When I was named housing minister a year and a half ago, my declared objective was to lower housing prices. That is my aim, loud and clear. Since the government's inception I have worked with my staff to increase the marketing of housing units nationwide, to bring prices down. These days, two government plans are being discussed -- "target price" and "zero percent value-added tax" -- both seeking to bridge a housing "overdraft" created as a result of former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and his government's failure to plan or market housing in central Israel for years. It is clear to all that this kind of situation cannot be rectified in one day, or in one or two years for that matter. This is why, for the first time, the government has reached into its own pocket to front 4 billion shekels ($1 billion) a year in order to lower housing prices. That is our goal, and we will achieve it. The "target price" plan, led by the Housing and Construction Ministry, will be underway in December, and it will steer the housing market in a new direction. For the first time, every housing marketing campaign will clearly define end-consumer prices, and they stand to be 20 percent lower than the average market price. This plan will be devoid of any prerequisite criteria, making it available to everyone -- first-time home owners, those seeking to upgrade their housing situation, etc. It will also include highly sought-after residential areas. We will, of course, continue to supervise construction, to ensure you purchase an apartment built according to quality construction standards and predefined specifications. I can also assure you that while implementing these government plans I will continue doing the most important thing: marketing, marketing, and marketing. Increasing housing supply is the basis for reducing housing prices. I am pursuing all avenues to that effect, through nationwide marketing campaigns, especially for highly sought-after areas, by approving more construction plans, and by accelerating the process of planning new housing units. Building 100,000 housing units over the next three years and another 60,000 housing units once military bases in central Israel are relocated, as well as removing bureaucratic obstacles impeding construction in rural areas, are just some of the measures we are promoting. I am familiar with the housing crisis, as are my children, who rent apartments in the greater Tel Aviv area. Each and every one of us is entitled to the basic right of affordable housing, and it is our duty as the government, and my personal goal, to ensure each and every Israeli can realize this right. The Housing and Construction Ministry has recently launched a campaign meant to explain the details of the "target price" plan -- eligibility, the areas where housing units would become available, and the purchase process -- to the public. Once the program is launched, you would surely want to be first in line for an apartment, but I promise you housing supplies will only grow and prices are likely to drop further, so there is no need to rush. Study the plan in depth, review your options and make the best decision for you. There is no need for you to pay more than you have to. Habayit Hayehudi MK Uri Ariel is chairman of the National Union faction and housing and construction minister.
