A Critical View of Land Value Taxation as a Progressive Strategy for Urban Revitalization, Rational Land Use, and Tax Relief

Abstract

This paper reviews arguments for land value taxation (LVT) as a tool to stop urban sprawl, eliminate land speculation, reduce housing costs, and provide tax relief. It is found that LVT would increase, not lower land prices and would provide only a small incentive to building construction. LVT would not favorably affect the distribution of wealth, nor reduce housing costs. It could provide some residential tax relief, but less effectively than other methods such as a progressive property tax.