In the latest Australian Financial Review coverage of the 2025 State of Wealth report, Alvia Chief Executive, Nathan Robertson, provided insight into how wealthy Australian families are approaching intergenerational planning at a time of rising asset values and persistent cost of living pressures. With an additional 70,000 Australians now meeting the high net worth threshold, the report highlights not only a rise in total wealth but a clear shift in how families are preparing to transfer that wealth across generations.
A growing proportion of affluent Australians are choosing to pass on assets during their lifetime, a trend that has accelerated as housing affordability challenges and education costs weigh more heavily on younger family members. As Nathan explained, the nature of this planning varies across cohorts.
“For the ultra wealthy it is mostly about structuring and governance, but for others it is more practical. For example, helping children into the housing market or covering grandchildren’s school fees as a way to ease cost of living pressures without compromising on education.”
These evolving dynamics sit alongside broader changes in high net worth portfolios. While listed equities and property remain core holdings, the report notes continued growth in allocations to private equity and private credit as investors seek diversification and resilient income.
The common thread across these themes is intentionality. Australian families are becoming more deliberate about how wealth is structured, how responsibilities are shared and how legacy decisions are made in real time rather than deferred. As Nathan noted, this reflects a maturing approach to family wealth, where planning is not only financial but strategic, practical and aligned with long term goals.