The Israeli real estate market is witnessing a surge in interest from Jewish communities abroad, particularly in North America. With a growing number of expos and an increasing volume of transactions, many Jews living outside Israel are exploring property ownership in the country, driven by a variety of personal, financial, and security motivations.
Gidon Katz, a seasoned expert in marketing Israeli real estate to global Jewish communities, notes the shift in demand. “Five years ago, we hosted just two or three expos annually,” Katz recalls. “Last year, we held 18, and this year, we expect between 15 to 20 events.”
Rising Demand for Israeli Property
The demand for Israeli real estate is fueled by diverse factors. Some buyers are preparing to make Aliyah (immigration to Israel) in the coming years, while others are seeking vacation homes or properties for extended family visits. The steady appreciation of Israeli property makes it an attractive investment, and the rising number of antisemitic incidents worldwide has led many to view Israel as a secure refuge for the future.
“People planning to make Aliyah in two or three years may purchase an apartment in a new development now, knowing it will be ready when they arrive,” Katz explains. “Others simply want a home for summer visits. These factors are driving up demand.”
The Expo Experience
The expos serve as an essential platform for potential buyers, offering a range of property options and the opportunity to engage directly with Israeli developers. “The expo functions much like real estate fairs in Israel,” says Katz. “Visitors can speak with company representatives, explore multiple projects, and assess investment opportunities—all without traveling to Israel.”
The events will feature 50 representatives from Israel’s leading construction and development firms, including senior executives such as Chief Marketing Officers and National Sales Directors from prominent companies like Azorim, Acro, Tidhar, and Rothstein. “Having top executives present allows buyers to get answers and approvals on the spot,” Katz adds, highlighting the added flexibility and authority these senior figures bring.
Additionally, real estate brokers, lawyers, mortgage consultants, and financial experts will be available to guide buyers through legal and financial aspects, ensuring a comprehensive experience. The expos also prioritize accessibility by ensuring that sales representatives speak English, an important consideration for international buyers.
Hotspots for Investment
While traditional hotspots like Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Netanya, Ra’anana, and Herzliya continue to attract overseas buyers, new areas are gaining attention. Carmei Gat, for instance, has seen a significant rise in demand, particularly among Anglo families. “The community here has grown substantially in the past year and a half,” Katz explains. “Once a community is established, more people are naturally drawn to join.”
Private housing sectors are also seeing interesting trends. Katz points to Giv’ot Eden, a neighborhood near Beit Shemesh, where overseas buyers are increasingly investing in private homes.
Navigating Bureaucratic Hurdles
While buying property in Israel as a foreigner can be complex due to bureaucratic challenges, the expos are designed to help navigate these obstacles. Emanuel Vatari, CEO of the Emanuel Group, explains the two key issues: standard purchasing procedures and dealing with foreign currency. “Financial transactions with Israeli banks operate under different regulations, even for Jews abroad,” Vatari says.
To address these concerns, the expo will include professionals who specialize in handling the purchasing process for international buyers, offering advice on everything from consular paperwork to mortgage options.
Community and Collective Buying Trends
For many Jewish buyers, purchasing property in Israel is not just about investment but also about maintaining communal ties and Jewish identity. Katz notes that the sense of community plays a significant role in the buying decision. “In the U.S., the average Jewish individual is part of a synagogue, whether they attend regularly or just for holidays,” he says.
A growing trend is the collective purchase of properties by organized communities. For example, the Persian Jewish community from Great Neck, Long Island, collectively purchased 60 apartments in Kiryat Ono. By buying in bulk, they gained leverage to negotiate for community-specific benefits like a dedicated center.
Popular Property Types
Newly built apartments dominate the market, with over 90% of real estate transactions involving new properties. While some buyers opt for private homes or second-hand properties, these purchases represent a smaller portion of the market.
An interesting trend is the increasing demand for apartments in developments that are still under construction. Many overseas buyers are securing properties that will be ready in a few years, aligning with their plans to immigrate at a later date.
Expanding Expo Reach
As demand for Israeli real estate continues to rise, the number of expos has grown accordingly. From just two events annually five years ago, the expos now span multiple locations across North America. “This year, we’re hosting between 15 and 20 events,” Katz says. “The expansion reflects the growing interest and allows us to reach more potential buyers.”
Expos are now held throughout the year, including additional events in May and November, in response to rising demand. Katz notes, “We’re continuing to expand our reach to new audiences as long as the interest persists.”
Financial Opportunities at the Expo
The expos provide an opportunity for buyers to purchase properties at pre-sale prices, which are significantly lower than their final market value. “Many projects launch their sales at the expo,” Katz explains. “These sales take place at discounted rates, giving buyers an opportunity to invest early.”
The expo also offers flexible financing options tailored for international buyers, including payment structures where buyers pay an initial deposit and the remaining balance later, depending on the construction progress.
Making Immediate Decisions
The expo is designed to facilitate timely decisions. “If someone sees a pre-sale project in Givat Shmuel, for example, they may decide to reserve a unit on the spot, knowing the price could rise within weeks,” Katz says. Although full transactions cannot be completed at the expo, buyers can place deposits to secure properties.
Upcoming Expos
The next round of expos will take place in Toronto (March 20), Lakewood (March 23), Teaneck (March 24), and Long Island’s Five Towns area (March 26). These locations were chosen due to the high interest from overseas buyers in these areas.
As Israeli real estate continues to attract global Jewish communities, these expos offer a vital bridge, providing both information and opportunities for those seeking to invest in the country’s growing property market.
Related Topics:
Williamstown Home Sells for $1.89 Million After 30-Year Price Surge
Shock Rush on $4.2k-a-Week Movie-Star Manor for Rent
Melbourne Auctions Heat Up as Bidding Wars Drive Prices Higher
