Hotscot

10 reasons to quit the U.S. for Europe

rpjs

"Property prices are still cheap"

Well that depends on where in the US and where in Europe you're comparing!

Hotscot

Like for like maybe?

Bluegrass Lass

Hmmmm is all I can say...

Pulaski

The grass is always greener!

I used to think I'd like to live in Italy, I likely never would, but it was a nice pipe dream. Then I started hanging out a little on the BE Italian forum reading about the trials and tribulations of expats who have moved there. The taxes and fees for this, that, and the other are nuts! The number of petty regulations, and petty bureaucrats to enforce them is insane. Then recently there was a conversation about breakers and wiring and I learned that Italian houses have a master breaker that is less powerful than the breaker for my cooker! All appliances are small and low power, and you can only use one major appliance at a time. A 2Kw kettle is one such major appliance!

Uncle_Bob

I don't think i would be able to find a house made of wooden sticks, chicken wire and stucco in Europe though

Bob

I don't know about the slower pace of life either

Definitely not looking like for like...but a lot of fair points all the same...but it didn't say how US folks could make the move and that's half the battle.

sir_eccles

Wandsworth is still pretty cheap (5.9m)

Wandsworth's Local Web site

Michael

Can wealth tax considered property tax?

• France: A progressive rate from 0 to 1.8% of net assets. In 2006 out of €287 billion "general government" receipts, €3.68 billion was collected as wealth tax. See Solidarity tax on wealth.
• Spain: Patrimonio - a progressive rate from 0.2 to 2.5% of net assets above the threshold of €700,000 after €300,000 primary residence allowance.
• Iceland: Temporary wealth tax was re-introduced in 2010, for four years. A rate of 1.5% on net assets exceeding ISK 75,000,000 for individuals and ISK 100,000,000 for married couples.
• Netherlands: Interest income is taxed like a wealth tax, i.e. a fixed 30% out of an assumed yield of 4% is a rate of 1.2% imposed on assets in excess of €21,139 (2012). See Income tax in the Netherlands.
• Norway: 0.7% (municipal) and 0.3% (national) a total of 1.0% levied on net assets exceeding NOK 1,000,000 as of 2014.For tax purposes, the value of real estate assets are estimated to approximately 50% of the market value (25% if it is the taxpayer's primary residence).The Conservative and Progress parties in the current government and the Liberal Party have stated that they aim to reduce and eventually eliminate the wealth tax.
• Switzerland: A progressive wealth tax with a maximum of around 1.5% may be levied on net assets.The exact amount varies between cantons.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wealth_tax

Sally Redux

A bit silly, but kind of nice to see something positive about Europe. I don't think it's healthy for Brits to denigrate their country as much as they do.

Illek

Is pride in a person's home country more important or global awareness?

Hotscot

More important than what?

(What's your story?)

Illek

Not stating its not a good thing to brag of one's own country. I'm still a student quite constantly getting told to think more globally. This thread seems to be about attracting people to Europe.
So why Europe in your opinion? Not through the article/link you posted.

Hotscot

No it's not. It's the Trailer Park...we just chat about any old gubbins here, anything that passes our mind or catches our attention.

If you want a laugh check out WTF in America, and Pet Peeves.

Are you studying in the US? Where and what?

(But yes, personally after 15 years living in Southern California I can't wait to go home. I find UK/Europe far better culturally than here. But I am a dual citizen and have plenty choice.)

Mrs Danvers

I'd agree,with most of the reasons other than property prices. I can't believe how much it costs to purchase a rabbit hutch in the UK in any area that is even slightly desirable