Gen X, millennials set to inherit trillions in real estate wealth

"The next generations are inheriting a historic amount of wealth and approaching luxury with intention, said Michael Altneu, vice president of the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program. They are choosing homes that reflect their identity, support their day-to-day lifestyles and protect long-term financial value. For many, real estate has become a strategic piece of their wealth planning and a sanctuary for their well-being."

"As the wealth transfer accelerates, the report finds that luxury housing activity has started to separate from broader residential market conditions. While higher interest rates and affordability pressures have slowed activity in some segments, affluent buyers continue to expand their real estate holdings. Since 2020, global wealth among high-net-worth individuals has grown by nearly 40% including a 29.4% increase in real estate holdings reinforcing property's role as a long-term store of value."

"Nearly 80% of surveyed luxury agents described their local markets as resilient, citing stable pricing and consistent inventory turnover. In the U.S., luxury single-family home prices rose 3% in 2025, while sales increased 4%, according to the report. What we're seeing is confidence, not caution, Altneu said. Luxury buyers are staying active, prices are holding, and demand is concentrating in markets that offer lifestyle depth and long-term stability. That's why these markets continue to perform."

Three years of luxury home sales data and a survey of more than 100 Coldwell Banker specialists show younger, affluent buyers are redefining priorities toward lifestyle fit, long-term value and functionality rather than traditional status markers. Buyers are selecting homes that reflect identity, support daily lifestyles and protect financial value, often integrating real estate into wealth planning and personal well-being. Wealth among high-net-worth individuals rose nearly 40% since 2020, including a 29.4% increase in real estate holdings, and affluent buyers are expanding holdings despite higher interest rates. Nearly 80% of luxury agents report resilient local markets; U.S. luxury single-family prices rose 3% and sales increased 4% in 2025. The U.S. stands to receive an estimated $2.4 trillion in domestic real estate transfers over the next decade.

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