Generational wealth and housing trends in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, significant shifts in generational wealth and housing equity are reshaping the economic landscape. Projections indicate that between 2024 and 2033, approximately 300 billion euros in housing wealth will be transferred through gifts and inheritances. This trend is fueled by a massive increase in home equity, which grew from 546 billion euros in 2006 to 1.373 trillion euros in 2024. Experts warn that this reliance on family assets may worsen wealth inequality, as the wealthiest 10% of households currently hold over 56% of total wealth.

While these transfers assist buyers, data from the national statistics office (CBS) reveals a complex generational picture. Some younger cohorts, such as those born between 1970 and 1985, have achieved higher average purchasing power at age 45 than previous generations. However, the youngest adults, including Millennials and Generation Z, currently hold less wealth at age 30 than their predecessors due to longer periods in education and later workforce entry. Additionally, rising house prices and a housing shortage have led to an increase in 25- to 35-year-olds living at home.