A seismic shift in global wealth is underway, with younger generations poised to inherit an unprecedented sum over the coming decade. According to the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury 2026 Trend report, published on Friday, 16 January 2026, a staggering $38.3 trillion is set to be transferred from older to younger generations worldwide within the next ten years.
The Scale of the Inheritance
The report identifies Generation X and Millennials as the primary beneficiaries of this monumental movement of capital, often termed the "Great Wealth Transfer." This initial decade-long wave is merely the beginning. A separate 2024 analysis by financial intelligence firm Cerulli Associates projects that younger generations will receive a colossal $124 trillion by 2048.
A significant portion of this wealth is held in property. The Coldwell Banker report highlights that the transfer includes an estimated $4.6 trillion in real estate assets. This expansion of wealth among older generations, particularly those with a net worth exceeding $1 million, was supercharged between 2020 and 2025, during which their overall wealth grew by 40% and real estate holdings increased by more than 29%.
A New Approach to Luxury and Asset Allocation
Michael Altneu, Vice President of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, notes that heirs are adopting a more deliberate stance. "The next generations are inheriting a historic amount of wealth and approaching luxury with intention," he stated. "They are choosing homes that reflect their identity, support their day-to-day lifestyles, and protect long-term financial value."
This intentionality extends to investment strategy. The report finds that younger buyers are prioritising real estate more heavily in their portfolios compared to their predecessors. "They're weighting real estate more heavily in their portfolios, signaling a preference for stability, utility, and long-term value," Altneu explained. For many, property is no longer just a home but a strategic pillar of wealth planning and personal well-being.
Emerging Property Markets and Lasting Impact
This generational shift is already influencing property markets globally. The report identifies several cities that have emerged as leading destinations for this investment, including Atlanta, Dallas, Minneapolis, Nashville, Salt Lake City, and San Diego. These locations are now demonstrating the same market resilience historically associated with global hubs like New York and London.
The Great Wealth Transfer represents more than just a change in bank account ownership. It signifies a fundamental reshaping of investment patterns, luxury consumption, and the very definition of value for a new cohort of wealth holders, with real estate firmly at the centre of their financial planning.
