What Documents Does a Home Seller Need — Complete Checklist (703)

Selling an apartment in Israel does not start with an advertisement or property showings.
It starts with documents. Many transactions get delayed, fall through, or become costly and stressful because of missing or incomplete paperwork.

This checklist answers the most common questions sellers ask a real estate attorney before listing their property. Being fully prepared makes the sale faster, smoother, and gives you a stronger negotiating position.

Main Document: Tabu Extract (נסח טאבו)

This is the first document a buyer’s attorney will check.

The Tabu extract should confirm:

• You are the legal owner of the apartment
• The address and property number are correct
• All co-owners (if any) are listed
• Any encumbrances, such as mortgages, liens, or warnings, are noted

Even if you are certain the apartment belongs to you, the transaction cannot proceed without an up-to-date Tabu extract.

Identification of Owners

For each seller, the following documents are required:

• Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID)
• Address slip
• If there are multiple owners, documentation from all parties

If one of the owners is abroad, a properly notarized power of attorney is required.

Property Ownership Documents (if not in Tabu)

Not all apartments are directly registered in Tabu.

Depending on the registration type, the following may be needed:

• Certificates from Rami (רמ״י)
• Documents from the construction company
• Confirmation of ownership via the management company or cooperative

This is common for older buildings in Haifa and projects built decades ago.

Mortgage Documents (if applicable)

Having a mortgage is not an obstacle to selling, but the related documents are mandatory.

Typically required:

• Statement of remaining debt
• Terms for closing the mortgage
• Bank confirmation that the encumbrance will be released after payment

Without these documents, it is impossible to correctly define the payment schedule in the contract.

Permits for Renovations and Extensions

If the apartment includes:

• An added balcony
• Extended kitchen or room
• Any changes compared to the original plan

You will need:

• Municipal permits
• Approved plans
• Or a pre-defined legal strategy to sell the apartment “as is”

This is one of the most critical areas where sellers often lose time and money.

Capital Gains Tax Documents (מס שבח)

Even if you believe you do not owe taxes, the attorney will check:

• Eligibility for exemptions
• Purchase date and conditions
• Apartment status (primary residence or not)

In many cases, a preliminary calculation is done to avoid surprises after signing the contract.

Additional Documents (as needed)

Depending on the property, the following may also be required:

• Certificate of inheritance or will
• Consent of all co-owners
• Lease agreement if the apartment is rented
• Certificates from the homeowners’ association
• Proof of no outstanding municipal taxes

Why Preparing Documents Before Listing Is Important

A seller with all documents ready:

• Sells faster
• Appears more reliable to buyers
• Maintains a stronger price
• Encounters fewer rejections from banks and attorneys

In practice, it is often the documents, not the apartment’s condition, that determine whether the sale will be smooth or problematic.

Tips from Unehasim

We recommend not waiting for a buyer to start preparing your documents.
Legal readiness before listing:

• Saves months
• Reduces the risk of a failed transaction
• Strengthens your negotiation position

Selling an apartment is not just a market matter; it is a matter of proper preparation.

Contact Unehasim Specialists

If you plan to sell your apartment in Haifa and want to do it without delays, legal surprises, or financial loss, Unehasim specialists can help evaluate your property’s readiness before it even goes on the market.

We work closely with experienced real estate attorneys, understand which documents are critical and which can be prepared concurrently, and guide sellers through every step — from initial verification to receiving funds in their account.

Contact Unehasim specialists to ensure your apartment sale is smooth, transparent, and in your best interest.