Passing the buck: 2 in 3 Australians plan to leave an inheritance when they die
Millions of Australians plan to leave an inheritance when they die, signalling a major intergenerational wealth shift in the decades ahead, according to new research by Finder.
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A Finder survey of 1,003 respondents revealed almost 2 in 3 (63%) plan to pass on money or assets when they die.
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That's an estimated 13.7 million people who expect to leave an inheritance over the coming decades.
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Of those intending to bequeath assets, the overwhelming majority plan to leave the bulk to their children (63%), while 22% will prioritise their partner.
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The research shows 5% will leave their estate to extended family, while 4% said their siblings will be their main beneficiary when they die.
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Against a backdrop of booming property prices and rising sharemarkets, household wealth has ballooned, with baby boomers forecast to pass on about $175 billion annually in the decades ahead, according to the Productivity Commission.
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Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said wealth transfers are large and growing.
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"For some, it could be life changing money.
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"Australia is on the cusp of the largest intergenerational wealth transfer we've ever seen. The decisions families make now will shape financial outcomes for decades."
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Megginson said for many parents, leaving an inheritance isn't just about money – it's about giving their children a head start in an increasingly expensive world.
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"The fact that children are the clear priority reflects rising living costs and housing affordability pressures, with many Australians wanting to ease that burden for the next generation.
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"An inheritance can be life-changing, but it can also be fleeting if it's not managed wisely."
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Megginson urged Australians to have a legally valid will in place to clearly set out how their assets should be divided and who will manage the estate.
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"It's far better to make these choices early and communicate them clearly, so loved ones aren't left confused or disappointed down the track.
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"If you're likely to receive an inheritance, think carefully about how you can use that money wisely – not just for today, but in a way that creates long-term financial security for future generations."
Do you plan to leave an inheritance when you die?
| Yes | 63% |
| No | 37% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,003 respondents, January 2026 |  |
Who do you plan to leave the majority of your inheritance to?
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| My children | 63% |
| My partner | 22% |
| My extended family | 5% |
| My siblings | 4% |
| Charity | 3% |
| Other | 2% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,003 respondents, of which 627 plan to leave an inheritance, January 2026 | |
Methodology
- Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
- Figures in this release are based on 1,003 respondents from January 2026.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
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