What is the average holding period for a dwelling in Australia? I am
looking for total residential dwellings (ie Flats, Units, Townhouses,
Detached, Semi-detached, etc) both owner occupied and investment.

I have uncovered an unreferenced source that says the average holding
period in the USA is 9 years, but this may be different for Australia.

References that can be verified and printed are an important part of
the answer, and if it is possible I would like to get the same
statistic for Canada and the UK as well as verifying my unreferenced
statistic from the USA.

Thanks!

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Clarification of Question by keitelathon-ga on 23 Feb 2006 18:04 PST

To further clarify the median and mean should be very close together
for a large data set.  I will be happy with either, but would prefer
the median as this will eliminate the outliers.  There is an argument
that the outliers shouldnt be excluded which is why I would be happy
to receive the median as well.

If I were you I would re-phrase your question.

The 'average' temperature of standing with one foot in a bucket of ice
water, and the other in a fire - is quite comfortable.

With housing, the turnover is high when people are young, and very low
when they settle down.  The average of 2 years and 20 years is 11, but
that figure is of little relevance.

I would like to know how long on average (mean) does someone hold a
dwelling for in Australia and in the other countries I have listed.  I
realise the turnover is high for younger people and lower for older
people so I'd like to get a blend of these groups, along with all
other groups.

For instance:

If there are 10 apartments purchased by 25 year olds that have a
median holding period of 5 years, and 10 houses purchased by 45 year
olds that have a median holding period of 15 years, than the total
median holding period for these 20 dwelling is 10 years.

The average becomes relevant when the data set is wide and meaningful.
 If there is a complete set of individual holding periods for each
dwelling sold from mansions to studios in Australia by old people
young people, rich people poor people, property investors and owner
occupiers then if the mean or median is taken then the answer will be
very meaningful indeed, and very useful to me so long as it is
referenced.

Obviously the longer the period taken the better since the holding
period will vary with economic cycles, and property cycles, etc.

Thanks.