# Coming inheritance wave raises housing inequality and fraud risk

> The financial markets watchdog AFM warns that heirs of large sums face a higher risk of investment fraud and that the shift in wealth between generations will widen the gap on the Dutch housing market.

Housing · published 2026-11-10 11:41 · https://nlnow.nl/a/coming-inheritance-wave-raises-housing-inequality-and-fraud-risk/

The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) expects inheritances in the Netherlands to peak in 2050. It warns that the shift in wealth increases inequality on the housing market and leaves many heirs open to fraud and risky investments.

The group of people aged 75 and over, about 1.2 million, together hold €524bn in wealth. The AFM says the peak comes late because this group keeps growing as the population ages, so the money moves to the next generations over decades.

The AFM points to a “dynasty effect”. Wealthy families can give their children a better start in life, so existing differences persist or even grow. In the housing market, the regulator says, that means inequality increases.

The regulator also warns that heirs who receive large sums run a higher risk of falling for investment fraud or putting the money into risky investments, for example through social media “finfluencers”.

Providers of alternative financing constructions fall outside AFM supervision. The AFM says it is important that consumers stay alert to them.

## Background

- **AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten)**: The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets, which supervises financial markets and how financial firms treat consumers and investors.

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