Holiday Home in Givat Shmuel for American Families
Holiday Home in Givat Shmuel for American Families
Some American families do not plan to move to Israel yet, but spend the High Holidays, Pesach or summer weeks with relatives in Givat Shmuel. Hotels are far away and rentals during holiday periods are hard to find, so owning a small apartment becomes appealing. A holiday home here is less about beaches and more about being within walking distance of family and community on Shabbat and festivals. This guide explains which apartments suit that purpose, how to keep the unit occupied or cared for between visits, and what to discuss with your lawyer, tax advisor and US CPA.
Why a Holiday Base Here Makes Sense
Givat Shmuel is compact and quiet on Shabbat, so being within walking distance of children or grandchildren matters a great deal. Families who stay in Tel Aviv hotels often find they cannot join Friday night meals or synagogue services with relatives.
An apartment of your own also gives you a place for extended stays around family celebrations such as a bar mitzvah or wedding.
Choosing the Right Apartment
A holiday apartment does not need to be large. Many owners prefer a well-maintained unit with an elevator for older family members, a secure room, and a kitchen that can be set up for kosher use and Pesach.
Proximity to your family and your synagogue should come before views or prestige. Check the walking route on Shabbat, including slopes and crossings.
Elevator and step-free access for grandparents
Balcony suitable for a sukkah if that matters to you
Storage for linens and holiday equipment
What Happens Between Visits
You can leave the apartment empty, lend it to relatives, or rent it on a medium-term basis to students or visiting academics from Bar-Ilan. Each option has different implications for insurance, taxes and wear.
If you rent it out, build the lease around your travel calendar and make sure your lawyer drafts clear terms for access and handover.
Maintenance and Building Life
Someone needs to check the apartment regularly, run the water, look for leaks and pay the building committee and municipal accounts. Many owners appoint a relative or a paid caretaker and set up automatic payments through an Israeli bank account.
Participate in building decisions through a representative, especially if an urban renewal plan is discussed, since it could affect your holiday use for a long period.
Tax and Legal Considerations
An additional home in Israel may be treated differently for purchase tax and future sale, depending on whether you or your family already own property in Israel and on your residency status. Rules for foreign residents are specific.
Consult an Israeli tax advisor and real estate lawyer before signing, and a US CPA about reporting any rental income or foreign accounts.
Getting There From the Airport
One practical advantage for visiting families is the short trip from Ben Gurion Airport. Arriving before a festival, you can reach the apartment quickly by taxi or by rail and bus connections, which matters when traveling with children or older parents. Plan arrival times so you are settled before the holiday begins, when public transport stops.
Planning for the Future
Many families buy a holiday apartment with the idea of moving later or passing it to children who have made aliyah. Discuss ownership structure and inheritance with your lawyers in both countries early on, as it is simpler to plan than to change later.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent the apartment when I am not using it
Generally yes, subject to the lease terms, building rules and tax reporting. Your lawyer and tax advisors should review the arrangement.
Is Givat Shmuel suitable for holiday visits
It is especially suitable for families whose relatives live nearby, because the community and synagogues are within walking distance.
Who takes care of the apartment when I leave
A relative, caretaker or property manager usually handles checks, bills and small repairs. Agree on responsibilities in writing.
Do I pay more tax on a second home
It depends on your status and existing property. Consult an Israeli tax advisor and a US CPA for your specific case.
Elkayam Group
Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd, the real estate arm of the Elkayam Group, is based at Rival Street in Tel Aviv and builds on a family background going back to the forties. Our team works in Hebrew, English and French and has hands-on experience with development, urban renewal and combination deals in Gush Dan, so we can flag how renewal plans might affect a holiday apartment.
Looking for a holiday base near family in Givat Shmuel. Contact us to talk it through.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv