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Real Estate Cheat Sheet
Hebrew real estate terms for renting, buying, and understanding property costs in Israel.
משכנתא
Mashkanta
A mortgage loan for purchasing real estate. Israeli mortgages combine multiple tracks with different interest types.
Literal: "Mortgage"טאבו
Tabu
The Israel Land Registry (Tabu) where property ownership is officially recorded.
Literal: "Land Registry"ועד בית
Vaad Bayit
The building management committee that collects monthly fees for maintenance, cleaning, and shared expenses.
Literal: "House Committee"שכירות
Schirut
Monthly rent payment. Israeli rental contracts are typically for 12 months with annual increases.
Literal: "Rent / Rental"מדד
Madad
The Consumer Price Index. Many Israeli mortgages and contracts are CPI-linked (tzamud laMadad).
Literal: "Index (CPI)"פריים
Prime
The Bank of Israel prime interest rate. Many mortgage tracks and loans are priced as Prime +/- a spread.
Literal: "Prime Rate"שוכר
Shocheir
The tenant in a rental agreement. Israeli law provides specific protections and obligations for tenants.
Literal: "Tenant"משכיר
Maskirr
The landlord or property owner who rents out a property and collects monthly rent.
Literal: "Landlord"חוזה
Chozeh
A legal contract, e.g. a rental agreement (chozeh schirut) or purchase contract (chozeh mecher).
Literal: "Contract"רשם המקרקעין
Reshaam HaMkarkein
The official government authority that registers land and property ownership - also known as Tabu.
Literal: "Land Registrar"היתר בנייה
Heter Bniya
A municipal building permit required before any construction, extension, or significant renovation.
Literal: "Building Permit"שיפוץ
Shputs (Itur)
Renovation or refurbishment of a property. Costs, permits, and tenant rights vary by scope of work.
Literal: "Renovation"פיתוח
Pituach
A one-time development levy charged by local authorities for infrastructure works near the property.
Literal: "Development Levy"