The Official Guide
Shabbat elevators – a necessity in high-rise buildings
Posted on 25. May, 2010 by Buy-It In Israel Staff.
With the operation of a Shabbat control mode, an elevator will stop automatically on a certain floor and its doors will open, hence allowing users to step in and out without having to press any buttons. Otherwise it would be prohibited to use an elevator on Shabbat because pressing the button to operate the elevator closes a circuit, which violates the prohibition of building on Shabbat, which is considered a form of labor.
Continue Reading
Bank of Israel sets new rules for mortgage loans
Posted on 25. May, 2010 by Buy-It In Israel Staff.
The Bank of Israel this week issued new guidelines for the country’s banks regarding mortgages which will make it more difficult for homebuyers, in particular young couples, to buy a new home in Israel. The new restrictive mortgage guidelines come in response to ballooning Israel real estate prices across the country over the past two years, which peaked in December 2009.
Continue Reading
Understanding building permits and planning permission in Israel
Posted on 18. May, 2010 by buyitinisrael.
Many foreign residents purchasing Israel real estate are surprised by the prevalence of illegal extensions to the apartments they view prior to finding the property they will ultimately purchase. This phenomenon has its roots in many different factors, including the complicated and drawn out process for obtaining building permits in Israel; the costs involved which can in certain circumstances be excessive and the limitations on the extent of construction imposed by local authorities.
Continue Reading
Taking a mortgage in Israel when living abroad
Posted on 12. May, 2010 by buyitinisrael.
Whether you are an Israeli citizen or a non-resident living abroad, it may possible to get a mortgage for a property in Israel. Buyers of Israel real estate from the US, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, South Africa and as far as the Philippines have succeeded in taking mortgages in Israel without having to set foot here. This article will briefly outline the requirements and the process, and also offer and some advice.
Continue Reading
Exterminating your home – a necessary service to prevent entry of insect pests
Posted on 11. May, 2010 by Buy-It In Israel Staff.
Living in and around cities in Israel in the summer often brings around to your home in Israel unwelcome guests from cockroaches to other insects. Cockroaches eat everything, love warmth and humidity and will usually be found near food (the kitchen, for example) or organic substances (in bathrooms, building sewages, etc). Now more and more homeowners in Israel are using the services of professional exterminators for prevention, which is recommended to order once a year during the spring months.
Continue Reading
A guide to building maintenance and management costs in Israel
Posted on 04. May, 2010 by Buy-It In Israel Staff.
When buying or renting a property in Israel it is important to find out if and how the building is maintained and the magnitude of the fees involved, before signing a contract. In Israel the maintenance or management of an apartment building is determined by a committee of homeowner representatives called Vaad Bayit or building committee.
Continue Reading
Warranties of the Builder on Newly Constructed Homes
Posted on 03. May, 2010 by buyitinisrael.
In an attempt to settle some of the confusion surrounding the warranties associated with new construction, a goal of this article is to provide the reader with some basic knowledge about the warranties that a Kablan is obligated to provide to a purchaser of new construction which are primarily set forth in the Sales Law (Apartments), 5733-1973 and the addendums thereto.
Continue Reading
Understanding Mas Shevach tax exemptions
Posted on 13. Apr, 2010 by buyitinisrael.
When selling a house or apartment or any other Israel real estate you may have to pay capital gains tax (known as Mas Shevach) at a rate of around 20 percent. This tax is applied to any capital gain or profits generated as a result of selling a property in Israel. It is important to understand the cost of the tax when considering selling an apartment to buy another.
Continue Reading
Stand your ground and choose the right floor
Posted on 11. Apr, 2010 by buyitinisrael.
One of the most important elements in the home, both functionally and visually, is the flooring. The two primary groups of flooring types are stone-based and wood-based. Most homes in Israel have traditionally been built with stone-based rather than wood-based flooring for a number of reasons: stone is more readily available here than wood; most homes are constructed with stone rather than wood-based material; and stone keeps the home cooler which is an advantage in a warm climate.
Continue Reading
Private swimming pools – not only for the very wealthy
Posted on 08. Apr, 2010 by Buy-It In Israel Staff.
Private swimming pools, are a status symbol in Israel, as in the rest of the world, but in recent years having a pool in your backyard has become a luxury pleasure not only for the very wealthy. Technological innovation and the entry of new products and competition into the Israeli market means that the variety in prices and options make it possible for other than only millionaires, to build backyard private swimming pools and enjoy a refreshing swim on hot summer days.
Continue Reading
Air conditioners – indispensable for every home in Israel
Posted on 25. Mar, 2010 by Buy-It In Israel Staff.
As the summer approaches, temperatures are climbing and humidity levels are reaching a high that make even shade uncomfortable, the time has come to think about investment into new or additional air conditioning systems. The summers in Israel have in recent years been hotter than past ones, and as new apartments in Israel are now bigger, more machines are needed to keep them cool.
Continue Reading
