Making Aliyah to Israel in 2026: How to Begin and How to Find a Home

Making Aliyah to Israel in 2026: How to Begin, and How to Find a Home

By Montefiore Real Estate Group

Making aliyah is often described as a move. For many families, it is something much bigger: the decision to build an everyday life in Israel.

That decision brings exciting questions. Where should we live? What will school look like for the children? Will we feel at home in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Herzliya or somewhere entirely different? And should we buy a home before we arrive, or take time to get to know Israel first?

The good news is that you do not have to answer everything at once. Dedicated aliyah organizations can guide the immigration journey, while a thoughtful property search can help you picture the life you want to create.

Should you buy a home before making aliyah?

You can begin looking before your move, but you do not need to rush into buying.

Purchasing early can give your family a place to arrive to and time to prepare it. Renting first can give you the freedom to discover which neighborhood truly fits. Some families start by exploring homes remotely, then visit Israel for focused viewings before making a decision.

The useful question is not simply “When should we buy?” It is “How certain are we about the way we want to live?” If you already know the city, schools and lifestyle you want, a purchase may be a natural next step. If you are still discovering those things, allow yourself the time to learn.

What should international buyers look for in an Israeli home?

Begin with your daily priorities. How much space do you need? Do you want a terrace, parking or a building with amenities? Will you work from home? Is proximity to family important? Is the property intended to be your full-time residence or a home you will use while your aliyah plans develop?

Photographs and renderings help you imagine a property, but they cannot tell you everything about living there. When viewing a home, pay attention to the light, street, surroundings, layout and how the space feels at different times of day. For new developments, ask about the planned specifications and delivery timeline. For resale homes, have independent professionals review the property and documents before committing.

A beautiful home should fit your life, not require you to rearrange your life around it.

From imagining Israel to living here

Making aliyah involves forms, planning and many practical decisions. But behind those tasks is a simple, powerful possibility: your family’s future in Israel.

Use the Jewish Agency or Nefesh B’Nefesh to understand the aliyah journey. Explore communities through independent resources and conversations with residents. And when you are ready to look for a home, search with a clear picture of the life you hope to build within it.

At Montefiore Real Estate Group, we help local and international buyers explore exceptional homes in Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Jerusalem, Caesarea and beyond. Whether your aliyah date is set or Israel is still a dream taking shape, we would love to help you find a place that feels like the beginning of your next chapter.