Young people across Europe are encountering challenging economic conditions. Elevated rental prices, costly housing options, and increasing expenses hinder numerous individuals below the age of 35 from saving money, making investments, or purchasing their initial property.
In certain nations, higher salaries, accessible housing, or assistance for families enable young households to build assets faster. In contrast, elsewhere, few employment options and high living expenses result in only small savings for many.
Where can one find Europe's richest younger individuals? What level of assets do those aged between 16 and 34 possess?
According to the European Central Bank’s Household Finance and Consumption Survey (HFCS), released in mid-2026, individuals between the ages of 16 and 34 in the eurozone have an average net worth of €24,600. This represents only 18% of the total median net value of €140,100.
The median net worth varies between €5,700 in Finland and €257,500 in Malta across 22 European nations where information is available.
"Among young adults, disparities in wealth are particularly telling since individuals between the ages of 16 and 34 typically haven't had enough time to build significant assets through their earnings," said Professor Fabian Pfeffer from LMU Munich and founder of the Munich International Stone Center for Inequality Research, during an interview with Euronews Business.
Therefore, when observing significant financial assets within younger families, we must be careful not to attribute this solely to personal savings habits.
Other than the obvious exception of Malta, net worth for individuals aged 16 to 34 surpasses €100,000 solely in Luxembourg (€135,000). Belgium comes in third, just slightly below this figure with approximately €97,200.
Extensive assets with minimal income
Croatia comes next with €82,000. This is unexpectedly high considering its standing in the net annual income rankings. The annual net income for an individual without children was at €17,256 in Croatia by 2025 according to Eurostat.
This reflects the nationwide average, not only for individuals aged 16 to 34.
Among individuals aged 16 to 34, the typical net worth remains significant in Slovakia (€74,600), Estonia (€62,200), Czechia (€59,900), and Lithuania (€59,600), even though their yearly net incomes fall considerably under the European Union standard.
Young people in Italy have three times more wealth compared to their German counterparts.
Of the European Union's top four economic powers, the average net worth for individuals aged 16 to 34 is greatest in Italy, standing at €53,500. This figure is notably greater compared to France (€27,700) and Spain (€23,700). Those under 35 have the smallest amount of net wealth in Germany, with only €17,600. In essence, younger Italians possess three times more assets than their counterparts in Germany.
Finland and Greece rank lowest Finland and Greece are positioned last Finland and Greece come in last place Finland and Greece are at the lower end Finland and Greece occupy the bottom positions
Greece (€9,900) comes after Finland (€5,700) as the least expensive option. Austria (€13,400) and Latvia (€16,900) are still under Germany (€17,600), which ranks fifth from the bottom overall.
The average net worth for individuals aged 16 to 34 is €23,900 in Ireland, €36,200 in Portugal, €36,300 in Hungary, and €40,900 in the Netherlands.
The variations stem from families and organizations Families and structures contribute to disparities Differences arise due to family units and societal bodies Variations are influenced by familial ties and establishments Social groups and institutions shape the distinctions Family dynamics and institutional frameworks create contrasts Institutions and kinship networks lead to diversity Cultural and organizational factors generate discrepancies Home environments and systemic entities cause differences Societal norms and family backgrounds result in variation
Pfeffer highlighted that initial financial resources usually reveal more about the circumstances surrounding young adults than about their own earnings. Such factors encompass availability of housing, access to home loans, familial assistance, presents, inheritance, and borrowing opportunities.
"At this stage, significant personal assets are frequently not just about individual success. They also reflect family history and institutional factors," he mentioned.
Fabian Pfeffer observed that initial home ownership is typically the point at which young adults transition from holding some savings to being actual asset owners. Nevertheless, entering the property market generally demands more than just self-control and an effective budgeting tool.
"It needs access to credit, steady earnings, reasonable costs, and frequently, parents who can assist with a deposit or pass on real estate directly. This is where familial assets act as an unspoken yet influential filter," he stated.
Wealth distribution occurs significantly sooner
Pfeffer emphasized that significant wealth at a young age is frequently linked to family financial support. Naturally, young adults may save money from their income. However, there are practical limitations on how much wealth can truly be built by the time they reach 30 solely through salaries, particularly in high-cost areas where housing expenses are steep.
He mentioned that financial support enables certain young adults to begin their independent lives at a significant advantage, occasionally providing a down payment for a home, or an inherited property, or just offering peace of mind through the assurance that familial assistance is accessible when required.
That implies that economic disparity is not solely maintained at the time of inheritance late in life. It was repeated far sooner, when younger adults move out of their parents' homes, pursue education, begin working, establish families, or attempt to purchase property," he stated.