Mortgage

Non-bank mortgage lenders in Israel continue offering extravagant perks like luxury trips to advisors, sparking ethical concerns and regulatory scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest.

Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham launched the Your First Home initiative, allowing young renters to bypass steep down-payment barriers by using consistent rent payments for mortgages.

An analysis of whether to liquidate a liquid keren hishtalmut fund to pay off a mortgage, comparing long-term compounding returns, tax advantages, and liquidity.

Israeli developers in central regions and the Sharon area are offering cash discounts up to 250,000 NIS and heavy mortgage subsidies to accelerate apartment sales amid sluggish market demand.

Israel's mortgage lending surges toward 120 billion shekels annually as borrowers rush to beat strict new Bank of Israel PTI caps and limits on parental loan backing.

Despite high living costs, Israel's mortgage default rate dropped to 0.6% in August 2025, with overdue payments falling to ₪4.102 billion as refinancing hit record highs.

Buying a four-room apartment in Tel Aviv requires 4.5-5 million NIS and a net monthly household income of 45,000-55,000 NIS, highlighting severe affordability gaps compared to other regions.

Israel's housing market defied expectations as developer financing incentives plummeted following Bank of Israel restrictions, while property prices experienced a much smaller correction.

August 2026 mortgage volumes in Israel reached 10.9 billion shekels, pushing the yearly total to 79.6 billion shekels. Data reveals shifts toward the prime track and fixed unindexed rates.

The People's Bank of China left its benchmark lending rates unchanged for the 16th consecutive month, keeping the one-year LPR at 3% and the five-year mortgage benchmark at 3.5%.

A new study reveals that 70% of first-time homebuyers take on risky mortgages exceeding 30% of their net income, despite average monthly payments dropping slightly to 10,864 NIS.

A new Taub Center study reveals that actual mortgage financing costs in Israel surged 52% in 2023, outstripping official inflation data that relies on theoretical rent calculations.

A new Alrov Institute index shows the average equity required for a 4-room apartment in Israel reached 1.38 million NIS, highlighting massive regional gaps from Beersheba to Tel Aviv.

The Central Bureau of Statistics reported a mixed housing market trend in H1 2026, with Tel Aviv prices surging while other cities saw slight declines, alongside a 13.8% rise in cumulative mortgage volume.

Israeli mortgage volumes hit a record 11.5 billion shekels in July, driven by falling interest rates and a wave of refinancing activity across the housing market.

The Israeli real estate market faces political turmoil at the Israel Land Authority alongside a surprising 20% surge in apartment sales, high mortgage burdens, and rising prices in select urban neighborhoods.

Lloyds Bank in the UK refused a mortgage to the mother of a pro-Palestinian activist convicted over an Elbit factory riot, citing discomfort, sparking controversy.

A panel at the Global Aliyah Live Summit urged new immigrants to prepare financially for Israel's unique banking, high housing costs, and a challenging first year by building a strong safety net and doing thorough research.

A study by the Alrov Institute shows the average monthly mortgage payment in Israel fell 4.8% annually to 10,864 NIS, with massive disparities between Tel Aviv and Be'er Sheva.

Until recently, buying a home was the cornerstone of the American Dream for young people, but soaring housing prices have forced a shift in strategy. Instead of mortgages, Gen Z is increasingly turning to trading apps and long-term investments in stocks and pension accounts, while delaying family milestones and living with parents to build capital.

Since November 2025, the Bank of Israel has lowered the interest rate five times, resulting in a significant reduction in costs for mortgage borrowers. The new interest rate cut will take effect this coming Thursday.

The Bank of Israel interest rate stands at 3.5%, deposits and money market funds still provide a decent return, but many mortgages cost 5% or more; on 200,000 shekels, the gap can reach thousands of shekels per year - and there are also considerations of tax, early repayment fees, and liquidity.

The average apartment price rose by 3.7% this year, the average mortgage continues to rise, and Tidhar reports point to a jump in revenue and profit, while the company previously spoke of a price crash and is now predicting a market recovery.

Deputy Chairman of the Mortgage Consultants Association, Avi Yusufov, explains what is behind the drop in the number of delinquencies and talks about the wave of refinancing sweeping the market: "More households have consolidated existing loans."

Despite the ongoing slowdown in the housing market, the average mortgage continues to climb, reaching 1.117 million shekels in July — the second-highest figure ever. About 43% of new mortgages were taken for properties worth 3 million shekels or more. Contractor loans also remained at a high level, with a volume of 1.6 billion shekels, but their share of total mortgages actually decreased.

Bank of Israel data reveals gaps in interest rates and mortgage tracks between the major banks. Experts explain why the average interest rate is misleading, how banks profit from each track, and what really determines the best deal for the customer.

Over the past year, the portfolio of balloon and bullet mortgage loans has grown by approximately 20%, significantly outpacing the growth of the total mortgage market. By July 2026, the balance reached 29.2 billion shekels.

Bank of Israel data reveals a significant trend: the number of mortgage refinancings has reached a peak not seen since 2023. This largely explains the jump in total mortgage volume. Additionally, there is a positive indicator for the Bank of Israel: the number of those in arrears on mortgage payments is decreasing and is at its lowest level this year.

The south was a key region for 10/90 and 20/80 financing campaigns, allowing buyers to enter the market with low initial capital. As large payments fall due, the combination of high interest rates, repayment capacity issues, and eroding apartment prices in some projects is forcing a recalculation. In the Beersheba area, the cancellation rate for 2023 deals approached 7%, significantly higher than...

Bank Jerusalem and Migdal have signed a joint financing agreement to establish a 400 million shekel credit line. The funds are intended for providing "jumbo loans" secured by residential real estate.

An analysis reveals that contractors receive only 16% of the money due to 'on paper' sales. Ministry of Finance data explains why large contractors survive while small ones collapse.

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank closed the second quarter of 2026 with a 1.7% decrease in net profit to 1.43 billion shekels. Moderating inflation and lower interest rates have curbed profit growth, while the bank's mortgage portfolio faces mounting risks.

According to second-quarter reports for 2026, Efi Capital sold 379 apartments in the first half of the year—an increase over last year. However, the company faces pressure to maintain momentum, especially as 712 of its units are tied to the 'Mechir LeMishtaken' program.

Mimun Yashir's profits jumped more than 4-fold in the quarter, driven by strong performance in mortgage and auto finance. Competitor Nawi, holding about 10% of the shares, is reporting a paper profit of approximately 40 million shekels.

When work slowed down and her financial situation became complicated, Drea de Matteo found an unexpected source of income to save her home.

The share of the prime rate track in mortgages has almost doubled within a year, while the public is moving away from CPI-linked tracks. The choice reflects an expectation for continued interest rate cuts in Israel, but the global picture has changed: long-term bond yields are climbing, markets in the USA and Europe are pricing in the possibility of rate hikes, and further cuts by the Bank of...

Data from the Ministry of Finance reveals that many buyers canceling apartment deals faced financing difficulties, often having paid nothing prior to cancellation. While sales contracts typically include a 10% penalty, sellers frequently waive the full amount or accept partial compensation.

A third of apartment buyers in Be'er Sheva did not pay a single shekel before cancelling their contracts, a trend now affecting the luxury market in Tel Aviv. New Ministry of Finance data reveals that developers are taking excessive risks to secure sales.

Billionaire Mat Ishbia is in trouble following a failed takeover attempt and poorly timed interest rate bets.

The Ministry of Finance publishes a pessimistic picture of the housing market, amidst a very positive review for contractors. Why the 90/10 promotions should be stopped and is the era over where you could win an apartment at a discount | Friday column

Those who cannot afford an apartment in the center are buying on the periphery. How much does an apartment without a protected space (MAMAD) cost, and how were two apartments in Tel Aviv purchased at such surprising prices? Real estate deals of the week.

A couple from Netanya living in Moscow discovered a 1.2 million shekel mortgage registered on their apartment. They claim they are victims of a fraud network that used stolen documents to secure the loan.

The average monthly expenditure of a household in Israel is 18,088 shekels, but a family with two children in the center can exceed 25 thousand.

Luxury flights to New York and Las Vegas, direct payments of tens of thousands of shekels, and aggressive competition for every borrower: non-bank financial institutions are luring mortgage consultants with generous incentives. The result: clients are pushed into expensive loans, sometimes with double the interest rate. The industry admits: 'This creates a conflict of interest.'

Mortgage volume reached 11.5 billion shekels in July, an 8% increase year-on-year. Experts warn that these figures reflect past transactions and create a misleading sense of market health.

According to Ministry of Finance data, apartment sales jumped by 50% in June compared to the same period last year, during the war with Iran. Despite the growth, the market remains mixed, with Netanya leading in financing benefits offered to buyers.

An advanced training fund can reduce the mortgage and save on interest, remain invested, or serve as a basis for a loan. But before comparing interest to yield, one must understand what each option does to our debt and financial flexibility. And the most important question: is the apartment really within our budget?

A new purchase model: the buyer pays only one million shekels in the first stage, enters the apartment upon its completion — and pays the balance only two years after moving in. The Hagag Group is launching this unprecedented new promotion at the Infinity project on Ibn Gabirol Street in Tel Aviv.

The crisis regarding leased lands in Jerusalem has led to a 50% decline in apartment values in prestigious neighborhoods. Banks have ceased mortgage lending, and owners face significant legal uncertainty.

The payment schedule, index linkage, entry date, securities, and liability for defects vary between the two transactions; a new apartment provides legal protections but includes uncertainty and future costs, while second-hand allows viewing the property and requires careful verification of rights and the seller.