Finding a single-family home, commonly known as a villa or a “private house” (bayit prati), for long-term rent in Israel can be a challenge. The vast majority of the country’s rental stock consists of apartments. Villas are far less common, in high demand, and are often concentrated in specific types of communities. However, with the right approach, you can find these premium properties.
Here are the most effective strategies for finding a villa for long-term rent.
1. Target the Right Locations
Villas are not typically found in the dense urban cores of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. You need to focus your search on suburbs, affluent towns, and rural-style communities (moshavim).
- The Sharon Region: This area north of Tel Aviv is prime territory for villa rentals. Towns like Ra’anana, Herzliya Pituach, Kfar Saba, and Hod HaSharon are known for their beautiful, tree-lined streets with single-family homes and are very popular with expats and affluent Israelis.
- Modi’in: Located halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Modi’in has many neighborhoods with semi-detached (du-mishpachti) and fully detached homes.
- Caesarea: This luxurious coastal town is famous for its stunning villas, many of which are available for long-term rent.
- Suburbs of Jerusalem: While less common than in the Sharon area, you can find villas in suburbs like Mevaseret Zion, Motza, and Beit Zayit.
- Moshavim and Kibbutzim: Many rural communities located within commuting distance of major cities have larger homes and plots of land available for rent, offering a more rustic lifestyle.
2. Use a Professional Real Estate Agent
For this type of high-end rental, a professional real estate agent is almost essential.
- Access to Exclusive Listings: Many villa owners do not publicly advertise their properties. They rely on trusted agents to find qualified, pre-screened tenants. An agent will have access to a portfolio of these exclusive listings.
- Market Expertise: A good agent will know the fair market rent for a villa in a specific neighborhood and can handle the negotiation and lease-signing process on your behalf. Standard monthly rents for villas can range widely from 12,000 NIS in Modi’in to over 30,000 NIS in places like Herzliya Pituach or Caesarea.
- Save Time and Effort: Searching for a villa on your own can be a full-time job. An agent does the legwork for you, curating a list of properties that match your specific needs and budget.
3. Search on Specialized Online Platforms
While an agent is your best bet, you should also monitor online listings.
- Yad2 and Madlan: These are Israel’s largest real estate portals. Use the filters to select “private house/cottage” to narrow your search.
- Community-Specific Resources: For expat-heavy areas like Ra’anana, check local Facebook groups (e.g., “Raanana Oracle”) or community websites where private listings are often posted.
4. Be Prepared for the Requirements
Renting a villa is a significant financial commitment. Landlords will typically ask for a higher security deposit (often two or three months’ rent) and may require bank guarantees (arvut banka’it) in addition to personal checks. Be prepared to provide references and proof of income.
By focusing on the right locations and leveraging professional help, you can successfully navigate the niche market for villa rentals and find the spacious home you’re looking for.
