Holiday Home in Raanana for American Families
Holiday Home in Raanana for American Families
Raanana is not a beach resort, and families who buy a holiday home there usually have a different purpose in mind. Often, children or grandchildren have already moved to the city, and parents in the US want a place of their own for long visits, holidays and family celebrations. Others plan to retire to Raanana and want a home ready in advance. The city's synagogues, parks and English speaking community make it comfortable for extended stays, and the beaches of Herzliya are a short drive away. This page explains where to look, what features matter for a part time home, how to manage it from the US and how to rent it between visits.
Choosing the right location
Most holiday home buyers want to be close to family and to a preferred synagogue. The city center around Ahuza Street is convenient for shops and cafes, while the streets around Raanana Park offer a quieter setting. Neve Zemer and other established neighborhoods offer garden homes suited to large family gatherings. Newer northern neighborhoods offer modern buildings with lifts and parking.
Features for festival and family stays
The right features make long visits easier.
A lift or ground floor access for grandparents
A balcony or garden suitable for a sukkah
A kitchen that can be kept kosher and prepared for Pesach
Walking distance to synagogue for Shabbat
Guest space for visiting children and grandchildren
Managing the home from the US
A caretaker, a property manager or a trusted family member can check the home, pay arnona and utilities and prepare it before each visit. Agree on written updates and emergency procedures that suit the time difference. Gardens need regular care, and air conditioning should be serviced before the summer.
Many families find it helpful to keep a simple arrival checklist and to arrange grocery deliveries before landing, especially when flights arrive close to Shabbat or a festival.
Renting between visits
Some families rent the home to immigrant families or visiting professionals when they are not using it. Newly arrived families often look for a furnished home for a few months while they search for a long term rental or purchase, which can fit well around your own visits. Medium term rentals require clear lease terms covering furniture, dates and access for your own stays. Building rules, municipal policy and tax treatment apply, so confirm the position with your lawyer, an Israeli tax advisor and your US CPA before advertising.
The buying process
Your lawyer checks title, planning and building permits, negotiates the contract and handles registration. For garden homes and houses, confirm that extensions and enclosed areas are properly permitted. Purchase tax for an additional home or a non-resident may differ from that for a primary residence, so get written advice before committing.
From holiday home to retirement home
Many Raanana holiday homes eventually become retirement homes. Consider accessibility, proximity to services and medical care, and a layout that will suit you in later years. Discuss the tax and inheritance implications of a change of use with both Israeli and US advisors.
Enjoying the wider Sharon
From Raanana, the beaches of Herzliya and Netanya, the parks of the Sharon and Tel Aviv are all within easy reach, and trains connect to Jerusalem and the airport. A Raanana home is a comfortable base for exploring the country with the whole family.
Frequently asked questions
Why buy a holiday home in Raanana
Many families buy to be near children and grandchildren, to enjoy the English speaking community and to prepare for retirement.
Is Raanana near the beach
Raanana is inland, but the beaches of Herzliya and Netanya are a short drive away.
Can we rent the home when we are away
Possibly, for example to immigrant families. Check building rules and tax treatment first.
Should we plan for retirement when buying
It is worth considering accessibility and layout if the home may become a retirement home.
Elkayam Group
Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd, the real estate company of Elkayam Group, works from Rival Street 37 in Tel Aviv and carries a family tradition across three generations. We work in development and urban renewal, and our team supports American families in Hebrew, English and French.
Tell us how your family will use a Raanana home and we will suggest where to start.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv