Is it permissible to move into a new house or apartment during the Nine Days, from Rosh Hodesh Ab through Tisha B’Ab?
The Poskim rule that one may move into a new house or apartment during the Nine Days if it will be his primary residence, as opposed to a vacation home and the like. As long as this home will be his place of primary residence, it is permissible. In fact, one who moves into a new home during the Nine Days may conduct a "Hinuch Ha’bayit" celebration, which entails simply reading words of Torah and distributing food, both of which, of course, are entirely permissible during the Nine Days. One should not, however, recite the Beracha of "Shehehiyanu" during the Nine Days, and thus one who moves into a new home should wait until after Tisha B’Ab to recite this Beracha. (Our practice is to purchase a new suit and then recite the Beracha over the suit, having in mind that the Beracha should cover the new home, as well.)
Hacham Ovadia Yosef ruled that one may purchase a new car during the Nine Days if this is necessary for professional or commercial purposes, such as for traveling to and from work. If one wishes to buy a car for other purposes, however, this is permissible only if the car will be unavailable after Tisha B’Ab, or if the price will be higher after Tisha B’Ab. Leasing a car is permissible during the Nine Days, as one does not acquire ownership over the car.
(Based on Yalkut Yosef, p. 173, Halachot 58 & 60)
Summary: One may move into a new residence during the Nine Days if it will be his primary residence, and he may even host a "Hinuch Ha’bayit." One may purchase a car for professional purposes during the Nine Days. Purchasing a car for other purposes is permissible only if the car will be unavailable after Tisha B’Ab, or if the price will be higher after Tisha B’Ab. Leasing a car is permissible during the Nine Days.
