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Zahavi - Pretty & Co.
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Real Estate

Sale and purchase transactions, title due diligence, real estate contracts, urban renewal and property taxation.

A real estate transaction is often the most significant financial decision of a person's life - and therefore requires meticulous legal guidance at every stage. The firm guides buyers, sellers and developers from the initial title check through to final registration at the Land Registry, with a partner personally involved in every deal. Buying or selling a property? Have questions about real estate? Contact us and we will be glad to guide you.

What we do in this area

  • Guidance in the sale and purchase of apartments and commercial properties
  • Title due diligence and registration with the Land Registry and Israel Land Authority
  • Urban renewal - evacuation-reconstruction, building reinforcement and earthquake-resilience plans, including projects approved under TAMA 38
  • Tax planning and real estate taxation aspects of the deal

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I check before buying an apartment?

Before signing a contract you should verify: the property's registration at the Land Registry, absence of liens and encumbrances, building permits, debts to the local authority, building rights and planning status. A lawyer who carries out these checks protects you from unwelcome surprises after the purchase.

What is the difference between TAMA 38 and evacuation-reconstruction?

TAMA 38 previously allowed existing buildings to be strengthened while adding building rights. It has expired (definitively on 1.10.2023, with temporary extensions in some municipalities until May 2026), and today the reinforcement and renewal of existing buildings proceed through local plans and the track set out in the Planning and Building Law. In evacuation-reconstruction an entire complex is demolished and rebuilt, and the residents receive a new apartment. In all tracks, the contracts with the developer require close legal supervision.

What is betterment tax and who pays it?

Betterment tax (mas shevah) is a tax on the profit from selling real estate. It is generally paid by the seller, though there are exemptions - for example on the sale of a qualifying residential apartment. It is worth assessing the situation before signing.

At what stage should a lawyer get involved in a real estate deal?

At the negotiation stage, before signing. Early involvement allows problems to be identified before you commit, the contract to be drafted in a way that protects your interests, and the tax aspects to be properly planned.

The law was reviewed as of 19 October 2026.