Since 1996, real estate agents in Israel are required by law to be licensed by the Ministry of Justice. The Real Estate Agent law defines the obligations and the areas of responsibility for an agent in Israel. An agent in Israel can represent property transactions, buying and selling or both.

An efficient and professional agent is usually more familiar with the real estate market than the average buyer. This gives the agent several advantages: a wide selection of properties; familiarity with transactions prices in the past; knowledgeable of anticipated changes in the area/building that might affect the apartment’s prices; knows how long an apartmentis on the market and which offers were submitted for it in the past, and so forth.

The customary real estate broker’s fee in Israel is payable by each side of the transaction (both seller and buyer). It is 2% of the inclusive price of the property. A Valued Added Tax/VAT of 18% of the broker’s fee is also added. The full payment of the broker’s fee is due upon the signing of a binding agreement to sell or buy the property. A good agent will save you more money than he costs, as he has a wealth of experience which will help you make the right decisions.

Israel’s purchase tax is calculated gradually. It ranges between 5 -8% of the property price. Purchase Tax must be paid within 50 days of contract signing.

The fees for professional services (legal) in real estate transactions are at the accepted rate of 0.5-1.5% plus VAT of the buying price. This however depends on the lawyer and on the size of the transaction.

The fees for professional legal services of a new project are between 1.5%-2% plus VAT. The fees go towards formal registration of the building

Tabu – Land registry office
• Mas Rechisha – Purchase tax
• Maam – VAT (value added tax)
• Mas Shevach – Capital gains tax on real estate
• Heitel Hasbacha – Property betterment tax
• Metavech – Real-estate agent
• Misrad Tivich – real estate – immobilier jerusalem
• Biladiut – Exclusivity
• Arnona – City Taxes
• Va’ad Bait – House committee, building committee
• Private land – Property belonging to Israel’s Lands Administration, which is leased to the buyers and generations following for up to 98 years.
• Church land – property belonging to the church with is leased to buyers and generations following for various periods of time according to the specific lease.