Israel's housing conditions are among the worst among the OECD's 36 member states, according to the Better Life Index. In contrast to other components of the index, where Israel is outstanding - scoring 8.5 points for life satisfaction and 8.8 for health, Israel is failing when it comes to housing.
Israel scores 4.1 points for housing. It also scores equally low on environment and only 4.9 points on education, and a dismal 1.8 points on civil engagement. The OECD ranks Israel 28th out of 36 member states in housing, below Mexico. The score reflects crowding, expenditure on housing, and a home's basic facilities.
Israel ranks 30th in rooms per person, at 1.2, compared with the OECD average of 1.6 rooms per person. Canada is no. 1, with 2.5 rooms per person, and Turkey is last, with 0.9 rooms per person.
Israelis spend an average of 22% of their net disposable income on housing, more than the 19% or less spent by Norwegians, Mexicans, Irish, Portuguese and South Koreans. Russia is ranked last, at 11%. New Zealand is at the top of the list; its residents spend an average of 29% of their income on housing.
96% of Israelis live in homes with basic facilities, putting Israel in 27th place out of 36. This means that 4% of Israelis - 300,000 people - lack a toilet at home. Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, and the US top the list with 100% of residents in homes with basic facilities.
Nonetheless, 83% of Israelis are satisfied with their homes. This is still below the OECD average of 87%.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 29, 2012
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