In the present paper, we apply Tobit estimation procedure to delineate the social mechanisms underlying the accumulation of housing assets among immigrant groups in Israel. Four waves of the Family Expenditure Survey are pooled into one file to conduct quasi-panel analyses. Two major questions are addressed: (1) whether period of immigration and length of residence in the host society independently affect the value of housing; (2) whether change over time in the value of housing differs across ethnic groups. We find that housing values of immigrants rise with the passage of time in the new country. Nevertheless, even after 30 years of residence in Israel, there is still a considerable gap in the value of housing between Israeli born and immigrants. Disparities in the value of housing among ethnic groups remain fairly stable throughout the years. Net of ethnicity and length of residence, value of housing is affected by the specific period of immigration. The findings are discussed in light of theories on immigration and inequality with focus on the unique context of Israeli society. © 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.

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