What is a Tofes Harshama—and what should I know before signing one?

A Tofes Harshama is a buyer registration form used by developers in Israel to manage interest in new apartments—whether at the early pre-sale stage or after sales have officially begun. Once you’ve chosen your unit, agreed on the price, and finalized any extras or upgrades, this form is your first step toward reserving the property. It’s not yet a binding sales contract, but it does offer important advantages. Most significantly, it secures your place in line and commits the developer to holding the unit for a specified period, giving you time to prepare for the full purchase agreement.

Once the Tofes Harshama is signed, the lawyers begin preparing the full purchase contract. This period gives both sides time to finalize legal and financial details. Until you sign the actual agreement, you’re generally free to withdraw—but your ability to do so depends entirely on the cancellation terms specified in the registration form.

What’s included in the Tofes Harshama?

These specifics are critical. Make sure every verbal agreement—no matter how minor—is clearly written into the form before you sign.

The form includes your personal details along with a detailed description of the apartment you’ve selected. This typically covers:

• The gush and chelka—the land registry block and parcel numbers that identify the legal location of the property
• The specific unit number
• Number of rooms and the apartment’s overall size
• Floor number and the direction the unit faces
• Balcony or garden dimensions, if relevant
• Storage room number and size
• Parking spot number(s)
• Any upgrades, extras, or modifications you’ve negotiated, such as: additional electric points, window screens, a second kitchen sink
• The agreed purchase price
• If the price is linked to an index (like the Construction Index), the form will specify which index applies and the index linkage date, as this will affect how the final price is adjusted over time
• The payment schedule—typically a series of staged payments based on construction milestones or timeframes.
• The estimated delivery or occupancy date
• How long the developer is committing to hold the unit for you before you’re required to sign the full purchase agreement

Do I have to pay a deposit—and what if I’m abroad?

Most developers ask for a symbolic good-faith deposit, known as dmei retzinut, typically around 10,000–20,000 shekels. It’s often given as a postdated check that isn’t cashed unless you disappear or violate the terms. If you’re abroad and don’t have a local checkbook, many developers are flexible. You can usually pay by bank transfer, credit card, or through your lawyer’s trust account. In many cases, especially when dealing with overseas buyers, the deposit requirement is waived entirely.

Can I cancel and get my money back?

In most cases, yes. The deposit is refundable if you cancel within the timeframe outlined in the form, usually 7 to 14 days. Some developers may deduct a small cancellation fee or require written notice, so it’s critical that you understand the terms before signing.

Do I need a lawyer to review it?

Yes, you should definitely have your lawyer review the Tofes Harshama before you commit. While it’s not a final contract, it can include clauses about price guarantees, upgrade packages, and how long the offer is valid. A lawyer will make sure everything matches what was promised, confirm your money is protected, and ensure you’re not unintentionally committing to something more than you realize.