Buying Property in Israel from Montreal
Buying Property in Israel from Montreal
From Côte Saint-Luc and Hampstead to Outremont and the Town of Mount Royal, Montreal families have long maintained close links with Israel. The city is home to a large Sephardic community of Moroccan origin that speaks French, alongside English-speaking Ashkenazi families, and both groups buy property in Israel for family, retirement or investment. A Montreal purchase in Quebec involves a notary, while in Israel the lawyer handles most of the legal work, so the process can feel unfamiliar. This guide explains the steps, the cities Montreal buyers prefer and what to check with Canadian and Israeli professionals.
Two Communities with Distinct Preferences
French-speaking Sephardic families in Côte Saint-Luc, Hampstead and Dollard-des-Ormeaux often look at coastal cities with a strong French-speaking presence such as Netanya and Ashdod, as well as Jerusalem. English-speaking families from Hampstead, Westmount and the Town of Mount Royal more often focus on Jerusalem, Raanana and Modiin.
Hassidic families from Outremont typically look at established religious neighbourhoods in Jerusalem and Bnei Brak.
Cities Montreal Buyers Choose
Netanya has a long history of welcoming French speakers, and its seafront promenade is familiar to many Montreal visitors. Jerusalem offers neighbourhoods such as Rehavia, Katamon, Baka and the German Colony. Ashdod has a large French-speaking community and a port city atmosphere, while Tel Aviv and Herzliya suit buyers who want city or beach living.
Netanya for French-speaking community life by the sea
Jerusalem for heritage and religious life
Ashdod for community and value
Raanana and Modiin for suburban English-speaking families
From Quebec Notary to Israeli Lawyer
In Quebec a notary handles much of a property transaction. In Israel each side usually has a lawyer who reviews the land registry, planning status, liens and the contract. A warning note is registered to protect the buyer until ownership is transferred.
Make sure your lawyer explains every clause, and ask for explanations in French or English when needed.
Working Remotely from Montreal
Israel is usually seven hours ahead of Montreal, so a morning call in Montreal reaches Israel in the early afternoon. Nonstop flights between Montreal and Tel Aviv have operated at various times, and one-stop connections through Europe are always available.
Many buyers sign documents through a power of attorney and travel only for viewings and key meetings.
Canadian and Quebec Tax Considerations
Quebec residents file both federal and provincial returns, and foreign property ownership can bring reporting requirements. Rental income or gains from an Israeli property may need to be reported, with the Canada Israel tax treaty shaping how double taxation is handled.
Consult a Canadian accountant familiar with Quebec and foreign property, and an Israeli tax advisor for the Israeli side.
Financing the Purchase
Some buyers pay from savings or proceeds from a Montreal sale, while others seek an Israeli mortgage for foreign residents. Plan currency conversion carefully since payments are made in stages.
An Israeli mortgage adviser can explain the requirements for non-residents.
Viewing Properties on a Visit
Many Montreal buyers organise viewings during a family trip to Israel, often around Pesach, Sukkot or the summer break. Plan a shortlist before you land and group viewings by city, because moving between Netanya, Jerusalem and Ashdod in a single day is tiring.
Visit on a weekday and again on Shabbat if possible. The atmosphere of a street, the noise level and the walk to synagogue can feel very different, and these details matter as much as the apartment itself.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get support in French
Yes. Many Israeli professionals work in French, and our team works in Hebrew, English and French.
Which Israeli cities are popular with Montreal buyers
Netanya, Jerusalem, Ashdod, Raanana, Modiin and Tel Aviv are common choices, depending on language and community preferences.
Is the Israeli process similar to a Quebec purchase
Not exactly. The Israeli lawyer plays the central legal role instead of a notary, and payments are usually made in stages.
Do I need Canadian tax advice
Yes. A Canadian accountant familiar with Quebec and foreign property should review your situation.
Elkayam Group
Elkayam Group, Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd, is a Tel Aviv family business on Rival Street with an heritage carried through three generations. Because its team works in French as well as Hebrew and English, Montreal families from both the Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities can discuss development, urban renewal and complex deals in the language they are most comfortable with.
Contact our French and English speaking team about buying in Israel from Montreal.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv