Understanding the Israeli Land Registry (Tabu): Your Complete Guide
If you've started researching Israeli real estate, you've probably come across the word "Tabu." It sounds mysterious, perhaps slightly intimidating, and you might not be exactly sure what it means or why it matters.
Let's demystify it. The Tabu is simply Israel's Land Registry—the official government record of who owns every piece of property in the country, and what restrictions or liens might be attached to it. Think of it as the single source of truth for real estate ownership in Israel.
Understanding how the Tabu system works is essential for any property buyer, because it's fundamentally different from the American system in some important ways.
What is the Tabu?
The Israeli Land Registry, managed by the Israel Land Authority (Rashut Mekarke'e Yisrael), is a public database that records:
- Who legally owns each property
- The exact boundaries and measurements of the land
- Any mortgages, liens, or legal claims against the property
- Zoning designations and use restrictions
- Rights of way, easements, or other encumbrances
Every property in Israel is identified by a unique set of numbers called Gush (block) and Helka (parcel). For example, a property might be listed as "Gush 12345, Helka 67." These numbers are the property's permanent identifier in the Tabu system.
How is the Tabu Different from American Land Records?
While both systems serve the same basic purpose, there are some key differences:
- Centralized vs. Local: In the US, land records are typically maintained by county recorder's offices, meaning the system is decentralized. In Israel, the Tabu is a single, national registry maintained by the government. This makes searches more standardized but also means all transactions must go through this central authority.
- Title Insurance: In the US, buyers typically purchase title insurance from private companies that guarantee the title is clear. In Israel, title insurance exists but is less common. Instead, your lawyer performs a thorough Tabu search (bedika b'tabu) and relies on the official registry as the authoritative source.
- Public Access: The Tabu is a public record. In theory, anyone can request information about a property. However, in practice, most buyers work through their lawyer who has the expertise to interpret the often complex legal language in the registry.