Revitalizing Historic Neighborhoods and Unlocking Real Estate Value With Matan Haas

Matan Haas is the CEO of NHaas Properties, an Israel-based real estate firm that identifies, renovates, and manages historic commercial and residential buildings to create valuable investment opportunities. He has served as CEO since 2016, overseeing urban renewal projects, option-based deals, and comprehensive property enhancements in neighborhoods like the Lower City and Hadar. Matan brings a strategic and disciplined leadership style shaped by his past service as a deputy commander in the elite naval unit Shayetet 13. In this episode… In cities with deep history, many properties are neglected or overlooked, even though they hold hidden value waiting to be unlocked. So how do you turn aging structures into thriving, profitable assets that benefit both investors and neighborhoods? According to Matan Haas, a seasoned real estate entrepreneur with roots in Haifa, Israel, the key lies in identifying historic buildings owned by a single landlord and transforming them through urban renewal. He highlights the importance of combining architectural preservation with modern upgrades like bomb shelters and elevators, creating both cultural and financial value. This strategy not only attracts investors but also revives communities, making neglected neighborhoods desirable again. Matan explains how option agreements reduce risk while providing time to assemble the right investor group, ensuring long-term success. In this episode of The Same Day Podcast, host Yoni Schmidt sits down with Matan Haas, CEO of NHaas Properties, to discuss revitalizing historic neighborhoods and unlocking real estate value. They explore how creative problem-solving opens investment opportunities, why urban renewal is critical for Haifa’s growth, and how leadership lessons from the IDF apply to business. Matan also shares his advice for transitioning from military to civilian life with purpose.