Buying Property in Israel? We're With You From Day One.

Legal representation and hand-in-hand guidance for English-speaking clients buying property in Israel, from your first question until the property is registered in your name.

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How We Work

Hand in Hand, Every Step of the Way

It's never too early to talk to us. The earlier we're involved, the more we can help, whether you're just starting out or have already found your apartment.

1

Planning Your Purchase

We help you work out your real budget, including purchase tax, fees and financing, and explain how buying works in Israel, from the first steps to registration, so you know what to prepare early.

2

Guidance Before You Choose

We help you compare new projects and resale apartments and know what to ask sellers and developers, including the practical points buyers often think of only later, like parking, storage, building fees and Arnona.

3

Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Reservation forms, deposit agreements and memorandums of understanding can be legally binding. Signing one before a lawyer has reviewed it can be a costly mistake, so talk to us before you sign anything.

4

Checks Before You Commit

Israeli purchase agreements generally don't include the inspection or mortgage contingencies common in the U.S., so the checks must happen before you sign, including whether the apartment's actual size matches what you were told. We make sure the necessary checks are done with the right professionals, such as a mortgage advisor, an appraiser and an engineer.

5

Legal Review and Contract

Checking the property's registration and rights, negotiating terms designed to protect your interests, and explaining every clause in plain English before you sign.

6

Purchase Tax and Exemptions

We check which purchase tax benefits you may be entitled to, such as the sole-apartment rates, Olim benefits or, in certain cases, relief for people with disabilities, and handle the reporting to the Israel Tax Authority.

7

Financing and Payments

Working alongside your mortgage advisor, bank and currency transfer provider, and timing each payment to the contract schedule.

8

Keys and Registration

Handover and registration in your name, with guidance on the practical side of moving in, such as Arnona and utilities. If you plan to rent the apartment out, we can also prepare the lease.

Adv. Yonatan Kornblit, real estate lawyer in Jerusalem

Meet the Founder

Adv. Yonatan Kornblit

I made Aliyah from New York about 30 years ago, and today I live in Jerusalem with my wife and our four children. As someone who moved to Israel myself, I know what it means to deal with Israeli bureaucracy, and with buying property in particular, in a system that works differently from what you're used to.

I bring more than 10 years of experience in Israeli real estate law, and I founded the office as a boutique practice built on close, personal attention. My focus is on English-speaking clients, whether you live abroad, are making Aliyah or already live in Israel, and I make sure every step is explained in plain English, from the first conversation through registration and beyond.

Today, together with our office team, we represent buyers and sellers of new and existing homes, land and investment property, as well as apartment owners in urban renewal projects. We work with a trusted network of mortgage advisors, engineers, appraisers and accountants, and help you bring together the right professionals for your purchase.

Practice Areas

Real Estate TransactionsPurchases, sales and leases

Representation of buyers and sellers of residential and investment property, from the initial review through registration.

  • Review of Land Registry extracts, mortgages, caveats and other registered rights
  • Drafting and negotiation of sale and lease agreements
  • Coordinating payments, the bank's mortgage requirements and the release of existing mortgages
  • Registration of ownership and related filings
Buying a New Apartment From a DeveloperDeveloper contracts, payment protections and handover

Representation of buyers purchasing apartments from developers, including apartments bought "on paper" before construction is complete.

  • Review and negotiation of the developer's sale agreement
  • Making sure your payments are secured as the Sale Law requires, for example by a bank guarantee or insurance policy
  • Reviewing the payment schedule and the linkage to the construction input index
  • Guidance throughout the process, through handover and registration, including delays and defects
Foreign Residents and OlimPurchase tax, powers of attorney and buying from abroad

Buying from abroad, or around the time of making Aliyah, raises questions that local buyers don't face. We handle these as part of the transaction.

  • Purchase tax for foreign residents and the benefits available to Olim
  • Signing arrangements and powers of attorney for clients abroad
  • Guidance on opening an Israeli bank account and transferring funds
  • Coordinating international payments and timelines
Purchase Tax and Real Estate TaxesExemptions, benefits and reporting

Tax is often the largest cost after the price itself, and the rules depend on your status. We check the benefits you may be entitled to and handle the reporting.

  • Sole-apartment rates for Israeli residents
  • Purchase tax benefits for Olim
  • Relief for people with disabilities, in certain cases
  • Foreign resident rates and planning the timing of a purchase
  • Reporting to the Israel Tax Authority on purchases and sales
Urban RenewalTAMA 38 and Pinui-Binui, representing apartment owners

Representation of apartment owners in urban renewal projects, including TAMA 38 (strengthening and expansion, or demolition and rebuilding) and Pinui-Binui.

  • Representing owners in negotiations with the developer
  • Review of the agreement, guarantees and the new apartment's specifications
  • Accompanying owners through the planning and construction stages
Wills and EstatesWills, probate and inheritance

Wills and estate matters, including property in Israel owned by families and heirs living abroad.

  • Drafting wills
  • Applications for probate and inheritance orders
  • Transfer of estate property to heirs
Real Estate and Contract DisputesRepresentation in civil proceedings

Representation in disputes between individuals or businesses, with an emphasis on real estate and contract matters.

Free Buyer's Guide

Buying Property in Israel: What You Need to Know Before You Start

The guide is in its final stages. Leave your details and we’ll email it to you as soon as it’s released.

  • A checklist of the costs of buying: purchase tax, legal and agent fees, and mortgage costs
  • The purchase process in Israel, step by step
  • Financing for buyers from abroad
  • New construction versus resale
  • Common mistakes buyers make, and how to avoid them

Your details will be used to send you the guide when it’s released and, only if you choose, occasional updates. You can unsubscribe at any time. See our Privacy Policy.

Resources

Articles & Insights

Articles, updates and insights on real estate in Israel.

New Construction

The Growing Popularity of "On Paper" New Apartment Purchases in Israel

The Israeli real estate market has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with a growing number of buyers opting to purchase new…

4 min readRead article →
Costs & Taxes

Common Expenses When Buying Property in Israel: A Guide for Foreign Buyers

Purchasing property in Israel can be an exciting investment opportunity, but it is crucial to understand the various expenses involved.

3 min readRead article →
View All Articles

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Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Yoni represented us when we purchased an apartment in Israel, and he was fantastic. He has a deep understanding of the laws and explains things clearly. The entire process was much easier because of his guidance.

Yaakov S. · Jerusalem

Working with Yoni was a real pleasure. I felt safe knowing that he was on my side.

Shmuel A.

Working with Yoni is a pleasure.

Hadar G.

Contact

Let's Talk About Your Purchase

An initial consultation by phone, Zoom or at our Jerusalem office, whether you're buying or selling, to understand where you are and outline the next steps.

WhatsApp +972-52-654-7170 US +1-917-920-7069 Israel +972-52-654-7170 yoni@kornblitlaw.com Ram Tower, 17 Nachum Haftzadi St., Givat Shaul, Jerusalem

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