Buying land in Israel from abroad: the guide for non-residents and olim

Thousands of Jews in France, the US and the UK buy Israeli real estate each year — many without a single flight during the transaction. The process is orderly and familiar:

Step 1: local legal counsel

An Israeli real-estate lawyer is the transaction's axis: due diligence (registration, planning, debts), drafting, tax reporting and rights registration. Sign nothing before your own counsel has reviewed it.

Step 2: notarized power of attorney

To sign remotely, issue a power of attorney to your lawyer either at the Israeli consulate in your country, or before a local notary with an apostille under the Hague Convention. A standard document, ready within days.

Step 3: transferring the funds

Funds move to the lawyer's trust account or per the agreement. Israeli banks require source-of-funds documentation (anti-money-laundering rules) — prepare statements in advance. Watch the FX timing too: a one-percent currency move on a large deal is real money.

Step 4: taxation — the pleasant surprise

For homes, non-residents pay higher purchase-tax brackets. But for land, purchase tax is identical: 6% — for Israelis, non-residents and olim alike. One reason land is a preferred entry route for overseas investors. Details in the tax guide.

Step 5: after the purchase

Registration in your name, tax filings and ongoing care are handled by your Israeli team, with regular updates. In our projects, buyers receive periodic planning-progress reports.

Moledet's accompaniment

Moledet accompanies diaspora buyers — with full support in English and French — from the first call, through lawyers and notaries, to completed registration. Talk to us.