An article in FT cites a recent report about tax levels around the world. Not surprisingly, United Kingdom has one of the highest levels in general and in property it has actually scored the first place.

In property there was a sharp rise in taxation during the last 5-10 years, when the prices were soaring and therefore more properties were affected by the Stamp Duty, which is charged based on value. Other taxes, such as Council Tax, inheritance, capital gains and so on have been adding up to the bill of an average taxpayer.