Israel world's third hottest real estate market

Despite the affordable housing protests, Israel is holding on to its spot as the third-hottest housing market in the world according to a survey by CNBC, based on data from real estate agents Knight Frank. The survey found that house prices in Israel jumped more than 21% in 2009 and16% in 2010.

Israel was placed third with 5 year growth of 54.5% beating Singapore into fourth place with five year growth of 50.5% but well behind China in top spot with five year growth of 110.9% and Hong Kong in second place with growth of 93.7%. CNBC noted, "High home prices in Israel led to a series of protests in 2011 with demonstrators asking the government to intervene to cool the market. Thousands of protesters made headlines last July to voice concerns over a housing shortage and high rentals. The demonstrations seem to have had an effect on property prices, which fell 1.2% in 2011, according to Knight Frank."

But CNBC sees home prices rebounding saying, "However, after an interest rate cut from 3.25% to 2.5%in February, there appears to be resurgence in property demand, with new mortgages issued by banks jumping by more than 14% in March compared to the two pervious months."

Source Globes