Capital: Washington, D.C.
National language: English (de facto)
Area: 9,826,675 km²
Population: 311,591,917
GDP (PPP): 2011 estimate
Total: $15.29 trillion
Per Capita: $49,000
United States Case Studies Map
The United States of America is one of the largest countries in the world based on both population and land area. It has a relatively short history compared to other world nations, has one of the world's largest economies, and has one of the world's most diverse populations. As such, the United States is highly influential internationally.
The U.S. seasonally-adjusted purchase-only house price index rose by 4.75% (3.01% in real terms) during the year to August 2012 - the largest annual growth in house prices since September 2006, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). On a quarterly basis the index increased by 1.48% (1.23% in real terms) in August 2012.
In August 2012, the median sales price of new homes sold in the U.S. increased by 17% y-o-y to US$256,900, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Foreclosed home prices are rising rapidly. Average foreclosed-home prices rose by 12% month-on-month in September 2012, to US$194,681, according to RealtyTrac, the leading U.S. online foreclosure properties marketplace. New foreclosed home listings fell by 40% in September 2012 from the previous month, to 106,328 units. In October 2012, the U.S. home builder sentiment rose to its six-year high, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
In New York rental yields are moderate, which is to be expected in such a large, international city. In Miami, smaller apartments in Aventura return rental yields of nearly 10%. At the other end of the scale large apartments or townhouses on Coral Gables or Key Biscane bring yields of around 4%. Between these two extremes there is a continuous gradient, with smaller properties in less prestigious areas yielding more, larger properties in more upscale areas yielding less. However these rental yields are promising. Property in the US is now relatively inexpensive, from an international perspective. In addition, the US is a country with a growing population, due to its tradition of accepting a large number of immigrants. Low yields + low pricing in comparative terms + a growing population look an attractive combination.