An older apartment in Israel is often a very attractive purchase. Large floor area, great location, a floor with a view. But what follows is a renovation that differs significantly from new-build work.
What "Older Apartment" Means in the Context of Renovation
In Israel, an "older apartment" usually means a property from the 1960s–1990s. There are many such apartments in Ra'anana, Kfar Saba, Netanya, Herzliya and Tel Aviv. The secondary housing market here is active, and many people buy these apartments — often because they're larger, better located and cheaper than new builds.
The key thing is that visually the apartment may look acceptable — but inside the walls and under the floors there is often something that will require serious intervention.
What's Usually Found in Older Apartments
Electrical. In buildings from the 1970s–1980s, wiring is often not designed for modern loads — air conditioners, dishwashers, multiple charging points simultaneously. Panels are low-capacity and there are few outlets. Full electrical replacement is serious work but worth it.
Plumbing. Metal pipes 40–50 years old. They may hold for a few more years — or develop a leak at any moment. Much better to replace pipes during renovation when walls are already open than to break fresh tiles later.
Moisture and insulation. Corner apartments, ground floors, top-floor apartments — often have moisture problems and poor thermal insulation. This needs to be identified before finishing works begin.
Uneven walls and floors. Old buildings have settled, walls are uneven, floors have height differences. Normal, but requires additional work — screed, plaster, leveling.
Layout. Small kitchens, long corridors, dark rooms. Many people want to change the layout — remove a partition or move a doorway. Possible, but requires design and approvals.
Full Renovation of an Older Apartment: Cost Breakdown
| Type of Work | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full electrical replacement (3–4 rooms) | ₪20,000–40,000 |
| Plumbing and pipe replacement | ₪15,000–35,000 |
| Floor screed | ₪80–150/m² |
| Wall plastering | ₪80–140/m² |
| Tile laying | ₪120–200/m² |
| Drywall work | ₪150–280/m² |
| Decorative finish (microcement, Venetian plaster) | ₪300–600/m² |
| Door installation | ₪800–2,500/unit |
Full renovation of an older 3–4 room apartment with replacement of all engineering systems: ₪120,000–250,000 depending on size, condition and material choices.
The Most Common Mistake in Old Apartment Renovation
Starting with cosmetics. Painting walls, laying new flooring — and thinking it's done. Then two years later moisture appears, a pipe starts leaking, and everything has to be opened up again.
The correct sequence for renovating an old apartment:
- Full inspection with a specialist — identify hidden problems
- Demolition and opening up
- Engineering works — electrical, plumbing, waterproofing
- Rough works — screed, plaster, leveling
- Finishing works — tiles, drywall, coatings
- Final works — painting, doors, fixtures
This can't be done in any other order.
What to Include So You Won't Regret It
Waterproofing for bathroom and kitchen. Even if it's dry now. Proper waterproofing once — peace of mind for decades.
Insulating external walls. If the apartment is a corner unit — worth insulating from inside. Warmer in winter, cooler in summer.
Good doors. Old doors poorly isolate sound. Replacing doors — both beauty and function. Invisible doors are especially effective here.
Thoughtful lighting. Drywall ceilings with zoned lighting completely transform the atmosphere.
Decorative finishes. If you're renovating — do it so it feels good for years. Microcement or Venetian plaster on one or two walls creates a completely different feeling.
How to Stay Within Budget
Reserve 10–15%. Don't need it — great. Need it — no panic.
Inspection before quote. A good contractor will come and look BEFORE quoting. This reduces the chance of surprises.
Staged payments. 30% upfront, 40% mid-project, 30% on completion — with the option to split the final payment in larger projects.
The Old Apartment After Renovation
A properly renovated older apartment often surpasses a new build. Larger area, higher ceilings, better location. And if the renovation is done wisely — it's an apartment for 20–30 years ahead.
At Maria & Vitaly we frequently work with older apartments in the Sharon region. We know what's inside, we can find problems before they become expensive, and we know how to turn a secondary apartment into exactly the home you wanted.
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