Buying an apartment
Calculator for the Additional Costs of Buying an Apartment
Beyond the price of the apartment, there are expenses worth planning for in advance: purchase tax, legal fees, registration fees and, in some cases, brokerage fees, an appraiser and an engineer. The calculator brings them together in a single total.
Disclaimer. The calculator provides an estimate only, based on the data entered and the assumptions set out here. It does not constitute legal advice, a price quote or an undertaking as to any outcome. Purchase tax is determined in the assessment issued by the Real Estate Taxation Office, and the other costs under the agreements with the service providers. The office is not liable for any loss caused by use of the calculator or by reliance on its results.
What is the largest additional expense?
In most transactions, purchase tax. On a sole apartment there is an exemption up to the first bracket, and on an additional apartment the tax starts at 8% from the very first shekel. The calculator works out purchase tax according to the official Israel Tax Authority brackets in force on the transaction date. For special reliefs (new immigrant, person with a disability and others) there is a full purchase tax calculator.
How much does the developer's advocate cost?
On a purchase from a developer, the buyer usually contributes to the legal expenses of the developer's advocate, but the amount is capped by the Sale (Apartments) (Limitation of the Amount of Legal Expenses) Regulations: the lower of 0.5% of the price and NIS 5,915 (2026 amount), plus VAT. This is in addition to the advocate who represents you.
Which fees are paid at the Land Registry?
Under the Land (Fees) Regulations, at 2026 amounts: registration of a cautionary note NIS 188, registration of the sale NIS 44, and registration of a mortgage NIS 188. Where there is a mortgage, a cautionary note in favour of the bank is usually registered as well. For an apartment that is not registered at the Land Registry (housing company or Israel Land Authority), different charges apply.
What does the calculator not include?
Financing costs (file opening fees, insurance and interest), renovation, furniture and moving, as well as the seller's expenses. The legal fee and the brokerage fee are figures you enter according to the quotes you have received. Information on legal fees when buying an apartment can be found in the article How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for Buying an Apartment.
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Questions and answers
Is purchase tax also paid on an apartment bought from a developer?
Yes. On a purchase from a developer, purchase tax is calculated on the price including VAT.
Does the calculator include the office's legal fees?
No. The legal fee is a figure you enter, and the calculator is not a fee quote. A fee quote is given after a conversation and a review of the transaction.
Do Land Registry fees include VAT?
No. VAT is not added to fees paid to the State.
Not sure the deal is safe? Let's start with a conversation
In an initial conversation we will go over the property, the other party and the payment schedule, and tell you what needs to be checked before you sign.