If you want to buy in Israel but aren’t ready to take the plunge just yet, you’re not alone — and you’re not behind. Many prospective buyers feel the pull but face uncertainty around timing, finances, location, or logistics. This article offers a practical roadmap for those in the in-between stage, with guidance on how to learn the market, understand your financial options, explore communities, build your team, and prepare confidently for the moment when you’re ready to act.

It’s a familiar conversation. I speak to people who feel a deep pull toward Israel. They know they want to buy in Israel, and they’re not just dreaming — they feel the urgency. They want a place to come to, a foothold in the market, a physical connection to the land and to their future. Some feel it spiritually, some feel it practically, and many feel both. But they’re just not quite ready yet.

They don’t know where they want to live, they don’t know exactly when they will move, and they can’t sell their home yet. Their money is tied up, their family is in different stages of life, and they don’t know how much they can spend — or how much they can borrow. The whole thing feels incredibly overwhelming. But the one thing they are sure of is this: they want to buy in Israel.

If that’s where you are, here’s what I want to tell you: You’re not stuck. You’re on a journey. A very real, very important journey that doesn’t begin with a contract — it begins with clarity, learning, and small steps in the right direction.

Here’s what that can look like.

1. Stay Connected and Keep Learning

One of the most valuable things you can do at this stage is to learn. Stay close to the market, tune in, and pay attention. Buying in Israel is not like buying in the U.S., Canada, the UK, or anywhere else. The structure is different, the timeline is different, and the roles of the lawyer, the bank, the tax authority — all different. If you wait until you’re “ready” to start learning, you’ll find yourself scrambling. But if you take the time now to read, to listen, to absorb, you’ll be walking into the process with open eyes and confidence.

That’s exactly why we built Buyitinisrael. All the content — from our weekly news updates to our practical guides, and podcast episodes — is there to help you feel informed, empowered, and less alone. We cover everything from how the mortgage system works to the hidden costs of buying property in Israel, and we delve into the real challenges and risks buyers face, including navigating bureaucracy, understanding zoning laws, and complying with building standards. If you know you want to buy in Israel, but you don’t have a set timeline, this is the time to understand how things work. A little bit of knowledge, gained consistently over time, will serve you in ways you can’t imagine

2. Understand Your Financial Picture

Even if you’re still years away from buying, it’s never too early to start clarifying your finances. This means looking not only at what you have but also at what you might be able to access — either through selling assets or taking out a mortgage.

Start by reviewing your existing resources. How much liquid cash do you have? What’s tied up in real estate, investments, or retirement accounts? What would it take to access some of that when the time comes? Are there tax implications or timing issues that would make it easier or harder?

Then think about what you could borrow. In Israel, the mortgage system is different from what many buyers are used to. As you can see in our guides, it’s not always intuitive, and it can take time to navigate: What are you eligible for as a foreign buyer? What kind of documents would you need? How does your income or residency status affect your borrowing capacity?

Even if you’re not ready to apply for a loan, this is a good time to speak to a mortgage broker or an Israeli bank to get more personalized information on your situation. Knowing your borrowing power — even in rough numbers — helps you create a realistic framework. Many buyers are surprised to learn they can borrow more than they thought, or that they’ll need to make some changes in order to qualify. Either way, knowledge brings peace of mind. You don’t have to have everything in place today, but every step you take toward understanding your finances brings you closer to readiness.

3. Explore Neighborhoods and Communities

If you know you want to buy in Israel at some point, this is the perfect time to explore relevant communities and find a place that’s right for you.

You’d be amazed at how many people begin their search without knowing where they want to live. They start with “somewhere near Tel Aviv or Jerusalem” and then quickly get overwhelmed. Do they want a religious or mixed neighborhood? Urban or suburban? Close to the beach? Near schools or parks? Are they looking for Anglo communities, or do they want to integrate into Israeli society more fully?

The time to answer those questions is now — when there’s no pressure. If you’re planning a trip to Israel, consider visiting different neighborhoods that interest you, or even staying in one or two for a few days to get a feel for the community. If not, dive into online research. Talk to people you know, watch videos, join community groups, and ask all of your questions so you can get a sense of the lifestyle, cost of living, and pace of the community. The more you explore now, the more focused you’ll be when it’s time to buy.

4. Build Your Team Early

One of the most empowering things you can do — even before you’re ready to make an offer — is to begin assembling your team. That might include a real estate agent who knows the areas you’re interested in, a real estate lawyer who understands how to protect foreign buyers, a mortgage consultant who can guide you through the Israeli lending process, and a tax advisor who understands both Israeli and international implications.

You don’t need to formally hire anyone just yet. However, it’s helpful to start conversations, ask questions, and get a sense of who you might want to work with. These relationships take time to build, and trust really matters. So don’t wait until you find the “perfect” property to start building your network. When the time comes, you’ll want to move quickly. Having a team of professionals in place who understand your goals and situation will make the process smoother, faster, and far less stressful.

5. Stay Ready to Act When the Time Comes

This last point is less about logistics and more about mindset. It’s easy to get stuck in the planning phase. But eventually, there will come a moment — a conversation, a global event, a personal shift—when you feel ready. When that moment comes, you want to be able to act without hesitation. Not impulsively, but with intention. You’ve done the research. You’ve spoken to the right people. You know what your finances look like. You’ve narrowed your location. You’ve built your team. All of that groundwork pays off when you see the right opportunity and can say, “Yes. This is it.”

Being “ready” isn’t just about having cash in the bank. It’s about having clarity and confidence. And the way you build that is by staying engaged even when you’re not buying — by taking this journey seriously, even before it officially begins.

You’re Not Stuck — You’re Preparing

If you feel pulled toward buying in Israel but not ready to act, remember: you’re not behind, and you’re not doing it wrong. You’re preparing. And preparation is an essential part of the process. Because buying a home in Israel isn’t just about price per meter or closing dates. It’s about something bigger, more personal, and deeply meaningful.

So stay close, keep learning, and start planning. When the time does come, you’ll be amazed at how ready you actually are. And at Buyitinisrael, we’ll be right here to assist you.