Gen X and Millennials Face a Historic Inheritance

A major shift in global wealth is expected over the next 10 years, with Gen X and millennials positioned to receive the largest share.

According to Coldwell Banker’s Global Luxury 2026 Trend report, an estimated $38.3 trillion will be transferred to younger generations as baby boomers pass down assets.

A significant portion of this transfer is tied to real estate, with $4.6 trillion expected to change hands in property alone.

The trend forms part of what analysts describe as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” a longer-term movement that could reshape how wealth is owned, invested, and preserved across generations.

The report notes that younger generations are approaching wealth differently from their predecessors. Rather than focusing solely on luxury as a status symbol, many are placing greater emphasis on real estate as a strategic asset that supports daily life, long-term financial security, and personal well-being.

As trillions of dollars move across generations, the transfer is expected to have lasting effects on housing markets, investment patterns, and the global economy, making it one of the most significant financial transitions of the coming decade.