I am asked if my foreign assets amount to more than usd 75,000 at the end of 2016. If one owns property abroad that amounts to more than this figure, what to answer?

Then you should answer yes.  The question pertains to federal reporting requirements for foreign assets.  Resident aliens and some nonresident aliens are subject to this requirement.  Please follow this link for more information.  https://www.irs.gov/businesses/comparison-of-form-8938-and-fbar-requirements