Buyer guide
How to buy property in Israel
1. Define what you're buying
Apartment, private house, villa, land, farm (meshek) or nachala — each has a different legal structure and risk profile. Coastal moshav properties, in particular, often sit on leasehold and require specialist due diligence.
2. Engage Israeli legal counsel
Never sign anything — including a zichron devarim — without an Israeli real estate lawyer. A specialist lawyer drafts the contract, runs title (tabu / Israel Land Authority) checks and protects funds in escrow.
3. Due diligence
Confirm registered ownership, zoning, building permits, mortgages, easements and any planned infrastructure changes. For moshav and kibbutz property, verify community acceptance procedures and lease status.
4. Contract & payment milestones
A typical contract schedules 10–20% on signing, with the balance over 60–120 days. Funds always flow through the buyer's lawyer's escrow.
5. Purchase tax (mas rechisha)
Purchase tax is staggered based on whether this is your only home, your second, or an investment, and on whether you are an Israeli resident. Your lawyer will model the exact bracket.
6. Registration & handover
Upon final payment, ownership is registered at tabu or, for leasehold, with Israel Land Authority. Keys are handed over on the agreed possession date.