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Insights & News / Maya Zisser
Condominium Apartment and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The Tel Aviv Land Registry’s Supervisor rejected a claim for the removal of infrastructure for an electric vehicle charging station installed in a parking space attached to an apartment in a condominium.
2022: Trends in Real Estate Law in Israel
The uptrend in Israel’s housing prices continued in 2022. It appears we are only now beginning to feel the outgoing government’s measures. In the regulatory arena, amendments to the Sale Law (Apartments) should begin affecting the balance of powers between buyers and sellers of new apartments.
Luxury Apartments in Israel: What Is the Maximum Exemption from Land Appreciation Tax?
The Israel Tax Authority and the Real Estate Tax Appeals Committee disagree on the entitlement to the maximum exemption from land appreciation tax.
Tips for the Self-Employed as End of Tax Year Approaches
Nir Ziman from our Tax Department was interviewed by several media outlets and shared how Israeli residents can obtain additional income tax credits. He also addressed what taxpayers should pay attention to when filing their income tax reports, and provided some helpful tips as the end of the tax year approaches.
Condominium Buildings and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations – New Ruling
An apartment owner in a condominium building installed a private electric charging station in her parking space without the consent of the other apartment owners. This is what the supervisor ruled.
Development Expenses Not Included in Property’s Purchase Value
The Israeli Supreme Court rejected the Israel Tax Authority’s position regarding the inclusion of development expenses in property values for tax purposes.
Barnea: Representing Kibbutz Shefayim and Yad Hana in Transaction to Sell Land Designated for Logistics Complex
Mivna Group has acquired 50% of the shares of the Yad Hana Homesh Industries Cooperative Association for ILS 140 million. The parties intend to jointly establish an innovative logistics center in a total built-up area of about 100,000 square meters. The client was represented by Advs. Ilan Blumenfeld and Maya Zisser.
“Court Ruling: Did You Approve a Price and Payment Terms? It’s a Binding Agreement” – Maya Zisser Column in Globes
Maya Zisser, a partner in our Real Estate Department, has published an op-ed column in Globes on the new conditions for determining a binding agreement in a sale transaction. Click to read >>>
Representing Sephira in Sale of Shares to DL Software Group
Barnea represented the French and Israeli group of companies Sephira, a leader in software solutions for healthcare professionals, in the sale of its holdings to the DL Software Group, which was recently acquired by the American PE fund TA Associates.
The transaction was led by Samuel Henry Samuel, and Avihay Asulin. Netta Bromberg provided representation in all labor law matters, and Harel Perlmutter and Nir Ziman advised on all tax issues.
District Court Ruling: Azrieli Foundation Exempt from Paying Taxes on Dividends
An Israeli district court rejected the Israel Tax Authority’s attempt to force the Azrieli Foundation to pay taxes in the amount of tens of millions of shekels for dividends it received and continues to receive due to its holding in Azrieli Group's shares. The court accepted the tax appeal, which was filed by Barnea Jaffa Lande, and ruled that the Azrieli Foundation, a non-profit organization that works for the public good in Israel, is not the controlling owner of Azrieli Group and is therefore entitled to a tax exemption. The court ruled, among other things, that the ITA’s position could have a chilling effect in relation to business entities’ support of philanthropic associations. Our firm's Zohar Lande, Eyal Nachshon, Harel Perlmutter, Nir Ziman, and Omer Keydar represented the Azrieli Foundation throughout the proceedings, which lasted about five years.
Israeli-UAE Tax Treaty
On May 31, 2021, Israel and the United Arab Emirates signed a tax treaty. This is the first tax treaty between the states. It is expected to go into effect on January 1, 2022, after passing the necessary ratification processes in the Knesset and the government.
A new Supreme Court ruling considers the municipal property taxes for common areas in malls and shopping centers
The Tel Aviv Municipality sent the Ramat Aviv Mall a municipal property tax bill for its common areas. The mall’s management argued that shop tenants must pay municipal property tax payments for these areas, under their lease agreements with the mall.
Apartment Sale Delayed because of COVID-19? Home Upgraders Eligible for an Extension
Apartment owners experiencing difficulty selling their old apartments are entitled to a seven-month extension in which to sell, and the Israel Tax Authority will not count this period for tax purposes.
Barnea Represented Cyberx Shareholder in Microsoft Acquisition
We represented Inven Capital, a Czech-based VC fund and a shareholder in Cyberx Israel, an Israeli IoT & ICS cybersecurity startup, in Cyberx's sale to Microsoft for USD 165 million. CyberX has gained tremendous customer growth, with a number of leading companies using its IoT security platform to protect their web facilities. Cyberx has raised about USD 48 million since its inception in 2013. This is Microsoft’s eighth acquisition in Israel in the last decade.
Maya Zisser Featured on Economic TV Program
Adv. Maya Zisser, a partner in the Real Estate Department, was featured on the economic TV program "Sogrim Heshbon." She discussed renting in Israel during the summer.
Canceling Expropriation for Public Use – When?
The Supreme Court recently heard a case on the cancellation of expropriation and ruled that public interest prevails over the damage caused to landowners.
Draft Bill - Real-Estate Purchasing Groups
On December 23, 2018, the Israeli ministerial committee approved a draft bill on the subject of real-estate purchasing groups. This draft bill is designed, on the one hand, to protect members of purchasing groups and, on the other hand, to enable their continued existence as a means to construct residential apartments while cutting costs.
Israel Tax Authority Issues New Rules for Recognizing Property Betterment Expenses
The Law for Reducing the Use of Cash, which is scheduled to come into effect on January 1, 2019, will have a significant impact on the real-estate sector.
Have You Ever Paid Betterment Tax or Purchase Tax? You May Be Eligible for a Rebate
The Israel Tax Authority (ITA) recently launched an application that allows anyone who previously executed a real-estate transaction to check whether he or she has a credit balance in respect of an overpayment of betterment tax or purchase tax.
Approved Draft Bill Amends Planning and Building Law – Exemption from Land Betterment Tax
In July 2018, the Israeli Knesset approved a draft bill in a second and third reading that addresses the obligation of apartment owners seeking to sell a property as a result of a general outline plan to pay land betterment tax.
Barnea Representing Yad Hanna in Agreement to Lease and Construct Logistics Center for Diplomat
Our firm is representing Yad Hanna in a long-term lease agreement of 30 dunams in its industrial zone for the construction of Diplomat's new logistics center. The construction is valued at NIS 230 million.
Israeli Supreme Court Ruling: Property Buyer Required to Pay Betterment Tax if Seller Is Incapable Due to Insolvency Proceedings
According to a ruling handed down recently by the Israeli Supreme Court, when a real estate asset is sold before the seller enters bankruptcy proceedings, and the seller has not paid the betterment tax, the local council is not obligated to grant the buyer approval for registering the property under his name. Thus, the buyer will be required to pay the betterment tax.
Barnea Represented Greenyard Fresh in Acquisition of Mor International
Our firm represented Greenyard Fresh, a global market leader of fresh, frozen, and prepared fruits and vegetables, in the acquisition of 49% of Mor International.
Changes in the Taxation of Sales of Residential Apartments
A number of changes in the taxation of residential apartment sales will come into effect on January 2018.
Barnea & Co. Represented EXO Technologies in Acquisition by Lear
Barnea represented Israeli startup EXO Technologies, a developer of GPS technology for autonomous and connected vehicle applications, in its acquisition by the American corporation Lear.
Barnea & Co. represents HP in its acquisition of Samsung Electronics Co. Printer Business
HP Inc. completed its acquisition of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.’s printer business in a deal valued at $1.05 billion. HP Inc. was represented by Barnea
Barnea & Co. Represented Avgol in the Sale of its Rights in the Barkan Plant
Barnea represented Avgol in the sale of its rights in the Barkan plant for NIS 52.5 million. Avgol is in the process of transfering its production center in Israel to Dimona.
Urban Renewal Law (Transaction Organization Agreements)
The Urban Renewal Law, which was promulgated at the beginning of April 2017, is attempting to regulate the phenomenon of obtaining apartment-owners’ signatures on undertakings towards developers and/or various entities (organizers) that are supposedly promoting urban renewal projects.
The High Court of Justice - the Gatekeeper of the New Multi-Apartment Act
Adv. Maya Zisser, Partner in the Real Estate Department in an article in The Marker, following a temporary injunction issued by the High Court ordering the State to explain why the New Multi-Apartment Act should not be canceled. Maya commented that those people to whom the new Law applies should hold back on any actions designed to counter the application of the law, as such actions may be irreversible.
Seminar on the New Multiple Housing Taxation Law
Barnea is conducting on February 14th a morning seminar on the new Multiple Housing Taxation Law. Adv. Maya Zisser, Partner at the Real-Estate Department will lecture on the new tax - to whom does it apply, the tax rate, payment methods, exemptions and credits. Adv. Harel Perlmutter from the Tax Department will lecture on tax saving opportunities in respect of rental income.
Local Planning and Building Committee Requirement of Deeds of Indemnity is Ruled Illegal
A Supreme Court judgment handed down in December by the Honorable Justice Yoram Danziger ruled that the demand by local planning and building committees that deeds of indemnity be signed is illegal (Bikel Flowers Ltd. vs. the Local Planning and Building Committee – Rishon Letsiyon).
The Knesset Finance Committee Passed the Third Apartment Tax Bill
Adv. Maya Zisser, Partner in the Real Estate Department at Barnea, was interviewed by Bizportal following the approval of the third apartment tax bill by the Finance Committee. Maya commented that we will not see a wave of sales of flats by owners of third apartments, but instead, owners will pass on the burden to tenants by way of increased rentals.
The Ministry of Construction and Housing allows foreign construction companies to operate in Israel for the first time
In March 2016 the government adopted the housing cabinet’s recommendations regarding criteria for allowing foreign construction companies to begin operating in Israel. This move is one of the government’s strategies for increasing the volume of residential construction in Israel.
What you need to know about buying your first home
Buying an apartment is usually the biggest purchase of one’s life, and for most of us it represents a significant financial outlay. Therefore, once we’ve found an apartment we like but before we’ve signed a contract, it’s very important to check out several angles.
Updates about legislative amendments relating to construction licenses and permits
Amendment 101 to the Building and Planning Law was promulgated in April 2015. The amendment concerns a transfer and expansion of authorities to the local committees and sweeping amendments designed to shorten, streamline and simplify construction licensing.
Israel home sales reach all-time monthly record
Housing cabinet approves subsidized housing program
The housing cabinet, headed by Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, confirmed yesterday a long series of decisions made by the cabinet, relating primarily to relief on property prices.
The Financial magazine, Globes, published comments by certain real estate experts regarding these measures. One of the experts, Maya Zisser, a partner in the real estate department of our firm commented that she doubted whether the promises made will be fulfilled.