From now on, the path to a mortgage
from a bank is more worthwhile
The Mortgage Transparency Reform: Understand more, pay less
Send the bank a request
from the bank’s website,
without going to the branch.
from the bank’s website,
without going to the branch.
Within several days receive,
via email, a response
that includes offers
via email, a response
that includes offers
You can compare the offers
easily due to 3 uniform
and clear loan compositions
easily due to 3 uniform
and clear loan compositions
It is easier to understand what the
expected payments are, and thus you
can make the decision that is best for you
expected payments are, and thus you
can make the decision that is best for you
Watch the video
How you will gain from the reform, in 4 steps:
Less time, online activity
Submit a digital request, through the bank’s website, without leaving your home. The bank is required to respond to you within 5–7 business days
Approval in principle in a uniform structure
Every approval in principle will include total expected interest, total expected payments, the first monthly payment, and the highest expected monthly payment
Mortgage compositions using similar language by all banks
In addition to the composition offered to you, the bank will add 3 offers based on uniform compositions (identical for all the banks) that were constructed in line with Bank of Israel guidelines
It pays to compare
The detailed offer you will receive will give you all the information needed to understand the mortgage terms and will enable you to compare the offers very easily. Thus you will be able to make the decision that is best for you.
Want to understand more?
We have answers to frequently asked questions:
Why is it important to conduct a market survey?
Surveying the market and examining the possibilities offered by the various banks helps borrowers make decisions under optimal conditions, in order to match their needs and repayment capabilities.
The Competition Authority has found that price comparisons lead to lower prices, and that the more a borrower compares, the lower the average price will be. Thus, a single price comparison leads to an average decline of 7–8 basis points in price, while four comparisons lower the price by an average of 16-20 basis points.
The Competition Authority has found that price comparisons lead to lower prices, and that the more a borrower compares, the lower the average price will be. Thus, a single price comparison leads to an average decline of 7–8 basis points in price, while four comparisons lower the price by an average of 16-20 basis points.
What is an approval in principle?
An approval in principle is a document in which the bank presents its approved price quote for a mortgage. One of the improvements made by the mortgage transparency reform is that the approval in principle is now a more detailed document with a uniform structure at all banks.
Due to the reform, the request for approval in principle and accompanying documents can be sent online, and it is not necessary to physically go to the bank. The bank is required to send the customer its approval within 5–7 business days from when the mortgage request is submitted.
Due to the reform, the request for approval in principle and accompanying documents can be sent online, and it is not necessary to physically go to the bank. The bank is required to send the customer its approval within 5–7 business days from when the mortgage request is submitted.
What does the approval in principle include?
The new approval in principle form is comprised of three parts.
The first part, which appears at the top of the document, includes details on the borrower’s identity (name and ID number), details of the property, the requested loan amount, and whether guarantors are required for the loan.
The second and main part presents three uniform baskets that the banks are required to offer, in accordance with the mixes and other conditions set by the Bank of Israel. The approval may include an additional offered basket that will be composed according to the customer’s request.
The third part includes a number of variables that are intended to enable the borrower to better understand the financial significance of the offer he receives, and to make it easier for the borrower to compare it with other offers. These include the total forecast interest, the amount of the initial monthly payment, the amount of the highest expected monthly payment according to forecasts, and the total amount the borrower is expected to pay until the end of the loan period.
The first part, which appears at the top of the document, includes details on the borrower’s identity (name and ID number), details of the property, the requested loan amount, and whether guarantors are required for the loan.
The second and main part presents three uniform baskets that the banks are required to offer, in accordance with the mixes and other conditions set by the Bank of Israel. The approval may include an additional offered basket that will be composed according to the customer’s request.
The third part includes a number of variables that are intended to enable the borrower to better understand the financial significance of the offer he receives, and to make it easier for the borrower to compare it with other offers. These include the total forecast interest, the amount of the initial monthly payment, the amount of the highest expected monthly payment according to forecasts, and the total amount the borrower is expected to pay until the end of the loan period.
How long is the approval in principle valid?
The approval in principle is valid for 24 days from the date it is issued. During that period, the bank is bound by the terms it has offered, with two important conditions. The first is that the information provided by the customer is correct. The second is that should there be any changes in the Bank of Israel interest rate, those changes will affect the prime interest rate in line with the margins approved in the approval in principle.
What is an assessor’s valuation, and when is it required?
An assessor’s valuation is an assessment of the property’s value by an authorized assessor. The valuation is done in cases where the bank requires it. It serves in the approval of the loan’s financing rate relative to the value of the property (LTV rate). In cases where the assessor’s valuation is higher than the price of the property, the LTV rate will be set in accordance with the price of the property.
What is the LTV rate on mortgage loans?
The LTV (loan-to-value) rate is the ratio between the approved mortgage loan and the value of the property. The value is set according to the price of the property or in accordance with an assessor’s valuation, as determined by the bank.
What are the maximum LTV rates on mortgage loans?
A bank offering mortgage loans must restrict the LTV rate on the property as follows:
1. Housing loan for the purchase of a single dwelling – The LTV rate shall not exceed 75 percent of the value of the dwelling.
2. Housing loan for the purchase of a replacement dwelling – The LTV rate shall not exceed 70 percent of the value of the dwelling.
3. Housing loan for the purchase of an investment dwelling, or all-purpose loan backed by a residence – The LTV rate shall not exceed 50 percent of the value of the dwelling.
1. Housing loan for the purchase of a single dwelling – The LTV rate shall not exceed 75 percent of the value of the dwelling.
2. Housing loan for the purchase of a replacement dwelling – The LTV rate shall not exceed 70 percent of the value of the dwelling.
3. Housing loan for the purchase of an investment dwelling, or all-purpose loan backed by a residence – The LTV rate shall not exceed 50 percent of the value of the dwelling.
To what monthly payment should I commit relative to my income?
A loan for which the payment-to-income (PTI) ratio is more than 40 percent is considered a high-risk loan, so the cost to the borrower of such a loan is expected to be higher. A large portion of the loans banks provide have payment rates that are 30–40 percent of the borrower’s income. We suggest taking a loan that will enable reasonable payments, while taking into account potential changes in interest and inflation that can be expected over the loan period, in accordance with forecasts.
What types of interest are offered in the tracks?
*) Fixed unindexed
*) Fixed indexed
*) Variable based on the prime interest rate
*) Variable indexed
*) Variable unindexed
*) Fixed indexed
*) Variable based on the prime interest rate
*) Variable indexed
*) Variable unindexed
What is the significance of each one?
Fixed unindexed: A monthly payment that is fixed at the time the mortgage is taken out and does not change throughout the loan period.
Fixed indexed: The interest rate is fixed at the time the mortgage is taken out. While the interest rate is fixed and does not change throughout the life of the mortgage, the principal (the loan amount excluding interest) is linked to the Consumer Price Index, and is updated on a regular basis according to changes in the CPI. This affects the amount of the monthly payment. Any increase in the CPI (for instance, by 1 percent), raises the monthly payment on this track by the same rate (in this case, 1 percent).
Variable based on the prime interest rate: In this track, the principal is not indexed to the CPI, but the payment varies, because it is based on the prime interest rate. The prime interest rate is the Bank of Israel interest rate, which is set and published by the Bank of Israel Monetary Committee 8 times a year, plus a fixed addition of 1.5 percent. For instance, if the Bank of Israel interest rate is 1 percent, the prime rate is 2.5 percent. On this track, where the interest rate is linked to the prime rate, the interest that the borrower will pay over the life of the mortgage can increase (if the Bank of Israel raises the interest rate) or decline (if the Bank of Israel lowers the interest rate).
Variable indexed: In this track, the interest rate is set for a period of a number of years (usually 5 years), and at the end of each period, it changes on the basis of a pre-agreed parameter called the “anchor”. In the uniform basket, the anchor is the yield on government bonds. At the end of each period (usually five years), the interest rate increases or declines in accordance with the change in the anchor. In this track, the principal is indexed to the CPI and updated in accordance with changes in it, which also affects the amount of the monthly payment.
Variable unindexed: The interest on this loan is set for a period of a number of years (usually 5 years), and at the end of each period it changes on the basis of a pre-agreed parameter called the “anchor”. In this track, the principal is not indexed to the CPI.
Fixed indexed: The interest rate is fixed at the time the mortgage is taken out. While the interest rate is fixed and does not change throughout the life of the mortgage, the principal (the loan amount excluding interest) is linked to the Consumer Price Index, and is updated on a regular basis according to changes in the CPI. This affects the amount of the monthly payment. Any increase in the CPI (for instance, by 1 percent), raises the monthly payment on this track by the same rate (in this case, 1 percent).
Variable based on the prime interest rate: In this track, the principal is not indexed to the CPI, but the payment varies, because it is based on the prime interest rate. The prime interest rate is the Bank of Israel interest rate, which is set and published by the Bank of Israel Monetary Committee 8 times a year, plus a fixed addition of 1.5 percent. For instance, if the Bank of Israel interest rate is 1 percent, the prime rate is 2.5 percent. On this track, where the interest rate is linked to the prime rate, the interest that the borrower will pay over the life of the mortgage can increase (if the Bank of Israel raises the interest rate) or decline (if the Bank of Israel lowers the interest rate).
Variable indexed: In this track, the interest rate is set for a period of a number of years (usually 5 years), and at the end of each period, it changes on the basis of a pre-agreed parameter called the “anchor”. In the uniform basket, the anchor is the yield on government bonds. At the end of each period (usually five years), the interest rate increases or declines in accordance with the change in the anchor. In this track, the principal is indexed to the CPI and updated in accordance with changes in it, which also affects the amount of the monthly payment.
Variable unindexed: The interest on this loan is set for a period of a number of years (usually 5 years), and at the end of each period it changes on the basis of a pre-agreed parameter called the “anchor”. In this track, the principal is not indexed to the CPI.
What is the mortgage mix?
The mortgage mix is a loan comprised of at least two tracks. As part of the mortgage reform, customers will be offered three uniform baskets. Each basket is a predetermined mix that is identical in all offers that will be received from all banks.
The following are the compositions of the three uniform mixes:
1. 100 percent fixed unindexed.
2. 1/3 fixed unindexed; 1/3 variable indexed, every five years, based on government bonds; and 1/3 variable prime.
3. ½ fixed unindexed and ½ variable prime.
The following are the compositions of the three uniform mixes:
1. 100 percent fixed unindexed.
2. 1/3 fixed unindexed; 1/3 variable indexed, every five years, based on government bonds; and 1/3 variable prime.
3. ½ fixed unindexed and ½ variable prime.
What is an eligibility loan?
The terms for obtaining an eligibility loan are set by the government, and obtaining one requires the issuance of an eligibility certificate. However, in terms of providing credit, the bank is bound by the same procedures as under a normal mortgage. The level of an eligibility loan is set according to various criteria set out by the government, and the interest on such loans is 0.5 percentage points lower than the average interest rate on CPI-indexed loans provided by the banks—the rate published by the Bank of Israel—or 3 percent, whichever is lower. Borrowers who wish to pay off eligibility loans before the end of the loan period are exempt from early payment fees.
For further explanations and to check eligibility, it is recommended to visit the Ministry of Housing’s website.
For further explanations and to check eligibility, it is recommended to visit the Ministry of Housing’s website.
What is the difference with mortgages to purchase dwellings at reduced prices in programs such as “Buyer’s Price” or “Target Price”?
For mortgages issued to purchase a dwelling at reduced price through government programs, the bank is permitted to calculate the LTV rate on the loan based on an assessor’s valuation of the dwelling instead of the actual purchase price, and the purchaser must pay at least NIS 100,000 out of his own sources. IN any case, the value of the dwelling for the purpose of calculating the LTV rate shall not exceed NIS 1,800,000 (based on the assessor’s valuation), or the actual value of the dwelling, whichever is higher.
How are mortgage payments transferred to the contractor for a newly constructed dwelling or as part of reinforcing an existing building against earthquakes?
Mortgage payments for a new dwelling or for a dwelling as part of a program to strengthen an existing building against earthquakes, such as through National Outline Plan (NOP) 38, are paid as percentages of the construction price and by construction stages in the dwelling or the building in which it is located. Accordingly, the pace of withdrawing mortgage amounts from the bank will be according to the stages detailed in the sales regulations and according to progress in the construction.
When withdrawing a mortgage in stages, it is important to remember that the interest on the amount remaining to be withdrawn on fixed or variable interest tracks may also decline or increase in accordance with the market conditions relevant to the track.
When withdrawing a mortgage in stages, it is important to remember that the interest on the amount remaining to be withdrawn on fixed or variable interest tracks may also decline or increase in accordance with the market conditions relevant to the track.
What are the documents necessary to open a mortgage file?
The necessary documents may vary from bank to bank, but they generally include salary slips, current account statements, identity documents, and so forth. The list of required documents will be provided with the approval in principle.
Why is the bank required to insure the property for which a mortgage is taken out?
Banks commonly require the borrower to ensure the property for which a mortgage is taken out. The insurance serves as a guarantee that the mortgage will be repaid, and also serves to protect the borrower in the case of death or of damage to the building, in accordance with the terms of the policy.
Does the mortgage transparency reform also affect those who already have a mortgage?
Yes. If you have already taken out a mortgage, there is room to check whether you should replace it with a different mortgage, meaning to refinance it. If you would like to check refinancing possibilities, the bank where your mortgage is handled is required to show you information that will help you decide whether such a move is worthwhile for you—the interest that is forecast on the outstanding payments, taking into account the amount you will need to repay (including early payment charges and other potential fees); and the nearest date at which the interest rate is expected to change, which may also have a significant impact on how attractive mortgage refinancing may be.
What is mortgage refinancing, and when it is done?
Mortgage refinancing is basically the repayment of a mortgage by taking out another mortgage. Refinancing is necessary in order to significantly change the terms of a mortgage during the repayment period. A material change is any change in the interest terms, the mix of tracks, the loan period (extending or shortening the repayment period), the total loan amount, and so forth.
When is it worthwhile considering the possibility of refinancing?
Mortgage refinancing is a step that should be considered from time to time. Refinancing is generally done when there are changes in the market conditions or in the borrower’s financial state, which have made refinancing worthwhile:
- Changes in the borrower’s income or expense level
- Changes in the interest rates in the economy and/or in the mortgage market
- Changes in inflation
- Regulatory changes in the mortgage field (such as the mortgage reform, cancellation of the prime rate restriction, and so forth)
- Changes in the borrower’s income or expense level
- Changes in the interest rates in the economy and/or in the mortgage market
- Changes in inflation
- Regulatory changes in the mortgage field (such as the mortgage reform, cancellation of the prime rate restriction, and so forth)
Additional questions
Main terms
Loan period (“tekufat ha-halva’a”)
In the proposed composition, the loan period will be chosen by the customer, and in any case shall not exceed 30 years. In the uniform compositions, the customer will have the option of choosing one of the following periods: 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, or 30 years.
Basis point (“nekudat basis”)
One-hundredth of one percent, 0.01%.
Fixed rate, unindexed (“K’vuah, lo-tzemudah”)
The monthly payment is established in the beginning, when taking the loan. It remains fixed and does not change throughout the life of the loan.
Fixed rate, CPI-indexed (“K’vuah, tzemudah”)
The interest rate is established in the beginning, when taking the loan. However, the principal (the amount of the loan, excluding interest) is linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and is updated on an ongoing basis in accordance with changes in it. It thus affects the amount of the monthly payment, such that an increase of 1 percent raises the monthly repayment on this track accordingly, by 1 percent.
Variable rate, based on prime (“Mishtanah al basis ribit ha-prime”)
In this track, the principal is not linked to the CPI and the payment is based on the prime rate. The prime rate is the Bank of Israel interest rate, determined and published by the Bank of Israel’s Monetary Committee 8 times per year, plus a fixed addition of 1.5 percentage points. Thus, for example, if the Bank of Israel interest rate is 1 percent, the prime rate will be 2.5 percent. On the interest rate track that is linked to the prime rate, the interest rate on a mortgage loan is determined based on the prime interest rate with a negative or positive spread (supplement).
Variable rate, CPI-indexed (“Mishtanah tzemudah”)
This is a loan bearing an interest rate that is fixed for a period of several years (usually 5 years), and at the end of every period that was set, the interest rate will change in accordance with a fixed formula called the “anchor”. The anchor is a parameter that was agreed upon in advance to serve as the base. In the uniform composition, the base is the return on government bonds. Every 5 years, in accordance with the rate of change, the interest rate goes up or down accordingly. In this track, the principal is indexed to the CPI (Consumer Price Index) and is updated in line with changes in it, so that also affects the amount of the monthly payment.
Variable rate, unindexed (“Mishtanah, lo-tzemudah”)
This is a loan bearing an interest rate that is fixed for a period of several years (usually 5 years), and at the end of every period that was set, the interest rate will change in accordance with a fixed formula called the “anchor”. When the period ends, in accordance with the rate of change, the interest rate increases or decreases. In contrast to the variable rate, CPI-indexed track, in this track the principal is not linked to the CPI.
Shopping for a mortgage offer (“Tichur”)
Receiving pricing offers from several entities (and comparing them, in order to choose the most appropriate offer for the borrower, and to lower costs.
Loan to value (LTV) ratio (“Shiur mimun”)
The ratio of the approved facility at the time it is granted to the value of the asset, as approved by the bank when the facility is granted and as calculated for capital adequacy and measurement. In any case, the value of the asset shall not exceed the lower of the assessor’s valuation and the asset’s cost in the purchase contract, or the expected cost of the asset under construction, or with a buyers group.
Amortization table according to the Spitzer method (“Luach silukin le-fi shitat Spitzer”)
A table that details the gradual paying down of the debt, and based on a fixed monthly payment (except for indexation differentials, if there are any) over the entire course of the loan period. At the beginning of the period, the interest component in each payment is high, and it declines with each payment, and in parallel the principal component in the payments increases over time.
Approval in principle (“Ishur Ekroni”)
An approval in principle is a mortgage offer including: identification details of the borrower, the 3 uniform compositions and the additional proposed composition with details of the amounts and interest rates offered, and additional variables such as: the total forecast interest, the amount of the first monthly repayment, the highest expected monthly payment based on the forecasts, and the total amount expected to be paid over the life of the loan.
Single home (“dirah yehida”)
A residential home purchased by an Israeli citizen, for whom it is the only home in Israel.
Replacement home (“dirah hilufit”)
A residential home purchased by an Israeli citizen, who owns a residential home (that would serve as a single home other than the home being purchased), and in which case the borrower commits to selling the existing home in line with the provisions of Section 9 of the Property Taxation Law.
Investment home (“dirah le-hashka-ah”)
A residential home that is neither a single home nor a replacement home.
Payment to income (PTI) ratio (“shiur hechzer meh-ha-hachnasa”)
The ratio of the monthly repayment in respect of the mortgage loan and the fixed monthly net income net of fixed expenses.
Fixed expenses are monthly payments in respect of undertakings (loans or alimony/palimony) of the borrower that have a remaining term exceeding 18 months.
Fixed expenses are monthly payments in respect of undertakings (loans or alimony/palimony) of the borrower that have a remaining term exceeding 18 months.
Total forecast interest (“haribit hakolelet hachazuya”)
This will be presented in each one of the proposed compositions, and reflects the expected rate of interest over the entire course of the life of the loan in line with the forecasts derived from the capital market as published by the Bank of Israel.
Principal (“keren”)
The base amount of the loan, excluding interest.
Indexation differentials (“hefreshei hatzmada”)
The differentials created as a result of changes in the CPI or in the value of foreign currency relative to the value on the date the transaction is executed.
Government bonds (“agach memshaltiyot”)
An interest bearing security, issued by the government, representing its commitment to pay the bond holder the principal that was issued plus coupon interest payments on set payment dates. This is the financial instrument through which the government can borrow money from the public.
Mortgage refinancing (“michzor mashkanta”)
This is the repayment of a mortgage loan by taking out another mortgage loan.
Assessor’s valuation (“ha-arachat shamai”)
An assessor’s valuation is the assessment of the asset’s value by a certified assessor.
Market survey (“seker shuk”)
This is a comparison of various mortgage offers received from various lending entities, and examining their worthwhileness in accordance with the relevant parameters: the first monthly payment, the interest rate level, the amount of the forecast repayment over the course of the loan period, the interest rate level forecast over the life of the loan, etc.
Composition (“tamhil”)
A mix of two or more tracks. A track is defined as all or part of the mortgage loan, which will be returned with the addition of interest of various types, from among the various interest options. For example, a fixed interest rate, unindexed track.
Inflation (“inflatzia”)
The rate of change in the CPI. It means a continued process of rising prices. (The opposite is deflation, a continued process of decline in the CPI).
Grace loan (“halva’at grace”)
A loan in which the principal payment, and at times the first interest payment as well, is deferred to a specific date during the loan period.
Balloon loan (“halva’at balloon”)
A loan in which over the course of the loan period only interest is paid, while the principal is repaid in full at the end of the period. Sometimes the interest is also paid at the end of the period.
Credit rating (“dirug ashrai”)
A score determined in accordance with a fixed model and via the credit data sharing system. The credit rating is used by the bank when examining a loan request in order to assess the borrower’s financial conduct.
Additional terms