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> Real estate is a kind of property that one owns at the mercy of the state. It is not something that anyone -- other than sovereign governments -- really own.
by scott_s 7y ago
> Real estate is a kind of property that one owns at the mercy of the state. It is not something that anyone -- other than sovereign governments -- really own.
That would be true if that tax was only on the value of the land. But it's not. The value of the structure on that land is part of the tax.
- tathougies 7y agoPermanent fixtures (like homes) are -- in common law -- typically considered part of the land.
- scott_s 7y agoAnd condos? But I don't think this actually changes anything. Clearly, homes and condos are considered private property. Whether or not the government has certain rights to that property (eminent domain, search with a warrant), most people consider it their property. So house and condo taxes are going to be perceived by people as taxes on their property. I also claim that we are not currently in a "totalitarian nightmare." So maybe people are okay if the government decides on a case-by-case basis what kind of property can be taxed. Also: some states have car taxes. And boat taxes.