United States: Capital gains taxes (%).

In arriving at effective capital gains tax rates, the Global Property Guide makes the following assumptions:

• The property is directly and jointly owned by husband and wife;
• They have owned it for 10 years;
• It is their only source of capital gains in the country
• It has appreciated in value by 100% over the 10 years to sale
• The property was worth US$250,000 or 250,000 at purchase.
• It is not their sole or principal residence.

These assumptions are critical. In many countries a holding period of less than 5 years results in capital gains being taxable. But a longer holding period often results in no capital gains tax being payable. For more details see the Data FAQ

Source: Global Property Guide Research, Contributing Accounting Firms

USA has excellent house price statistics. The Office of Federal Housing Oversight (OFHEO) produces quarterly house price indices for all 51 states. Quarterly median prices, affordability index, house sales and construction activities are from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Rent statistics are from the US Census Bureau.

Excellent economics statistics are from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and Bureau of Labor Statistics.