth floor in such a building can be a physical challenge and significantly narrows the pool of potential buyers or renters.
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Tama 38 Upgrades: The National Outline Plan 38 (Tama 38) has been a game-changer for older buildings. This program incentivizes developers to add elevators, reinforce the building against earthquakes, and add other amenities in exchange for additional building rights. The addition of an elevator is often the most celebrated upgrade for existing residents.
Shabbos Elevator (Ma’alit Shabbat)
In neighborhoods with a large population of observant Jews, a Shabbos elevator is a crucial feature. This is an elevator that is programmed to run automatically, stopping on every floor without the need for passengers to press any buttons. This allows observant residents to use the elevator on Shabbat and religious holidays when operating electrical devices is forbidden. The presence of a Shabbos elevator is a key selling point in religious communities in cities like Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, and Beit Shemesh.
What to Consider
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Floor Number: The higher the floor, the more critical the elevator. An apartment on the 4th floor without an elevator will be priced significantly lower than one on the 2nd floor.
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Maintenance: An elevator adds to the monthly building maintenance fees (Va’ad Bayit). Inquire about the age of the elevator and its maintenance record.
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Size: Check if the elevator is large enough to accommodate a stroller, wheelchair, or furniture.
In the Israeli market, an elevator is not just a feature; it’s a cornerstone of modern, convenient, and accessible living.
