Israel on the Map: Israeli Investors Are Strengthening Their Position in the Global Real Estate Market

In the latest episode of the radio show “Building Far Away,” hosted by Merav Miller and Aviv Cohen, the discussion focused on current trends in the global real estate market and the impact of Israeli investors on the European market, with an emphasis on Greece and Portugal. Mor Ziv, Head of Real Estate Investments at JLL Israel—the local representative office of the international real estate and investment management giant—shared her insights on international investments and the position of Israeli investors among the world’s top 10.

In recent years, more and more Israelis have been seeking investment alternatives overseas. As the economic environment changes and volatility in the local market increases, many are turning to overseas real estate as a way to diversify their investment portfolios and find new opportunities. In the latest episode of the radio show “Building Far Away,” hosted by Merav Miller and Aviv Cohen, the key trends influencing Israeli investors, the impressive figures from the European real estate market, and how all of this might shape the future direction of our investments were discussed.

Tourism in Greece is booming, and investors are following suit

Greece continues to be a prominent investment destination for Israelis, and for good reason: In 2024, the country welcomed over 35 million tourists, generating more than 22 billion euros in revenue from the tourism sector alone. Athens, with more than 8 million tourists in the past year, is of particular interest to investors who understand the potential of real estate in developing cities. As a result,investment apartments in Athensare a sought-after property sector for many Israelis.

These figures have enormous significance for real estate investors in the country. A high volume of tourists ensures stable demand for properties for both short- and long-term rentals. Apartments in the centers of tourist cities enjoy high occupancy rates, and their yields remain relatively high compared to other markets in Europe. Greece has become not only a major tourist destination but also an investment hub that is gaining momentum year after year.

Israeli investors, for their part, set another record, investing more than one billion eurosin Greek real estatein 2024 alone.

. These are exclusively private funds, with no institutional investments or funds involved, which indicates a high level of confidence in the market and the perception of Greece as a stable and profitable alternative.

Portugal – The Hot Spot for Private Investors

Another country that is in high demand among Israeli investors is Portugal. Mor Ziv, head of real estate investments at the Israeli office of the international real estate and investment management giant JLL, explained that one of the main reasons for the Portuguese market’s success is the availability of bank financing for foreign investors, which makes investing accessible and attractive. Unlike Greece, where real estate financing is still not widespread, Portugal offers a variety of options for investors, leading to growing demand and rising prices.

In addition, Portugal is a popular immigration destination for investors from various countries, including Brazil and England. The country offers a wide range of investment properties—from small apartments in cities like Lisbon and Porto to luxury properties in coastal towns. Access to financing makes the Portuguese market particularly accessible to new investors as well as those looking to expand their investment portfolios.

The Impact of War and Economic Crises on Investment Decisions

Later in the conversation, the impact of various crises on the investment market was discussed. History shows that periods of uncertainty actually encourage investors to seek alternatives, increase the diversification of their investments, and sometimes even transfer part of their capital abroad. This was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is also true with regard to the ongoing conflict in Israel. Private investors view overseas real estate as a way to protect their capital.

According to Ziv, Israelis are particularly resilient investors, capable of adapting to situations of uncertainty and responding quickly to market changes. She argues that an economic or political crisis does not deter Israeli investors; on the contrary, it becomes an opportunity to explore new markets and identify assets with significant growth potential.

Israeli Investments Around the World: A Prominent Spot in the Top 10

According to JLL data presented by Ziv, Israel ranks eighth among the countries with the largest real estate investments in Europe. Israeli investors are characterized by a direct approach and a clear demand for efficiency and quick results. Financial institutions, alongside private investors, contribute to Israel’s international standing as a key player in the real estate market.

Another area that is proving popular among Israelis is investing in international real estate funds. Many investors are choosing to join funds managed by major financial institutions, which gives them access to select properties in various countries with professional investment management. These figures illustrate Israel’s growing importance in the global investment market.

A Look to the Future: Is a Change on the Horizon in the Investment Market?

Ziv said that, according to JLL data, 2025 is expected to be a turning point, with a recovery in the global market following potential interest rate cuts. The overall sentiment among investors is positive, and the appetite for new investments is only growing. Israelis, as experienced and crisis-resilient investors, are expected to continue influencing the global market, focusing on countries with economic stability and high returns.

At the same time, program participants noted that investing in real estate requires a thorough examination of each transaction, taking into account local regulations, economic trends, and other factors that affect the property’s value. An experienced investor does not rely solely on market sentiment but thoroughly examines all the data before making a decision.

Israelis at the Forefront of Global Investments

The latest episode of “Building Far Away” highlighted the growing importance of Israeli investors in the international real estate market. Whether investing in Greece, Portugal, or other countries, Israelis continue to find ways to expand their investment portfolios and adapt to changes in the market.