From Dreams to Keys: The Emotional Journey of Buying Property in Israel

For Jews around the world, making aliyah—the move to Israel—is often about more than just a change of location. It’s a profound, sometimes spiritual, decision to come home. But as many new olim (immigrants to Israel) quickly discover, the road to buying property in the Holy Land can be just as emotional as it is complex.

With the recent surge in aliyah numbers, especially after the tragic events of October 7, many Jews are asking themselves: *“What am I still doing here?”* For some, the answer is clear. The time has come to return to Israel, a place that calls them not just out of safety, but also out of a sense of destiny. And for many, buying a home in Israel isn’t simply a real estate decision—it’s a soul decision.

The Rising Demand for Aliyah

In 2023 alone, over 46,000 Jews made aliyah, a number that spiked following the rise in antisemitism and the ongoing security challenges worldwide. For some, making aliyah is a lifelong dream, one that connects them to generations before them. For others, it’s a wake-up call—a reminder that Israel is where they belong, even in the most difficult of times.

The surge is particularly notable in countries like France, where aliyah applications surged by 400% after October 7, 2023. Jews everywhere are looking to Israel not just as a refuge, but as a place to rebuild, to connect, and to live out their heritage.

But while the decision to make aliyah might be made in the heart, the process of finding a home in Israel is a different story altogether.

The Emotional and Practical Realities of Buying Property in Israel

For many new olim, the process of buying a home is as much about navigating bureaucracy, language barriers, and unforeseen challenges as it is about finding the perfect place to call home. Each person’s story is different, but the emotional journey is often the same: it’s overwhelming, it’s stressful, but it’s worth it.

Here are four stories from English-speaking buyers who have navigated Israel’s real estate maze:

Mali’s Story: The Price of “Perfect”

Mali and her husband had long dreamed of buying a home in Israel. They were tired of renting in the US and were eager to put down roots in Israel. When they found a home in a Jerusalem suburb, they were enchanted by its garden and spaciousness. The price seemed right, and the sale felt predestined.

But things quickly soured. The seller’s brother pushed them to act quickly, and they hired a lawyer they hadn’t vetted. They didn’t fully check the property’s permits, which led to major complications years later when they tried to sell. The process dragged on for over a year, involving heartache, stress, and even a visit to the rabbinical court (beit din). Mali’s takeaway? “If only we had used a vetted lawyer or a buyer’s advocate like The Getter Group, we could have avoided all this pain.”

Reuven’s Story: Trusting the Wrong People

Reuven had already bought and sold an apartment in Israel, but moving to a new location meant starting over. The realtor promised him the perfect property, but the deal quickly soured. What had seemed like a fair price turned into a nightmare, with hidden costs and unexpected issues with the property itself. After moving in, they discovered that the kitchen had been ripped out in an act of spite from the seller, resulting in an unexpected NIS 90,000 bill to redo the kitchen.

“We shouldn’t have blindly trusted the professionals around us,” Reuven said. “We should have had a real estate advocate by our side.” Despite the headaches, Reuven and his family are grateful for the home they have now.

Shani’s Story: Starting Small, Dreaming Big

When Shani and her husband made aliyah, they weren’t in a hurry to settle down. For years, they moved from place to place in search of the right community, but nothing seemed to fit. Their budget was tight, and they were settling for places that were less than ideal.

When they found a broker in Karmiel who believed in them, things changed. With little money but a lot of determination, they were able to purchase a small apartment that they hope will one day become a stepping stone to something bigger.

“It’s not huge, but it’s ours,” Shani said. “It’s a home we can call our own, with trust in God that bigger things are coming.” Their story underscores one of the biggest pieces of advice for prospective buyers: if you can’t afford your dream home, buying something is better than nothing.

Shmuel’s Story: From Bedbugs to a Life’s Mission

Shmuel’s story is one of perseverance. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Shmuel had always known that Israel was his true home. He made aliyah in 2014, and after a series of challenges—including dealing with a “bedbug blessing” in a tiny Jerusalem apartment—he and his wife decided it was time to buy.

They found a beachfront apartment in Acre, but even then, the process was far from smooth. From parking spot issues to last-minute surprises, buying the property wasn’t easy. However, they eventually turned the Acre apartment into a profitable rental on Airbnb, which helped cover the mortgage. After the tragic events of October 7, they offered the apartment to displaced families, turning what was once a source of stress into a blessing for others.

Today, Shmuel works for The Getter Group, guiding other Jews through the process of buying property in Israel. “Helping other Jews find their home in Israel isn’t just a job for me—it’s a life’s mission,” he says.
 

The Key Takeaway: It’s Not Just About Property; It’s About Coming Home

The road to owning a home in Israel is not an easy one. It’s paved with mistakes, challenges, and even miracles. The system is different, the process can be confusing, and most people don’t know what they don’t know until they’re deep into it. But with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be this way.

As these stories show, the key to navigating the Israeli real estate market lies in having someone on your side—someone who truly understands the process, can advocate for you, and guide you through every step. A real estate advocate like The Getter Group can help you avoid common pitfalls, providing you with the peace of mind you need to focus on what really matters: coming home.

In the end, this journey isn’t just about buying property—it’s about finding your place in the world. And as many olim will tell you, even with all the challenges, there’s truly no place like home.