Types of Interest Rates in Mortgage Tracks

Mortgages are typically given for periods of up to 30 years and until age 85. Each track has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the different loan options:

Prime

Linked to Bank of Israel interest rate, without early repayment penalties (except operational fee). Considered a very flexible track, but sharp interest rate increases could spike monthly payments.

Fixed Non-Indexed

Fixed interest rate for the entire loan duration, principal not indexed to inflation, and payments remain constant. A stable and secure track, but involves risk of early repayment penalties.

Fixed Indexed

Fixed interest rate, principal indexed to inflation. Payments rise with inflation increases. Initial interest rate is lower, but over time payments may rise significantly.

Variable Non-Indexed

Interest rate updates every few years (between 2-5), according to government bonds. Principal is not indexed to inflation. Risk of early repayment fees is lower compared to fixed tracks.

Variable Indexed

Principal indexed to inflation, and interest rate updates every 1-5 years according to bond anchor. This is a high-risk track, combining both inflation indexing and interest rate changes over time.

Government-subsidized Mortgage

Special track for those without housing and new Olim, according to Ministry of Construction criteria. Principal indexed to inflation and interest rate is fixed and relatively low. A significant advantage is complete exemption from early repayment fees.

Foreign Currency Track

In this track, the loan is linked to foreign currency – dollar or euro – but actual repayments are always made in shekels, according to the representative exchange rate of the currency against the shekel on payment day.

Dollar (USD)

Interest rate is set according to Term SOFR – interest rates for fixed periods (3 or 6 months), based on SOFR, a daily interest rate backed by US Treasury bonds as published by the New York Fed.

Euro (EUR)

Interest rate is set according to EURIBOR (Euro Interbank Offered Rate) – the interest rate at which banks in the European Union and EFTA countries lend money to each other, as published by EMMI.

Who is this suitable for?

Due to currency exchange rate and interest rate volatility, the foreign currency track is considered high-risk. It’s primarily suitable for foreign residents or borrowers with fixed income in foreign currency, creating natural balance between income and repayments.

Bridge Loan

Intended for purchasing new property before selling the previous property. Given for periods up to two years, usually with interest-only payments during the interim period.

Makam (Short-term Government Bond)

Based on Bank of Israel short-term bonds, behaves similarly to Prime and is considered its substitute. No early repayment fees.

Financing Percentages for Apartment Purchase

• 75% financing – Israeli citizens and residents purchasing a single apartment • 50% financing – Foreign residents and investors • Up to 85% financing – Through non-banking entities (insurance, financing funds, etc.)