Michael and Loni Snape’s story begins like many modern Jewish love stories: a twist of fate, a bit of chutzpah, and the ever persistent pull of the land of Israel.

It was 2016 when Michael, after completing his IDF service as a lone soldier and then making aliyah, was settling into his new life in Israel. Loni, a graduate of Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business, was visiting for a wedding. Sparks flew. In what friends describe as a scene straight out of a romance film, Michael convinced Loni to stay — “just a bit longer.” One thing led to another and soon they were married, building a life together in Raanana, raising two energetic boys, now 4 and 2.

But if the first chapter of their story was about love, the next was about business.

Both natural leaders, Michael and Loni quickly made their mark on Israel’s tech scene. Loni, ever the entrepreneur, developed her own app and later founded a successful marketing agency. Michael, an accountant and MBA, founded a cybersecurity company, eventually leading it to a major acquisition. Together, they became a formidable duo, not only shaping Israel’s high-tech industry but also facilitating U.S. investment into Israeli startups.

Then, in October 2023, everything changed.

“Suddenly, we were getting calls — not about startups, but about real estate,” Loni explained. “People wanted to know how to buy property in Israel. Not necessarily to make aliyah right away, but to have a home here. For peace of mind, vacations or chagim — or even just to own a piece of this incredible, resilient country, that’s ours.”

In fact, the wave of interest was unlike anything they’d seen before. American Jews, particularly those in their 30s-60s, were thinking differently about their connection to Israel. “We started hearing from what I call ‘Zionist snowbirds,’” Loni laughed. “They love Yerushalayim, of course, but they also dream of a place by the ocean, with the comforts and ease that Americans are used to. Think Florida—but in Israel.”

Seeing the opportunity, and the deep emotional need, Michael and Loni pivoted their expertise from tech to real estate. They began working closely with top developers, looking for the ideal project that could offer American buyers the lifestyle and community they were seeking.

That search led them to the neighborhood of Ir Yamim, Netanya.

Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and a lush nature reserve, Ir Yamim is an elite area that’s long been popular with affluent Israelis and international buyers alike. With its sun-drenched beaches, premium shopping, kosher restaurants, shuls nearby, and vibrant Anglo community, it checks every box for Americans looking to buy in Israel.

“Netanya is just 25 minutes from Tel Aviv, but it feels like a world away,” Michael said. “You have the ocean breeze, stunning promenades, and a community of like-minded English speakers. We saw right away that Ir Yamim was the spot. It’s selling out fast, and it’s obvious why.”

After months of meetings with developers, they found the perfect fit: a luxury project, the last high-end building being built in Ir Yamim, with sea views from every apartment.

“We really clicked with the developer,” Loni shared. “They have a proven track record of successful projects, and we were able to negotiate something special: an exclusive deal for our group of American buyers. Not only are we getting great pricing, but because the building is getting its finishing touches, buyers can even customize their apartments.”

The building offers spacious four- and five-bedroom apartments, each with private storage rooms, two parking spaces, and expansive balconies—with breathtaking sea views. The building features all the amenities one would expect of a luxury development: pools, spa, gym, Shabbat elevator, and is just a one-minute walk to the beach, Chabad, and a boutique shopping center full of premium kosher food.

You couldn’t ask for a more perfect place to spend vacations, shalosh regalim, and other holidays.

But Michael and Loni’s vision goes beyond just selling apartments. They’ve built a full-service experience for buyers, offering what Loni calls “a hand-holding process” from start to finish.

“Having done it ourselves and helped so many others, we know how overwhelming it can be to buy property in Israel, especially from abroad,” Michael said. “That’s why we assembled a team that includes a finance expert, who helps with mortgages and moving money, and a legal expert who specializes in U.S./Israel transactions, and an in-house interior designer to assist with personalizing each apartment.” Loni added: “Our aim is to ensure an easy, smooth, enjoyable and exciting process.”

Their holistic approach has struck a chord. The building is filling up quickly, with U.S. buyers.

And it’s not just about lifestyle; it’s also a smart investment. Israel’s real estate market has shown remarkable resilience, even during times of crisis. Property prices rose about 8% in 2024 alone — during a full-scale war — and Ir Yamim, in particular, continues to attract strong demand from American, British, Australian and French buyers. “There’s a real shortage of beachfront properties, especially in Anglo-friendly areas,” Loni noted. “That keeps prices strong.”

With apartments starting at $1.65 million — and exclusive deals available — the opportunity is both accessible and enticing. And the time to act is now.

“This is more than real estate,” Loni said thoughtfully. “It’s about getting in on the ground floor and owning in Israel, whether for today, tomorrow, or the next generation. And we’re honored to help make that dream a reality.”

To learn more, visit groundflooril.com or email [email protected].

Don’t miss the upcoming webinar and Q&A “Everything You Need To Know About Buying In Israel” on June 1 with financial and legal experts (spots limited).

Visit ownmyisrael.com to register for free.