GITNUXREPORT 2026

Wealth Transfer Statistics

A massive global wealth transfer is accelerating major generational and economic shifts.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Among US heirs aged 50-69, median inheritance is $64,000, skewed by top 1%.

Statistic 2

In the UK, average inheritance received is £116,000, highest in South East at £173,000.

Statistic 3

Globally, 36% of millionaires inherited part of their wealth, averaging $250,000.

Statistic 4

In Canada, 42% of adults expect inheritance averaging CAD 100,000 within 10 years.

Statistic 5

French inheritances average €80,000 per person, but top decile gets €500,000+.

Statistic 6

US inheritances total $1.4 trillion annually, with median $50,000 for recipients.

Statistic 7

In Australia, average inheritance is AUD 200,000, peaking at AUD 500,000 for over-60s.

Statistic 8

German heirs receive average €100,000, but 10% get over €1 million.

Statistic 9

UK women inherit 10% more than men on average (£125,000 vs £110,000).

Statistic 10

In the US, 60% of inheritances are from parents, 20% grandparents.

Statistic 11

Italian average inheritance €150,000, with southern regions 30% lower.

Statistic 12

Japanese inheritances average ¥30 million ($200,000), mostly real estate.

Statistic 13

In the Netherlands, median inheritance €40,000, mean €120,000 due to skewness.

Statistic 14

Brazilian inheritances average R$150,000, but 80% of wealth to top 20% heirs.

Statistic 15

Swedish average inheritance SEK 500,000, highest among Nordic countries.

Statistic 16

US college-educated heirs receive 2x more inheritances than non-grads ($100k vs $50k).

Statistic 17

In Spain, average inheritance €120,000, with Catalonia leading at €180,000.

Statistic 18

Chinese urban inheritances average RMB 500,000, rural half that.

Statistic 19

Belgian median inheritance €60,000, concentrated in Flanders.

Statistic 20

In Switzerland, average inheritance CHF 250,000, 40% in financial assets.

Statistic 21

Norwegian inheritances average NOK 800,000, boosted by pension wealth.

Statistic 22

US inheritances to millennials average $112,000, Gen Z $40,000 so far.

Statistic 23

In India, average urban inheritance INR 50 lakhs ($60,000), rural INR 10 lakhs.

Statistic 24

In the United States, Baby Boomers are projected to transfer $84 trillion in wealth to younger generations between 2023 and 2045, primarily through inheritances and gifts.

Statistic 25

Globally, an estimated $124 trillion will change hands from older to younger generations over the next 25 years, with $74 trillion staying within the US.

Statistic 26

In the US, 21% of current millionaires received an inheritance, averaging $125,000, contributing to wealth accumulation.

Statistic 27

European baby boomers are expected to pass on €14 trillion ($15.7 trillion) to their children by 2035, accelerating wealth shifts.

Statistic 28

In the UK, intergenerational wealth transfer is forecasted to reach £5.7 trillion by 2052, with housing comprising 40% of transfers.

Statistic 29

US households expect to receive an average inheritance of $196,000, but the top 10% anticipate over $1 million.

Statistic 30

By 2048, millennials and Gen Z in the US will inherit $72 trillion, representing 70% of boomer wealth.

Statistic 31

In Canada, $1 trillion in wealth is expected to transfer from boomers to younger generations by 2034.

Statistic 32

Australian superannuation funds project $3.5 trillion intergenerational transfer by 2050, mostly via pensions.

Statistic 33

In France, €500 billion annually is transferred intergenerationally, with gifts exceeding inheritances by 60%.

Statistic 34

US Black families receive inheritances 35% smaller than white families, averaging $43,262 vs. $66,000.

Statistic 35

In Germany, 50% of total private wealth will be transferred by 2030, totaling €2.5 trillion.

Statistic 36

Indian HNWI expect to transfer $450 billion to next generation by 2030, driven by real estate.

Statistic 37

In Japan, aging population leads to ¥100 trillion ($700 billion) wealth transfer over next decade.

Statistic 38

Brazilian families plan 70% of wealth transfers via gifts during lifetime to minimize taxes.

Statistic 39

In the US, women receive 60% of inheritances, influencing spending patterns on education and health.

Statistic 40

Singapore's wealth transfer projected at SGD 1 trillion by 2030 from UHNWIs.

Statistic 41

In Italy, €1 trillion wealth handover expected by 2030, with SMEs forming 30% of assets.

Statistic 42

Dutch intergenerational transfers average €150,000 per heir, with 40% in illiquid assets.

Statistic 43

In the US, 70% of wealthy families lose wealth by second generation due to poor transfer planning.

Statistic 44

Swedish wealth transfer peaks at SEK 2,000 billion by 2035, favoring urban heirs.

Statistic 45

In China, $5.1 trillion family wealth transfer forecasted by 2025 from first-gen entrepreneurs.

Statistic 46

Belgian families transfer €200 billion in next decade, 55% via real estate.

Statistic 47

In the US, Gen X expects $15.4 trillion inheritance, sandwiched between boomers and millennials.

Statistic 48

Norwegian oil wealth transfer estimated at NOK 1,500 billion by 2040.

Statistic 49

In Spain, €1.2 trillion generational handover by 2040, with 25% to non-family.

Statistic 50

US Hispanic families see inheritances 50% below national average at $50,000.

Statistic 51

In Switzerland, CHF 1 trillion wealth transfer over 20 years from UHNWIs.

Statistic 52

Portuguese wealth shift of €300 billion by 2030, driven by property.

Statistic 53

In the US, only 30% of inheritances go to children, 20% to grandchildren, rest dispersed.

Statistic 54

In the US, estate tax generates $20 billion annually, but only 0.2% estates pay it.

Statistic 55

UK inheritance tax raises £5.5 billion yearly, affecting 4% of estates over £325,000.

Statistic 56

France's wealth tax reform shifted €5 billion from inheritance taxes to annual levies.

Statistic 57

In Canada, no federal inheritance tax, but deemed disposition taxes $10 billion provincially.

Statistic 58

Australian capital gains tax on inheritances yields AUD 2 billion, with main residence exemptions.

Statistic 59

Germany's inheritance tax thresholds spare 90% estates, raising €8 billion.

Statistic 60

US gift tax lifetime exemption $12.92 million per person in 2023, used by 0.1%.

Statistic 61

Sweden abolished inheritance tax in 2004, shifting to capital gains, reducing transfers by 10%.

Statistic 62

Italy's inheritance tax minimal at 4-8%, collecting €1 billion vs. potential €20 billion.

Statistic 63

Japan's inheritance tax rate up to 55%, highest globally, raising ¥2.5 trillion.

Statistic 64

Netherlands gift allowances €6,000/year, reducing taxable inheritances by 30%.

Statistic 65

Brazil's ITCMD tax averages 4%, but evasion halves collections to R$10 billion.

Statistic 66

Switzerland cantonal inheritance taxes vary 0-50%, averaging 10% effective rate.

Statistic 67

Spain's inheritance tax regional, averaging 20%, but exemptions save €15 billion.

Statistic 68

China's no inheritance tax, but property transfer taxes $50 billion annually.

Statistic 69

Belgium's inheritance tax 3-30%, yielding €2.5 billion, higher for non-relatives.

Statistic 70

Norway's 10% inheritance tax abolished 2014, now capital gains on transfer.

Statistic 71

India's no general inheritance tax, but wealth tax proposals could raise INR 1 lakh crore.

Statistic 72

Portugal's stamp duty 10% on inheritances over €500,000, low collection €300 million.

Statistic 73

In the US, step-up basis at death avoids $50 billion capital gains tax yearly.

Statistic 74

UK nil-rate band taper reduces exemption for estates over £2 million by £1 per £2.

Statistic 75

The top 1% in the US capture 32% of all inheritances, averaging $2.5 million each.

Statistic 76

Globally, intergenerational transfers increase the Gini coefficient by 0.05 points annually.

Statistic 77

In the UK, inheritances boost top quintile wealth by 50%, bottom by 5%.

Statistic 78

US inheritances account for 23% of wealth inequality persistence across generations.

Statistic 79

In France, gifts and inheritances raise wealth Gini from 0.70 to 0.75.

Statistic 80

Top 10% of US heirs receive 60% of total inheritance value.

Statistic 81

Globally, wealth transfers from 1995-2015 concentrated 45% in top 1%.

Statistic 82

In Canada, inheritances widen wealth gap by 15%, favoring top 20%.

Statistic 83

German inheritances perpetuate 40% of parental wealth rank correlation.

Statistic 84

UK baby boomers hold 60% of wealth, transferring mostly to already wealthy offspring.

Statistic 85

In Australia, top 20% capture 70% of inheritance flows.

Statistic 86

Italian inheritances increase regional wealth disparities by 20%.

Statistic 87

US Black-White inheritance gap contributes 13% to racial wealth divide.

Statistic 88

In Sweden, inheritances explain 25% of lifetime wealth inequality.

Statistic 89

Chinese wealth transfers boost urban-rural Gini by 0.10.

Statistic 90

In Spain, inheritances account for 30% of wealth concentration in Madrid/Catalonia.

Statistic 91

Dutch top 1% receive 25% of inheritances, widening gap.

Statistic 92

Brazilian inheritances reinforce top 1% holding 50% national wealth.

Statistic 93

In Switzerland, inheritances sustain 50% wealth persistence for top decile.

Statistic 94

Norwegian transfers increase intergenerational wealth elasticity to 0.45.

Statistic 95

Global UHNWIs pass 70% wealth intra-family, concentrating further.

Statistic 96

In India, inheritances double wealth Gini in high-growth states.

Statistic 97

US inheritances from 1989-2010 added $8 trillion to top 10% wealth.

1/97

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A staggering $84 trillion is set to pass from Baby Boomers to younger generations in the US alone, heralding the greatest wealth transfer in history and reshaping futures across the globe.

Key Takeaways

In the United States, Baby Boomers are projected to transfer $84 trillion in wealth to younger generations between 2023 and 2045, primarily through inheritances and gifts.
Globally, an estimated $124 trillion will change hands from older to younger generations over the next 25 years, with $74 trillion staying within the US.
In the US, 21% of current millionaires received an inheritance, averaging $125,000, contributing to wealth accumulation.
Among US heirs aged 50-69, median inheritance is $64,000, skewed by top 1%.
In the UK, average inheritance received is £116,000, highest in South East at £173,000.
Globally, 36% of millionaires inherited part of their wealth, averaging $250,000.
The top 1% in the US capture 32% of all inheritances, averaging $2.5 million each.
Globally, intergenerational transfers increase the Gini coefficient by 0.05 points annually.
In the UK, inheritances boost top quintile wealth by 50%, bottom by 5%.
In the US, estate tax generates $20 billion annually, but only 0.2% estates pay it.
UK inheritance tax raises £5.5 billion yearly, affecting 4% of estates over £325,000.
France's wealth tax reform shifted €5 billion from inheritance taxes to annual levies.

A massive global wealth transfer is accelerating major generational and economic shifts.

Inheritance Patterns

Among US heirs aged 50-69, median inheritance is $64,000, skewed by top 1%.
In the UK, average inheritance received is £116,000, highest in South East at £173,000.
Globally, 36% of millionaires inherited part of their wealth, averaging $250,000.
In Canada, 42% of adults expect inheritance averaging CAD 100,000 within 10 years.
French inheritances average €80,000 per person, but top decile gets €500,000+.
US inheritances total $1.4 trillion annually, with median $50,000 for recipients.
In Australia, average inheritance is AUD 200,000, peaking at AUD 500,000 for over-60s.
German heirs receive average €100,000, but 10% get over €1 million.
UK women inherit 10% more than men on average (£125,000 vs £110,000).
In the US, 60% of inheritances are from parents, 20% grandparents.
Italian average inheritance €150,000, with southern regions 30% lower.
Japanese inheritances average ¥30 million ($200,000), mostly real estate.
In the Netherlands, median inheritance €40,000, mean €120,000 due to skewness.
Brazilian inheritances average R$150,000, but 80% of wealth to top 20% heirs.
Swedish average inheritance SEK 500,000, highest among Nordic countries.
US college-educated heirs receive 2x more inheritances than non-grads ($100k vs $50k).
In Spain, average inheritance €120,000, with Catalonia leading at €180,000.
Chinese urban inheritances average RMB 500,000, rural half that.
Belgian median inheritance €60,000, concentrated in Flanders.
In Switzerland, average inheritance CHF 250,000, 40% in financial assets.
Norwegian inheritances average NOK 800,000, boosted by pension wealth.
US inheritances to millennials average $112,000, Gen Z $40,000 so far.
In India, average urban inheritance INR 50 lakhs ($60,000), rural INR 10 lakhs.

Inheritance Patterns Interpretation

The global inheritance lottery appears to be rigged, with a modest median jackpot for the many, a life-altering windfall for a lucky few, and geographical and educational privilege serving as the ultimate cheat codes.

Intergenerational Transfers

In the United States, Baby Boomers are projected to transfer $84 trillion in wealth to younger generations between 2023 and 2045, primarily through inheritances and gifts.
Globally, an estimated $124 trillion will change hands from older to younger generations over the next 25 years, with $74 trillion staying within the US.
In the US, 21% of current millionaires received an inheritance, averaging $125,000, contributing to wealth accumulation.
European baby boomers are expected to pass on €14 trillion ($15.7 trillion) to their children by 2035, accelerating wealth shifts.
In the UK, intergenerational wealth transfer is forecasted to reach £5.7 trillion by 2052, with housing comprising 40% of transfers.
US households expect to receive an average inheritance of $196,000, but the top 10% anticipate over $1 million.
By 2048, millennials and Gen Z in the US will inherit $72 trillion, representing 70% of boomer wealth.
In Canada, $1 trillion in wealth is expected to transfer from boomers to younger generations by 2034.
Australian superannuation funds project $3.5 trillion intergenerational transfer by 2050, mostly via pensions.
In France, €500 billion annually is transferred intergenerationally, with gifts exceeding inheritances by 60%.
US Black families receive inheritances 35% smaller than white families, averaging $43,262 vs. $66,000.
In Germany, 50% of total private wealth will be transferred by 2030, totaling €2.5 trillion.
Indian HNWI expect to transfer $450 billion to next generation by 2030, driven by real estate.
In Japan, aging population leads to ¥100 trillion ($700 billion) wealth transfer over next decade.
Brazilian families plan 70% of wealth transfers via gifts during lifetime to minimize taxes.
In the US, women receive 60% of inheritances, influencing spending patterns on education and health.
Singapore's wealth transfer projected at SGD 1 trillion by 2030 from UHNWIs.
In Italy, €1 trillion wealth handover expected by 2030, with SMEs forming 30% of assets.
Dutch intergenerational transfers average €150,000 per heir, with 40% in illiquid assets.
In the US, 70% of wealthy families lose wealth by second generation due to poor transfer planning.
Swedish wealth transfer peaks at SEK 2,000 billion by 2035, favoring urban heirs.
In China, $5.1 trillion family wealth transfer forecasted by 2025 from first-gen entrepreneurs.
Belgian families transfer €200 billion in next decade, 55% via real estate.
In the US, Gen X expects $15.4 trillion inheritance, sandwiched between boomers and millennials.
Norwegian oil wealth transfer estimated at NOK 1,500 billion by 2040.
In Spain, €1.2 trillion generational handover by 2040, with 25% to non-family.
US Hispanic families see inheritances 50% below national average at $50,000.
In Switzerland, CHF 1 trillion wealth transfer over 20 years from UHNWIs.
Portuguese wealth shift of €300 billion by 2030, driven by property.
In the US, only 30% of inheritances go to children, 20% to grandchildren, rest dispersed.

Intergenerational Transfers Interpretation

It’s a tsunami of money changing hands across the globe, yet for every family that catches a life-changing wave, there’s another still treading water on the shore of inequality.

Policy Implications

In the US, estate tax generates $20 billion annually, but only 0.2% estates pay it.
UK inheritance tax raises £5.5 billion yearly, affecting 4% of estates over £325,000.
France's wealth tax reform shifted €5 billion from inheritance taxes to annual levies.
In Canada, no federal inheritance tax, but deemed disposition taxes $10 billion provincially.
Australian capital gains tax on inheritances yields AUD 2 billion, with main residence exemptions.
Germany's inheritance tax thresholds spare 90% estates, raising €8 billion.
US gift tax lifetime exemption $12.92 million per person in 2023, used by 0.1%.
Sweden abolished inheritance tax in 2004, shifting to capital gains, reducing transfers by 10%.
Italy's inheritance tax minimal at 4-8%, collecting €1 billion vs. potential €20 billion.
Japan's inheritance tax rate up to 55%, highest globally, raising ¥2.5 trillion.
Netherlands gift allowances €6,000/year, reducing taxable inheritances by 30%.
Brazil's ITCMD tax averages 4%, but evasion halves collections to R$10 billion.
Switzerland cantonal inheritance taxes vary 0-50%, averaging 10% effective rate.
Spain's inheritance tax regional, averaging 20%, but exemptions save €15 billion.
China's no inheritance tax, but property transfer taxes $50 billion annually.
Belgium's inheritance tax 3-30%, yielding €2.5 billion, higher for non-relatives.
Norway's 10% inheritance tax abolished 2014, now capital gains on transfer.
India's no general inheritance tax, but wealth tax proposals could raise INR 1 lakh crore.
Portugal's stamp duty 10% on inheritances over €500,000, low collection €300 million.
In the US, step-up basis at death avoids $50 billion capital gains tax yearly.
UK nil-rate band taper reduces exemption for estates over £2 million by £1 per £2.

Policy Implications Interpretation

The statistics reveal a global shell game of wealth preservation, where governments are essentially chasing elite money through a maze of thresholds, exemptions, and loopholes, only to collect modest revenue from a tiny, often reluctantly paying, fraction of society.

Wealth Concentration

The top 1% in the US capture 32% of all inheritances, averaging $2.5 million each.
Globally, intergenerational transfers increase the Gini coefficient by 0.05 points annually.
In the UK, inheritances boost top quintile wealth by 50%, bottom by 5%.
US inheritances account for 23% of wealth inequality persistence across generations.
In France, gifts and inheritances raise wealth Gini from 0.70 to 0.75.
Top 10% of US heirs receive 60% of total inheritance value.
Globally, wealth transfers from 1995-2015 concentrated 45% in top 1%.
In Canada, inheritances widen wealth gap by 15%, favoring top 20%.
German inheritances perpetuate 40% of parental wealth rank correlation.
UK baby boomers hold 60% of wealth, transferring mostly to already wealthy offspring.
In Australia, top 20% capture 70% of inheritance flows.
Italian inheritances increase regional wealth disparities by 20%.
US Black-White inheritance gap contributes 13% to racial wealth divide.
In Sweden, inheritances explain 25% of lifetime wealth inequality.
Chinese wealth transfers boost urban-rural Gini by 0.10.
In Spain, inheritances account for 30% of wealth concentration in Madrid/Catalonia.
Dutch top 1% receive 25% of inheritances, widening gap.
Brazilian inheritances reinforce top 1% holding 50% national wealth.
In Switzerland, inheritances sustain 50% wealth persistence for top decile.
Norwegian transfers increase intergenerational wealth elasticity to 0.45.
Global UHNWIs pass 70% wealth intra-family, concentrating further.
In India, inheritances double wealth Gini in high-growth states.
US inheritances from 1989-2010 added $8 trillion to top 10% wealth.

Wealth Concentration Interpretation

From London to Los Angeles, the global inheritance lottery is rigged, ensuring that wealth remains a family heirloom rather than a fresh start, as the fortunate few keep winning while the deck gets reshuffled for the rest.

Sources & References

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