Last updated: September 2026
Private land
In short: Private land is land registered in full private ownership in the Tabu, unlike most land in Israel, which is state-owned and managed by the Israel Land Authority under long leases.
In short
About 93% of land in Israel is owned by the state, the JNF and the Development Authority; whoever "buys" it actually leases it long-term. Private land is the minority: full ownership, registered in the Tabu, no ILA approvals needed for a deal.
The professional explanation
On private land the owner may sell, bequeath and mortgage without Israel Land Authority consent, pays no ILA consent or permit fees, and is not bound by a lease that dictates permitted uses.
Private land is not necessarily buildable: it may be agricultural, designated for public use or without a detailed plan. Ownership and zoning are two separate axes to check separately.
In planning terms private land is subject to exactly the same laws: plans, permits, betterment levy and expropriation for public needs.
Example from the field
A Kfar Saba family inherited a private 2-dunam agricultural parcel on the edge of the built-up area. The land is private and Tabu-registered, but its value depends on whether a future plan rezones it.
Why it matters in a deal
- A private-land deal is simpler and faster than an ILA-land deal.
- "Private" does not mean "buildable" - check zoning separately.
- Private land in the Sharon is often held by many heirs - verify every owner.
Frequently asked questions
Is private land worth more than ILA land?
Usually, for the same zoning and location, private land sells at a premium due to full ownership and no ILA payments. But zoning and rights affect value far more than the ownership type.
How do I know if land is private?
From the Tabu extract: the registered owner is a person or company (not the State of Israel, Development Authority or JNF) and the right is ownership, not a lease.
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Related guides
What to check before buying land — a 12-point due diligence checklistBefore buying land or a plot: 12 mandatory checks — Tabu extract, ownership and liens, zoning plan and designation, building rights, master plans, ownership structure (undivided shares), constraints, access and infrastructure, taxation and price.Read more →Investing in agricultural land — what to know before buyingIs agricultural land a good investment? The difference between land "in process" and land that will stay agricultural, the signs of real potential, the risks, and how to avoid an expensive mistake.Read more → Related terms
Afik Hanahal