The Inheritance Effect: A New Force Driving Property

Andrew Bell Market Update | Issue 17

Over the past decade, these market updates have become a regular part of how I connect with our community, and I want to thank the many of you who’ve reached out recently to share just how valuable you find them. My goal has always been to keep you informed and help you stay in tune with the forces shaping today’s real estate landscape. While property markets are never an exact science, nearly 50 years in this industry, across multiple roles, has given me a strong sense of what’s driving change and how it impacts you. That’s my ongoing commitment.

Wealth Transfer and the High-End Market

Let’s dive into two key observations this month.

First, inheritance. A question I’m regularly asked is how so many buyers are actively transacting in the upper end of the market, a space once dominated by lifetime earners and self-made entrepreneurs. Yes, there are faster ways to accumulate wealth these days, but there’s a powerful new driver emerging: intergenerational wealth transfer.

With the cost of living rising and home ownership becoming increasingly difficult for younger generations, we’re seeing more parents stepping in to help. Many have downsized, unlocking significant capital by selling the family home and opting for apartments or smaller properties. They’re using this liquidity to gift or lend money, often interest-free, to their children to help them secure their place in the market, and in many cases, the home of their dreams.

At the same time, we’re entering a period where baby boomers, who have built substantial wealth, are reaching later life stages. Large inheritances are being passed down, enabling their children to purchase homes their parents may never have imagined affording themselves. And this is just the beginning. As more wealth continues to transfer between generations, this trend will only accelerate.

Market Activity: A Spring Surge

Secondly, we’re seeing the early arrival of spring-like conditions in the real estate market. August has traditionally been a quieter month. Sellers often wait for warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and better property presentation before launching. While this usually results in a rush of listings come September, fewer listings in August often mean less competition, creating real opportunity for vendors willing to act early.

And buyers are already out in full force. Confidence is growing, buoyed by the recent interest rate drop and widespread expectation of further easing to come. Auction activity is surging as a result. Victoria just recorded its strongest auction results in two years, numbers not seen since the height of the pandemic-driven boom. New South Wales is gaining pace, and here in Queensland, Ray White continues to lead the country in auction volume, conducting between 400 and 500 auctions a week and achieving impressive clearance rates of 71 to 73 percent.

Our own team is seeing strong results too. Just last week, we recorded a clearance rate of over 78 percent, clear evidence of a robust and active marketplace.

If you’re considering selling, now is the ideal time to prepare your property and launch ahead of the September listing rush. And for buyers, this is the moment to get your finance in order and make your move. All indicators point to a strong, competitive market leading into the final stretch of 2025.

You’re Invited: BELLisimo, A reimagined charity event by the Bell Group

Finally, a special invitation. This year, we’ve taken a bold step to reimagine our traditional charity ball into something new, fresh, and more meaningful. Introducing BELLisimo, an exclusive Friday afternoon charity lunch, set against the stunning backdrop of the Gold Coast’s newest luxury destination, Mondrian Burleigh Heads.

Inspired by the elegance of the Italian Riviera and infused with relaxed coastal glamour, this event is designed to be an unforgettable afternoon of fine Mediterranean cuisine, flowing drinks, live entertainment, and heartfelt connection. Most importantly, it’s all in support of a truly worthwhile cause.

This is more than a charity event. It’s a celebration of community, generosity, and good living. We’d love for you to be part of it. For event details and tickets please click here. 

Until next time,

Andrew Bell, OAM
Chairman | Ray White Bell Group