Holiday Home in Israel for Belem Families
Holiday Home in Israel for Belem Families
Update: Israel's national TAMA 38 plan expired on 18 May 2026. New building-strengthening and renewal projects now go through alternative routes, such as municipal replacement plans and pinui-binui.
Many families in Belém have relatives in Israel and travel for long visits, weddings, festivals and holidays. A holiday home in the country makes those trips more comfortable and creates a family address on the other side of the world. The choice involves deciding between Jerusalem, the Mediterranean coast, the Galilee or Eilat, whether the home will be let during the months away and who will look after it. This guide looks at the trade off between being near relatives or near the sea, Jerusalem during the festivals, the Galilee and Eilat, rules for short lets, who will care for the home, running costs and declarations.
Near relatives or near the sea
The first question is often whether to buy close to family already living in Israel or in a place chosen for the holiday itself. Being near relatives makes daily visits easy and gives the home a guardian when you are away. Choosing the sea, such as in Netanya, Herzliya or Ashkelon, gives a holiday feel but may mean travelling to see family. Some families find a compromise in a coastal city not far from where relatives live.
Think also about who will use the home most. Grandparents who come for months at a time may value a lift, nearby clinics and a short walk to synagogue, while younger families may prefer a garden or a pool in the building.
Jerusalem during the festivals
Spending Pesach, Sukkot or the High Holidays in Jerusalem is a dream for many families from Belém. Neighbourhoods near the Old City, the German Colony, Baka and Katamon are within walking distance of synagogues, including Sephardi congregations. Demand for rentals rises sharply at those times, which can help offset costs if you let the home when you are not using it.
The Galilee and Eilat
In the north, Upper Galilee villages, the old lanes of Safed and the lakeside promenade of Tiberias make restful bases among springs and green hills. Eilat, on the Red Sea, offers winter sun and diving. Both have different letting patterns from the big cities and suit families who want rest rather than city life.
Jerusalem for festivals
Coast for beach holidays
Galilee for nature
Eilat for winter sun
Rules for short lets
Building bylaws and municipal regulations can restrict short term rentals, and income from guests is taxable in Israel. Your lawyer should review these rules before purchase. Long term leases are simpler to manage but limit the family's own use.
During the festivals in Jerusalem, some families let the home to other visiting families they know through the community, which is simpler to arrange and often more reassuring than letting to strangers, but the same rules and tax obligations apply.
Who looks after the home
Relatives can help, but a professional manager with a written agreement is often better for regular inspections, cleaning, repairs and guests. Agree on reporting, keys and approval limits, and keep a list of trusted local tradespeople.
Costs of keeping the home
Arnona, building fees, insurance, utilities, maintenance and management continue throughout the year. Heating in a Jerusalem winter or air conditioning in Eilat adds to utility bills. A realistic annual budget helps decide whether letting is necessary.
It also helps to keep a small local account for recurring bills so that payments do not depend on international transfers every month.
Declarations and taxes
The home must be declared on your Brazilian tax return, and any rent reported as income from abroad. In Israel, an additional home may be taxed differently at purchase, and rental income has its own rules. Put your plan in front of a Brazilian accountant and an Israeli tax advisor first.
Frequently asked questions
Should we buy near our relatives or by the sea
It depends on how you will use the home. Many families find a coastal city near relatives a good compromise.
Can we let the home during the festivals
Often, if building and municipal rules allow. Demand in Jerusalem is high at those times.
Who will look after the home while we are in Belém
A local manager or trusted relative, ideally under a written agreement.
Must we declare the home in Brazil
Yes, as an asset abroad, and guest income too. Your Brazilian accountant will set out the steps.
Elkayam Group
Our activity ranges from development to TAMA 38 and pinui-binui renewal and complex combination deals, and the partners and backing companies we work with let us issue guarantees. In Hebrew, English and French we coordinate the local help a Belém family needs to keep a second home in good order.
Imagining your family festivals in a home of your own in Israel. Let us help you choose where.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com