Buying property in Tel Aviv as a foreigner
Foreign residents buying an apartment in Tel Aviv often live in the US, the UK or France. Some are planning aliyah, some want a home in Israel for part of the year, and some are buying for children who study or work in Tel Aviv.
These guides explain how buying real estate in Israel works when you live elsewhere: the steps and who does what, the taxes and mortgage rules that differ for foreign residents and new immigrants, how to sign from a distance, and how to think about the currency.
They are general information written by a broker, not legal or tax advice. Each guide links the official source for the rules it describes.
The guides
Buying step by step
Who does what, from the first video viewing to the Land Registry, and where buying from abroad differs.
Purchase tax
Why foreign residents usually pay more, what relief olim get, and who it does not cover.
Mortgages for non-residents
How much you can borrow under Bank of Israel rules, what the bank will ask for and when to apply.
Buying with a power of attorney
Consulate or notary with an apostille, what the power of attorney should cover, and viewing from a distance.
Currency and timing
When the money moves, how to think about the exchange rate, and what the bank checks on a transfer.
Which neighborhood
Families making aliyah, a home for part of the year, sea views, character, or a home to let while you are away.
Questions buyers ask
Can foreigners buy property in Israel?
Yes. Foreign residents, including US, UK and French citizens, can generally buy homes in Israel, including in Tel Aviv. Some rules differ for them, such as purchase tax rates and mortgage limits, and transfers of state-owned land to foreign nationals can need the Israel Land Authority’s approval. Your Israeli lawyer checks this for the specific property.
Do I need to come to Israel to buy?
Not necessarily. Many buyers view homes by video, visit once for a shortlist, and sign through their Israeli lawyer under a power of attorney signed at an Israeli consulate or before a local notary with an apostille.
Who counts as a foreign resident (toshav chutz) when buying in Israel?
For tax purposes, an Israeli resident is someone whose center of life is in Israel. Someone whose center of life is abroad is usually a foreign resident, even if they hold Israeli citizenship. There are presumptions based on the days spent in Israel, but the answer depends on the circumstances, so confirm your status with a lawyer or tax adviser before you buy.
Which languages do you work in?
English and Hebrew, and we also serve clients in French and Russian. Calls are booked around your time zone.
A first call with Tamir Oudi
A 15-minute call with Tamir Oudi, by video or phone, at a time that suits your time zone: what you are looking for, which neighborhoods fit, and who you will need on your side in Israel.