Share this @internewscast.com
Young Australians may be vastly overestimating the amount of inheritance they expect to receive.
A new survey from wealth management firm Colonial First State (CFS) found that younger Australians between the ages of 18 and 29 anticipate an inheritance of around $525,000.
The survey, which spoke to 2,250 Australians over the age of 18, found that young people’s expectations were in line with those aged 40 to 49, who expected to inherit around $547,667.
A man in a suit on a footpath shouting at a crowd of other people standing on grass.

The survey found that more younger people are expecting an inheritance, as housing affordability means many struggle to get onto the property market. Source: AAP / Dan Himbrechts

However, the sum is nearly double the amount that older generations expect to receive, with the 65 to 74 age bracket anticipating around $167,624.

With trillions of dollars expected to be transferred via intergenerational wealth over the coming years, the data on who will receive that inheritance shows that younger Australians’ expectations may not match up to the reality.

Where will ‘the great wealth transfer’ go?

Economists call this ‘the great wealth transfer’.
However, younger generations aren’t always the beneficiaries. Melbourne University’s HILDA survey of household, income and labour dynamics found that most recipients of inherited wealth are over 55, receiving an average inheritance of $275,619.
A pie chart showing the wealthiest 2% of Baby Boomers hold 18 per cent of the group's assets

Baby boomers hold $4.9 trillion in assets according to CoreData analysis. Source: SBS News

“In the past, inheritance was a way of redistributing wealth, but increasingly wealth is being concentrated in smaller and smaller groups, so effectively this is going to flow to a very small minority of people,” he said.

Grudnoff said it’s true that people tend to overestimate their inheritance, making guesses “based on hope and not reality”.

Adjusting inheritance expectations

While there is no official data to confirm just how much wealth is being passed down, the Productivity Commission estimates the average inheritance is around $125,000.
The HILDA survey also found that inheritances tend to be smaller for younger generations. It estimated that only 1.5 per cent of Australians between the ages of 25 and 34 received an inheritance, at an average amount of $50,508.
“Inheritances are not going to be that large for most people,” Grudnoff said.

“It might help you in your retirement, but I don’t think it’s going to radically change whether or not you can buy a house or help you through most of your life.”

The CFS survey also found 82 per cent intended to leave an inheritance but only 38 per cent have a will.
CFS head of technical services Craig Day said it’s important that expectations are discussed openly among family members.
“By having these conversations early, families can ensure that everyone is on the same page and can make informed decisions that align with their values and goals,” he said.
“It’s not just about passing on wealth — it’s about passing on clarity. Families need to talk about their intentions, their needs, and their plans.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Live Coverage: Today’s Latest Features and Trends on TikTok

Amnesty International has criticized a recent ban, labeling it as an “ineffective…
A drunk driver who was more than five times the legal limit has come dangerously close to disaster in one of Adelaide's most affluent coastal suburbs.

Adelaide Crash: Woman Accused of Being Five Times Over Legal Alcohol Limit

A potentially catastrophic incident unfolded in one of Adelaide’s upscale coastal neighborhoods…
Australian nutritionist and food influencer Stacey Hatfield has died from an extremely rare complication during childbirth, her heartbroken husband Nathan Warnecke said.

Tragic Loss: Influencer’s Home ‘Free Birth’ Leads to Fatal Blood Loss, Court Hears

A wellness influencer tragically passed away due to severe blood loss after…

Second Potential Fatality Connected to TPG Triple-Zero Glitch Uncovered

Mobile network company TPG Telecom says a possible second fatality may be…
Grace Anderson, 15,

Why Simply Banning Social Media Won’t Solve the Problem

Opinion: I keep seeing people acting shocked that social media is out…
A generic picture of Australian money - $2 coins on top of $100 notes.

One in Five Mortgage Holders Regret Large Home Loans, Survey Reveals

Recent research reveals that a significant number of Australian homeowners feel they’ve…

Ex-Nurse Rajwinder Singh Sentenced to Life for Toyah Cordingley Murder

A former nurse must serve a 25-year non-parole period for fatally stabbing…
Premier Jacinta Allan making a formal apology to First Nations Victorians for injustices suffered through the colonisation of Victoria.

Victorian Premier Issues Historic Apology to First Peoples, Acknowledging Past Injustices

Jacinta Allan has officially apologised to the First Peoples of Victoria In…
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Yeomans is retiring on Friday after his time as NSW's longest-serving child abuse detective.

Veteran NSW Child Abuse Detective Demands Justice for Victims of Australia’s Notorious Daycare Offender

New South Wales’ most experienced child abuse detective is determined to see…
Australia's richest person loses bid for rooftop helipad

Billionaire Ambitions Grounded: Australia’s Wealthiest Loses Rooftop Helipad Battle

Gina Rinehart, Australia’s wealthiest individual, recently faced a setback in her plans…

Rising Threat: Smuggling Balloons Trigger Emergency Alert in Lithuania Amid Border Security Concerns

Smuggling balloons drifting over the Belarusian border have forced repeated shutdowns at…
christmas lunch

Unlock the Festive Calendar: Key Public Holidays During Christmas and New Year 2023

Christmas is approaching, which means businesses around Australia will shut down, and…