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Real estate experts ease Aliyah journey amid wartime hardships in Israel

Harry November 9, 2024

While Israel faces turbulent times, many people are still considering making aliyah and looking for their place in the rapidly changing real estate market. In an interview “Aliyah in Times of War” The Jerusalem Post conference, hosted by Brosh Group owner Ayelet Brosh and SNIR Real Estate CEO Nir Shmul, discussed how their firm is working to make it easier for new Olim to adjust to Israeli life, from finding a home to creating a supportive community.

Brosh Group offers a variety of projects that appeal to different preferences and budgets. As Ayelet Brosh explains, “We have projects in the center of Tel Aviv, in prime locations, boutique buildings, different types of apartment buildings.” His company prioritizes quality and aims to make his customers feel like they are investing in something special; team is proud to offer newcomers to Israel not just a home, but a carefully considered experience.

Catch up on everything you missed from “Homecoming: Aliyah in Times of War” >>

From immediate occupancy-ready apartments in Herzliya to customizable designs, Brosh talked about the need to meet a variety of needs, including those of immigrants who need to learn exactly what they’re looking for as they adapt to Israel’s urban environment. According to Brosh, understanding the expectations of an immigrant is very important.

“The first thing you should do when you approach olim interviewing them, knowing exactly what they need,” he said, further emphasizing the importance of offering customers a personalized experience that suits their individual needs.

Brosh believes in taking the time to guide clients through the process, from understanding the layout of Israeli homes to offering a support network that includes mortgage experts, designers and legal advisors. “We connect them to experts…we form like a circle of support to make them as comfortable as we can,” Brosh said, noting that Brosh Group is more like a “family” than a typical real estate firm.

Stating that building trust with New Olim is equally important, Brosh shared the story of a couple who came to him to buy a large and expensive flat. “We were both sitting next to them and said, ‘Why do you need such a big apartment?’ we said. he explained and stated that their trust also stems from the pure quality of their structures. Establishing this level of trust allows him to offer truly personalized advice without forcing unnecessary investments.

Nir Shmul added that he helps new immigrants find a house is just one part of a bigger picture. “It’s not just about home, it’s also about work, it’s also about school and society,” Shmul emphasized. Understanding these factors is essential to making new residents feel safe, he said.

Shmul noted the importance of working within clients’ budgets, matching them with suitable neighborhoods and properties, while also educating them about Israel’s legal, tax and fiscal processes. “It is very important to help them understand what Israeli laws, taxes and procedures are,” he added.

Addressing the realities of the Israeli real estate market, Brosh warned that high prices in Israel’s central areas will likely continue to rise due to a housing shortage. Pointing to the slow pace of opening new housing projects in the country and the current labor shortage in the construction industry, he said, “The government is not doing anything about this.” he said.

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“Before the war, we didn’t have 20,000 flats a year, and now it’s only growing,” he said, explaining that rising demand and rising construction costs will only worsen price pressures. He warned potential buyers not to rush and make careful choices.

The sense of community is strong among different cultural groups in Israel. “You can see people from France coming to Ashdod and Netanya, and Anglo-Saxons coming to Ra’anana,” Shmul explains, explaining that these established Olim communities make a new country feel familiar. he said. For many people, integrating into a neighborhood where they share the same language, customs, and lifestyle is critical to their successful transition.

Shmul also suggested that some Olim may consider renting before buying to give themselves time to adjust and find the right fit. “Maybe you could just rent an apartment for a year or two,” he advised, allowing them to gauge whether a location truly suits their needs before making a significant investment.

Discussing the impact of the current conflict on Israel’s housing market, Shmul noted that demand for new apartments, especially those with safe rooms, has increased significantly. Many people are considering making aliyah despite the war, as people seek refuge in safer areas, and demand in the central regions remains high.

Shmul also noted that construction companies offer competitive deals, such as the option to pay only a small percentage upfront. “We can see a lot of promotions right now… the customer can only pay 10% or 20% now and pay the rest on delivery,” he explained.

Israel also provides new Olim with significant financial incentives, such as a 0.5% tax rate on new properties and a ten-year tax exemption on foreign income, which Shmul describes as a significant advantage. In his opinion, these measures reflect Israel’s determination to support new immigrants even in difficult times.

Both Brosh and Shmul emphasized the need for careful preparation and clear communication when making aliyah. “Check very carefully where you want to buy, what your budget is, and what your needs are,” Brosh advised. Their company is committed to making aliyah as seamless as possible for new residents, offering not only homes but also guidance, resources, and community support during a time of intense uncertainty.

Learn how to buy your home safely in Israel >>