Haifa: Bat Galim and Ramot Remez, the real estate revival of the coastline

Long seen as the neighborhood bound to take off, Bat Galim, at the northwestern tip of Haifa, is finally entering a concrete phase. A major urban renewal project has just been presented there, while another densification plan has been approved in the Neve Shaanan area. For buyers looking at Haifa from abroad as well as Israelis already settled in the center of the country, these signals deserve close attention: they confirm a positive trend, but do not replace the need for a project-by-project analysis.

Bat Galim: a seaside neighborhood waiting for its moment

Bat Galim combines rare advantages in Israel: a seafront, a promenade, a nearby train station, and an old urban fabric largely made up of aging buildings. This very profile makes it a natural ground for urban renewal. According to Globes, a developer from the center of the country, now expanding into Haifa, is leading a project of 715 housing units along with about 1,200 sqm of retail space.

The business newspaper reports that 3- to 4-room apartments on the upper floors, with sea views, are offered at around 2.45M₪. The expected revenue from the operation is estimated at about 1.53B₪, again according to Globes. However, caution: a sea view in Haifa cannot be directly compared to a sea view in Tel Aviv, as the job market and resale liquidity differ.

Key Figures of the Two Haifa Projects

Ramot Remez: densification also reaches the heights

According to Nadlan Center, the Haifa district committee has approved a plan in the Ramot Remez neighborhood, Neve Shaanan area: two old buildings with a total of 42 apartments will be replaced by 182 units, distributed between a 29-story tower and a 10-story building on Brenner Street, near a public garden. The plan also includes shops, public spaces, and the widening of the street. The initiative comes from the owners themselves.

A plan approved by the district committee paves the way for a building permit, but the delivery schedule is yet to be confirmed. Our article on case law related to building permits also reminds that the permit, and its intended use, take precedence over everything else.

Haifa in the National Urban Renewal Rankings

These two projects are part of a broader trend. According to CBS data reported by Globes, around 9,600 housing units were started as part of urban renewal in Israel in the first half of 2026, a 5% increase compared to the previous year, and Haifa has doubled its starts in this segment. Tel Aviv remains in the lead with 2,032 units, ahead of Petah Tikva and Bat Yam. Full details can be found in our urban renewal city rankings.

On the price front, the review published by Nadlan Center shows that the Northern District is up by about 1% year-on-year, while the Central District is down by 3.2%. This contrast highlights the appeal of cities outside the center. To compare Haifa with other cities for the same budget, use our city budget simulator and check out the Haifa city profile.

Buying in Haifa from Abroad or from Israel: The Method

For Buyers from Abroad

A sea view is a strong selling point, but it comes at a price. Check the exact orientation of the unit, the floor, the possible presence of a future tower facing you, and the schedule for the other phases of the project. The shekel has appreciated by about 10% against the dollar in one year according to the Times of Israel, making purchases more expensive for those converting currencies: factor this into your financing plan.

For Israelis Already in Israel

A resident from the center considering Haifa should think in terms of total cost: price, 18% VAT already included in the price of new properties, closing costs of around 10 to 13% depending on the items, and purchase tax. The taxes and fees calculator provides an estimate, but Mas Rechisha should be confirmed based on your profile.

Points to Validate Before Signing

In an urban renovation project, several elements must be checked by a professional: the status of the owners' signatures, the bank guarantees required by the sales law, the situation in the land registry (see our guide on Tabo), the technical specifications, and the contractual schedule. These aspects require a full team: lawyer · broker · architect. The lawyer validates the contract and guarantees at signing, the broker secures the financing, and the architect reviews plans, orientation, and features.

IsraelStart lists 300+ new projects across Israel, from Haifa to Beer-Sheva. You can request a personalized assessment, with no obligation, to compare Bat Galim with other coastal neighborhoods.

Sources

- Globes — Bat Galim, urban renewal project of 715 housing units (28/09/2026)
- Nadlan Center — Ramot Remez, 182 approved housing units (28/09/2026)
- Globes — Urban renewal, construction starts H1 2026, CBS data (29/09/2026)
- Nadlan Center — Mortgage and prices by district (30/09/2026)
- Times of Israel — Housing snapshot September 2026