Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, US citizens can obtain mortgages from Israeli banks. Most major banks offer programs for foreign buyers, though requirements differ from domestic mortgages. You'll typically need a larger down payment (30-50%) and will need to provide documentation proving income and assets.

Absolutely. Swiss residents are well-positioned to obtain Israeli mortgages. Banks are familiar with Swiss documentation standards, and the strong Swiss economy is viewed favorably. Similar to US buyers, you'll need 30-50% down payment.

For foreign buyers, Israeli banks typically require 30-50% down payment, compared to 20-25% for Israeli residents. The exact requirement depends on the property type, location, and your financial profile. Investment properties may require higher down payments.

No. Israeli banks provide mortgages based on financial criteria, not religious affiliation. Non-Jewish foreign buyers regularly obtain mortgages for properties in Israel.

Yes. Banks evaluate your global income and assets. Strong foreign income from the US or Switzerland is acceptable. You'll need to provide proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements) from your country of residence.

The typical timeline is 6-10 weeks from initial application to closing. This includes document collection (1-2 weeks), bank submissions and approval (3-5 weeks), and closing procedures (1-2 weeks). Delays can occur if documentation is incomplete.

Most major Israeli banks offer foreign buyer mortgages, including Bank Hapoalim, Bank Leumi, Discount Bank, Mizrachi-Tefahot, and Bank of Jerusalem. Each has different programs and requirements. We work with all of them to find your best option.

Typical requirements include: passport, proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs), bank statements (3-6 months), proof of down payment funds, property documents (contract, appraisal), and sometimes additional verification of assets. Requirements vary by bank.

For the mortgage signing, most banks require at least one in-person visit. However, some documentation can be handled remotely or through Power of Attorney. The property purchase itself may also require in-person presence for certain steps.

Yes, and it's recommended. Pre-approval gives you a clear budget and makes your offer more attractive to sellers. Our free assessment is the first step toward understanding your borrowing capacity.

Current rates for foreign buyers typically range from 4.5% to 6.5%, depending on the loan-to-value ratio, term, and whether you choose fixed or variable rates. Israeli rates are often tied to the Prime rate or Bank of Israel rate.

Israeli mortgages can be structured with fixed rates, variable rates, or a combination. Many borrowers opt for a mix to balance predictability with potential rate decreases. We help you understand the trade-offs for your situation.

Expect closing costs of approximately 6-10% of the property value. This includes purchase tax (varies by value and buyer status), legal fees (1-2%), agent fees if applicable, registration fees, and bank fees. We provide a detailed breakdown during the process.

We receive a commission from the bank when your mortgage closes. There are no upfront fees or charges to you. This aligns our interests: we only succeed when you get your mortgage.

No. Our initial assessment and consultation are completely free. We don't charge any fees until your mortgage successfully closes, at which point our commission is paid by the bank.

Some banks offer mortgages denominated in USD or EUR, though NIS (Shekel) mortgages are more common. USD mortgages may have slightly higher rates. We can help you evaluate whether a foreign currency mortgage makes sense for your situation.

Most banks accept international wire transfers for monthly payments. Some offer direct debit from Israeli bank accounts, which you can fund periodically. We'll help you set up the most efficient payment method.

If your income is in USD/CHF but your mortgage is in NIS, exchange rate fluctuations affect your effective payment. A strengthening Shekel means higher payments in your home currency. We discuss these considerations during your consultation.

US citizens must report worldwide income, including Israeli rental income. You may be able to claim foreign tax credits for Israeli taxes paid. FATCA compliance is required by Israeli banks. We recommend consulting a cross-border tax advisor.

Swiss residents must declare foreign property and any rental income. Wealth tax considerations apply. The Israel-Switzerland tax treaty helps avoid double taxation. We recommend consulting a Swiss tax advisor familiar with international property.

Yes, it's highly recommended and often required for property purchases. A lawyer handles due diligence, contract review, tax planning, and the closing process. We can recommend lawyers experienced with foreign buyer transactions.