Real estate lawyer in Jerusalem
Close legal guidance when buying or selling apartments and property — from the first checks to the registration of the rights in your name. Full service in English for overseas buyers and new olim.
What the legal work covers
A property purchase is usually the largest transaction of a lifetime. The attorney's role is to make sure every step is handled safely and in order — so there are no surprises after signing.
- Due diligence: land registry extract (Tabu), liens, attachments and cautionary notes
- Review of the property's planning and registration status with the authorities
- Negotiating and drafting the sale agreement, its terms and its safeguards
- Taxation: purchase tax, betterment tax (mas shevach) and timely reporting to the Tax Authority
- Coordination with the mortgage bank, trust funds and Sale Law guarantees
- Registering a cautionary note and the full transfer of rights — at the Land Registry, the Israel Land Authority or the housing company
How the process works
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An introductory meeting
Your needs, timelines, financing structure and the sensitive points of your specific transaction.
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Due diligence
A full legal and registration review of the property — before you commit to anything.
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Negotiation and drafting
Terms, payment schedule, guarantees and protection mechanisms tailored to the deal.
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Signing, reporting and taxes
Signing the agreement, reporting to the Tax Authority within the statutory deadline, and handling the tax payments.
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Completion and registration
Handover, tax clearances and the full registration of the rights in your name.
Buyers and sellers — each side has its own interests
In a sale transaction, buyer and seller have different and sometimes opposing interests: the buyer needs certainty that the property is free of debts and third-party rights; the seller needs certainty about payments and timelines. That is why each side is well advised to retain its own attorney. We represent buyers and sellers — always one side only in any given transaction.
Mind the deadlines: a real estate transaction must be reported to the Israel Tax Authority within 30 days. Late reporting can result in fines and interest — one more reason to have the process managed properly from day one.
Common questions about property transactions
Is a lawyer mandatory in an apartment transaction?
There is no legal obligation, but a sale agreement is a complex document and the consequences of a mistake can be substantial. In practice, in the vast majority of transactions both sides are represented — and rightly so.
How long does an apartment transaction take?
It varies with the circumstances — the property's registration status, the financing structure and the agreed handover date. At the first meeting we can map out a realistic timeline for your transaction.
Can I buy property in Israel while living abroad?
Yes. Many steps can be handled remotely, including signing through a notarized power of attorney coordinated with your location. As a notary office as well, we can guide the whole arrangement end to end.
Related articles
- Buying a second-hand apartment in Jerusalem: the complete legal guide
- Purchase tax 2026: brackets, exemptions and common mistakes
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For personal advice suited to your circumstances — contact us.
Planning a property transaction?
We would be glad to accompany you — from due diligence to the keys.