[japanuspus]

This appears to differ across Europe.

I know for a fact (through living here) that Denmark and probably the rest of Scandinavia has property tax and inheritance tax -- holding on to family property is almost as expensive as buying new property.

Which part of Europe are you referring to? I once had Greek colleague who complained about having to maintain three generations worth of houses, so that might be one place where things are as you describe?

[foobarian]

Right, Europe is bound to be diverse on this point. I have exposure to Balkan countries and the UK (which, while they do have non-zero rates, still have them far lower what I'm used to in New England).

[timidiceball]

Norway has no inheritance tax at all; property taxes are microscopic (relative to other places that levy property taxes with intended market effects).