Millennials Investing Inheritances In Luxury Property

The global financial landscape is currently witnessing a historic "changing of the guard."

As generational wealth transfers in advanced economies hit a staggering £4.56 trillion in 2025, the real estate market is bracing for a profound transformation. This isn't just a shift in capital; it’s a shift in values.

The £90 trillion handover

According to the latest data from Cerulli Associates, we are entering a peak window of inheritance. Through 2028, an estimated £90 trillion will transfer from the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers to their heirs.

Of that astronomical sum, approximately £18 trillion is tied up in real estate assets. As younger generations—primarily Millennials and Gen Z—liquidate or reinvest these inheritances, Sotheby’s International Realty suggests a significant portion of this capital is being funneled back into the luxury property sector.

The rise of lifestyle-first investing

Unlike the generations before them, today’s high-net-worth (HNW) buyers aren't just looking for square footage or a prestigious zip code. They are "lifestyle-first" investors. This new wave of buyers is prioritising:

- There is a surging demand for established enclaves, specifically within world-class golf and ski resorts, where social life and recreation are built into the front door.
- "Health is the new wealth" is no longer a cliché; it’s a requirement. Residences featuring high-end wellness amenities—from cryotherapy chambers and private spas to professional-grade fitness centers—are seeing the highest premiums.
- Younger buyers are increasingly drawn to branded residences. The combination of global name recognition, five-star concierge services, and a "lock-up-and-leave" lifestyle offers a level of convenience and security that traditional luxury homes often lack.

As we look toward 2028, the luxury market will be defined by this influx of "new money" with "new priorities." For these heirs, real estate is more than an asset class—it is a vehicle for health, community, and curated experiences.