Holiday Home in Israel for Boston Families
Holiday Home in Israel for Boston Families
For many families in Newton, Brookline, Sharon and Framingham, the calendar already revolves around trips to Israel for Pesach, Sukkot, summer programs and family celebrations. After years of renting apartments or staying with relatives, owning a holiday home becomes appealing. A second home abroad is a different project from a main residence, though. You need to think about how often you will actually use it, who will look after it when you are back in Massachusetts, whether renting it out between visits is allowed and sensible, and which city suits the way your family likes to spend time in Israel.
Start with How You Travel
Think honestly about your visiting pattern. A family that comes for every holiday may want a place in Jerusalem within walking distance of relatives and synagogues. A family that travels in summer for beach time may prefer Netanya, Herzliya or the Tel Aviv coastline.
Boston school vacations often fall at different times from Israeli holidays, so consider when you can really travel before choosing a location built around one season.
Popular Holiday Home Locations
Jerusalem neighborhoods such as the German Colony, Baka, Rehavia and Talbiya are perennial favorites for holiday stays, especially around the chagim. Netanya has a long tradition of English and French speaking holiday owners who enjoy its cliff top promenade and beaches.
Herzliya and Tel Aviv suit families who want restaurants, culture and the sea. For something quieter, the Galilee, including Rosh Pina and the area around the Sea of Galilee, and Zichron Yaakov on the Carmel ridge offer a slower pace and landscape.
Jerusalem for chagim and family
Netanya for beaches and a familiar community
Herzliya and Tel Aviv for city and sea
Galilee and Zichron Yaakov for quiet retreats
Renting It Out Between Visits
Some owners rent to long term tenants and give up personal use, while others keep the apartment for themselves and rent it for short periods. Short term letting can be restricted by building rules and local regulation, and it requires active management.
A middle path is renting to students, program participants or visiting professionals for defined periods. Whatever you choose, have an Israeli lawyer review the arrangement and check how the income is taxed in Israel and the US.
Caring for the Property from Massachusetts
An apartment that sits empty for months needs someone to check it, run the water, pay bills and handle issues with the building committee. Arrange a trusted local contact or management service before you buy.
Arnona municipal tax and building fees apply whether you are in residence or not, so include them in your planning.
Practical Details for Holiday Owners
Choose a building with an elevator if grandparents will visit, and consider a mamad protected room, which is standard in newer construction. A sukkah balcony matters for families who come for Sukkot.
Proximity to rail or major roads helps when guests arrive late from Ben Gurion Airport after connecting flights through New York or Europe.
Legal and Tax Points
Buying a second home in Israel usually carries different purchase tax treatment than buying a sole residence. A US person also has reporting obligations on foreign accounts and income. Consult an Israeli lawyer or tax advisor and a US CPA before signing so you understand the full picture.
Frequently asked questions
Can we rent our holiday home to tourists
Possibly, but short term rentals may be restricted by the building or local rules and require management. Check with a lawyer before relying on this income.
Which area is best for chagim
Jerusalem is the most popular choice for families who want to spend holidays near synagogues and relatives, with Netanya and Raanana as alternatives.
Who looks after the apartment when we are away
Most owners arrange a local property manager or trusted contact to check the home, handle bills and manage any tenants.
Is a holiday home taxed differently
Usually yes, purchase tax treatment differs for additional homes. An Israeli tax advisor and a US CPA can explain your situation.
Elkayam Group
From our office at Rival Street 37 in Tel Aviv, Elkayam Group brings three generations of family experience, going back to a family business established in 1945. We work in development, urban renewal and complex deals together with backing companies and partners, and we communicate in English, Hebrew and French, so Boston families can keep everything clear from afar.
Dreaming of a holiday home in Israel Talk with us about the right place for your family.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv