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.
A Finder survey of 1,003 respondents revealed almost 2 in 3 (63%) plan to pass on money or assets when they die.
That's an estimated 13.7 million people who expect to leave an inheritance over the coming decades.
Of those intending to bequeath assets, the overwhelming majority plan to leave the bulk to their children (63%), while 22% will prioritise their partner.
The research shows 5% will leave their estate to extended family, while 4% said their siblings will be their main beneficiary when they die.
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.
Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said wealth transfers are large and growing.
"For some, it could be life changing money.
"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."
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.
"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.
"An inheritance can be life-changing, but it can also be fleeting if it's not managed wisely."
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.
"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.
"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?
| 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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