It turns out that far more Israelis than you might think are considering buying an apartment abroad, especially in Greece. A new survey by iPanel reveals that half of Israelis are interested in or seriously considering purchasing an apartment overseas. The most common reasons: prices in Israel, the security situation, and status symbol. What are the statistics behind Israelis’ growing desire to buy property abroad? And what makes Greece the preferred destination?
Did you think you were the only ones dreaming of an apartment overseas? That you were the only ones looking at real estate prices in Israel and thinking, “There’s got to be something better out there”? You’re not alone—half of Israelis are seriously considering investing in real estate abroad.
The survey, conducted by iPanel among 420 Israelis, reveals that more than 49% of Israelis aged 30–60 are interested in or seriously considering purchasing an apartment abroad.
What are the key factors driving Israelis’ growing interest in overseas real estate markets? And how did Greece become the most popular destination?
Investing Abroad – Not Just for the Wealthy
The data is particularly surprising when you look at the demographic breakdown of those interested in purchasing property abroad. If you thought that only millionaires or property owners in Israel were considering investments abroad, you were wrong.
The study reveals that among Israelis with liquid assets of 300,000–500,000 shekels—the Israeli middle class—73% are interested in investing abroad. This means you don’t have to be rich to dream of owning an apartment abroad. It is enough to have relatively modest savings (compared to the capital required for real estate in Israel).
You don’t need a particularly high income to consider buying property abroad: 55% of those with above-average incomes are considering investing abroad, compared with 38% of those with below-average incomes.
The obstacles everyone is familiar with
So why haven't you bought it yet?
The answer lies in the barriers we are all familiar with, which the survey confirms:
Although the study reveals that there is also significant interest in overseas investment among the middle class, the gap between desire and reality remains substantial. More than half of those interested (52%) identify a lack of capital as the main obstacle.
When the average Israeli family considers investing abroad, it discovers that its savings—accumulated over many years—aren’t always enough. Take, for example, a family that has saved 400,000 shekels for the investment. That sounds like a respectable sum, but when they start exploring purchase options abroad, they discover that they need to take into account not only the price of the property, but also additional purchase costs (purchase taxes, attorney fees, accountant fees), initial renovation expenses (if the apartment isn’t new), a reserve for ongoing maintenance, and a safety net for periods without rental income.
In addition, nearly half of those interested in investing abroad (49%) identify remote property management as a major issue. This is not a financial barrier but an operational one—yet it is no less challenging.
Managing a property in Israel is complex enough on its own. Managing a property in another country, in a foreign language, with different laws and unfamiliar procedures—that’s a challenge many of us can’t even begin to imagine. Investors realize they’re entering a field they don’t fully understand, where even a small mistake can cost a lot of money.
Among the specific challenges that may arise: maintenance issues (when something breaks in the apartment—who calls whom? How do you ensure the repair is done properly and at a fair price?), tenant management (how do you find reliable tenants? how do you collect rent? what do you do when there are problems with tenants?) and local bureaucracy (local taxes, insurance, permits—every state has its own procedures).
Finally, there is a legitimate fear of the unknown. Nearly half of those interested (46%) fear scams. When dealing with such large sums, in a foreign country with a different language and legal system, the risk is real. In Israel, investors are familiar with the market, know how to identify reputable brokers, understand the documents, and have a clear point of contact in case of a problem. Abroad, all these safeguards disappear. The investor becomes a tourist in a market they don’t know, which attracts scammers like honey.
Some of the potential risks include: document fraud (issues with zoning plans, forged ownership documents, hidden debts on the property), unlicensed real estate agents (who take commissions and disappear or sell the same property to multiple clients), and hidden costs such as taxes and management fees that were not disclosed in advance and suddenly come to light.
Interactive chart: Hover over each sector to see the full breakdown and exact percentages.
If you can relate to these obstacles, you’re not alone here either .
What motivates Israelis to invest abroad?
For anyone who has been following the real estate market in Israel in recent years, the reasons driving Israelis to invest abroad are unlikely to come as a big surprise.
The first reason is the reality in Israel compared to the alternative. When two-thirds (63%) of those interested in investing cite affordable real estate prices abroad as a key motivating factor, they paint a clear picture: real estate in Israel has simply become nearly impossible for the middle class.
Another reason is the two-fold benefit: an investment you can enjoy.
Nearly half of those interested in investing abroad (49%) aren’t just looking for an investment property—they want a “lifestyle upgrade.” This isn’t just a financial decision, but also a decision about quality of life.
The idea of investing in a property that can be lived in (at least part of the time) represents a shift in mindset among the Israeli middle class. Instead of saving money in the bank or investing in bonds, families want an investment that brings immediate and tangible benefits to their lives.
When considering potential vacation destinations, it’s hard not to think of Greece, for example, which is just a two-hour flight from Israel, with a wonderful climate, low cost of living, and a familiar Mediterranean culture.
In conclusion, Israelis are looking for an alternative in times of financial uncertainty. One-third of investors view overseas real estate as an opportunity for better returns than other investment channels. While the Israeli economy faces challenges, financial markets are volatile, interest rates in Israel are high, and bank deposits offer returns that are relatively low compared to inflation—real estate is seen as a more stable investment.
Investing abroad offers advantages such as a combined return comprising rental income and capital appreciation, protection against inflation in Israel, and geographic risk diversification, given that a significant portion of Israelis’ pensions and savings are invested in the Israeli market.
Interactive chart: Hover over each sector to see the full breakdown and exact percentages.
The war changed everything
The events of the past two years have significantly influenced Israelis’ attitudes toward investing abroad. Thirty-one percent of survey respondents reported that the war, security tensions, and socio-political changes have strengthened their desire to invest outside of Israel. Only 8% reported a decline in that desire.
This is not surprising—when the situation in Israel becomes unstable, the search for a "safety net" or "Plan B" becomes more natural than ever.
Greece is in the lead—by a wide margin
So where does everyone want to invest? The answer is clear: Greece leads by a wide margin, with 35% of potential investors’ preferences. Cyprus is in second place with 16%, and the U.S. is in third with 15%. There are many reasons why Israelis chooseto invest in real estate in Greece, and we will outline them now.
Why Greece?
The first factor is proximity to Israel. More than two-thirds (71%) of those who prefer Greece cite proximity as a key factor; they are referring not only to geographical distance, but to something deeper—the sense of security that comes from familiarity with the place. Close to home, close to a familiar culture. When an Israeli buys property in Thailand, they know that if a problem arises, they’ll have to fly someone over or fly there themselves—an 11-hour trip. In Greece, the same problem is solved with a two-and-a-half-hour flight costing just a few hundred shekels.
But the connection isn’t just physical. Israelis have known Greece as a tourist destination since the 1970s; they understand the Mediterranean culture and know what to expect from the climate, the cuisine, and the way of life. This isn’t an investment in the unknown—it’s an investment in something that’s already familiar and beloved.
More than half of those who prefer Greece (57%) cite reasonable prices as a key reason; they are referring to an astonishing phenomenon: in a developed European country with good infrastructure and a wonderful climate, it is possible to buy an apartment at a price that would be considered reasonable even in Israel’s outlying regions. When compared to prices in Israel, Greece seems like a real bargain. Many Israelis experience cognitive dissonance when they discover the prices in Greece.
The third leading factor is the combination of vacation and investment. The idea of buying an apartment that will generate a return and also serve as a vacation home is the perfect dream for the middle class in Israel. To turn every vacation
The benefit isn’t just financial—it’s a profound psychological one. When an Israeli wants to go on vacation, they usually spend money that’s “gone”—they spent 15,000 shekels for a week in Santorini, came back with wonderful memories, but the money is gone.
When he owns an apartment in Santorini, every trip is essentially a visit to his property. Not only does he save on lodging—he also checks on his investment, maintains the property, gets to know the neighbors (who could be future tenants), and learns about the local market.
Interactive chart: Hover over each sector to see the full breakdown and exact percentages.
A Matter of Status – Owning Property Abroad Is a Status Symbol
It’s not just financial considerations that drive Israelis—there’s also the issue of social status. 44% of Israelis who took part in the survey believe that owning property abroad conveys wealth or high social status.
There’s no shame in admitting it—part of the motivation is also the desire to be seen as someone who’s made it, who’s succeeded, who has “something overseas.”
The Real Test: How Attitudes Change After Seeing a Specific Property
To gauge how serious Israelis were about their intentions, the researchers presented respondents with a specific offer: a four-bedroom apartment in Athens priced at 120,000 euros (approximately 475,000 shekels), available for rent at 600 euros per month (approximately 2,400 shekels).
The results were impressive: 74% of respondents said they would seriously consider investing in such a property if they had the necessary funds. This means that when it comes to concrete numbers, the likelihood of an actual investment increases significantly.
Another, even more interesting finding is that 40% of those who initially said that investing in Greece was unattractive changed their minds once they saw the concrete data. This proves that, in many cases, reservations stem more from a lack of information than from actual problems.
The message is simple: when Israelis see real numbers—including purchase price, expected monthly income, and return on investment—their dreams turn into a concrete plan.
The Preferred Country for Investment
Greece is the top destination for purchasing an apartment abroad for investment purposes—both among the general sample and among those interested in purchasing an apartment in the next three years. Cyprus and the United States rank second and third, respectively.
Palmo: A Comprehensive and Transparent Investment Solution in Greece
Against this backdrop, Palmo, the leading company in assisting Israeli investors in Greece, is working to turn this dream into reality. The company specializes in addressing the barriers identified in the survey: lack of information, concerns about remote management, and fear of fraud.
With comprehensive support and transparency every step of the way—from initial interest to renting out the property—Palmo has built a community of about 300 Israeli clients who have already taken the plunge. Each of them was once in the same position as half of Israelis are now—dreaming of a sound investment and peace of mind outside of Israel.
Bottom line—you’re not the only ones dreaming of an apartment overseas. You’re part of a broad trend of Israelis looking for alternatives to the Israeli reality and the local real estate market. High prices in Israel, the security situation, and the desire for diversity—all of these make investing abroad, and especially in Greece, an attractive option for many Israelis.
The obstacles are real and legitimate, but with the right partner, the dream can become a financially rewarding reality.
