Inheritance Wave Poised to Reshape Luxury Housing
A new report shows younger generations will inherit trillions in property, driving family buying strategies, more estate sales and shifts in luxury market supply.
NEW YORK — A massive generational shift in wealth is beginning to reshape the luxury real estate market, as Gen Xers and Millennials prepare to inherit trillions in property over the next decade.
According to a Coldwell Banker Global Luxury report reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, younger generations are set to inherit $4.6 trillion in global real estate, including nearly $2.4 trillion in the United States, prompting families to involve heirs earlier in high-value housing decisions.
In major markets like New York, agents report a rise in parents purchasing large condominium properties for adult children, with luxury agent Clayton Orrigo noting, "Condos are much easier for parents buying for their children in an LLC or a family trust."
With more than $17.3 trillion in net worth expected to be handed down over the next 10 years, families are starting inheritance conversations earlier. Families are working to reduce the older generation's taxable estate.
Some heirs are opting to sell legacy estates that feel impractical or burdensome. This has added more high-end properties to the market and reinforced how inheritance is influencing not just who buys luxury homes, but which ones change hands.
Source: Wall Street Journal (01/15/26) Clarke, Katherine
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