Not every property in Israel is registered in the same way. Alongside apartments and land registered at the Land Registry (Tabu), there are properties whose rights are also managed by the Israel Land Authority or another registering body. The lack of full Tabu registration does not necessarily mean a transaction is impossible, but it does require a clear understanding of which rights are being transferred and how they can be protected and registered.
What is the difference between a Tabu extract and a rights confirmation?
A Land Registry extract reflects the information recorded in the land registers for a property registered there. For a property managed by the Israel Land Authority, a rights confirmation from the Authority or another relevant document may be required. Such a confirmation may include a description of the property, the rights holders, the nature of the rights, charges and notes. The correct document depends on the property’s registration status.
Why check the chain of rights?
You need to understand not only who the seller is but how the rights reached them, whether they were transferred and registered as required, and what is missing to complete registration. There is sometimes a gap between a previous purchase agreement, the managing body’s confirmations and the existing registration. Such a gap does not necessarily rule out a deal, but it may affect the documents, timing and protections needed before signing.
Which obligations and restrictions should be identified?
Depending on the type of right and property, check for charges, mortgages, attachments, notes, consent requirements for transfer or obligations to other parties. Planning data and actual use are also important. A general list does not replace checking the current documents and the specific property.
How is the buyer protected until the rights are registered?
Protection depends on where the property is registered and on the transaction documents. Where possible and appropriate, registering a caveat (warning note) can be considered; in other cases suitable contractual and registration mechanisms must be examined. The buyer’s protections should be coordinated with the payment dates and handover of possession.
What to do before committing to a deal
Map how the property is registered, collect the current documents, check the chain of rights and the restrictions, and define in the agreement who is responsible for each confirmation and registration step. If bank financing is planned, check the lender’s requirements in advance. Focused legal support at an early stage can prevent delays and uncertainty later.
Paz Israel & Co. handles real estate transactions according to the rights status of each property. To review a property not registered at the Land Registry, contact our office. For more on supporting buyers, see our property purchase page.