Other purchasing costs

Lawyer's Fee

Your lawyer will ask for 0.5% - 1% plus VAT on the amount for the property to draw-up the contract and register your home.
He/she may add other expenses if you live overseas. It is important that the lawyer be knowledgeable about the city in which you are buying your home (it is not recommended to use a friend or family member.)
Never sign a contract with a builder without your lawyer first reviewing it. You will often be told that the contract is standard, but it is usually completely in favor of the contractor and against your best interests.
It is not uncommon in second hand transactions for the parties to use the same lawyer to save costs. Make sure that the lawyer is completely unbiased toward either party.

Agent's Commision

The agent charges 2% plus VAT. This is the standard charge in Israel. A good agent will save you more money than the commision you pay. He knows which buyer is keen to sell and what is more suitable to your needs. Thus he /she will save you a lot of time and energy by taking you to the right properties.

Mortgage Broker

There are many mortgage options available in the real estate market today,for example:fixed interest loans, variable interest plus indexation, dollar linked, etc. Clarifying and determining the best mortgage option is not an easy task (it depends on the borrower's age and in what currency his income is paid in,etc). A mortgage broker works independently of the banks to determine the most suitable mortgage for a particular client and to negotiate the most competitive rates and terms available. A mortgage broker also helps clients build their application, tailor made to each mortgage lender's criteria, to ensure the best chance of approval.
The fee charged is 1% + VAT of the amount of the mortgage taken.

Engineer / Surveyor

should you wish, you can have the property checked by a qualified engineer or surveyor before you sign the contract. He can provide a written or oral report. A written report is usually made when buying in a new project (as this report has a legal standing in court). The cost of a written report is around US$ 500 (depending on the size of the property).
A verbal report usually costs half (US$250 - US$300). A verbal report is usually made for pre-owned properties since "you see what you get".
Make sure to have a licensed and reputable engineer inspect the property.