The new signs of wealth revealed, including a kitchen island and a cleaner – so, how many can YOU tick off the list?
Traditionally, luxuries such as holiday homes and expensive cars are signs that a person has a lot of cash to hand – but, in 2025, the landscape appears to have changed.
A new study carried out by YouGov for HSBC, titled Your Money’s Worth: Defining Wealth in 2025, has thrown light on what it means to be wealthy in today’s age.
These days, if you have kitchen island and a cleaner, many people across the UK may perceive you as wealthy.
Additionally, having a garden, a driveway or even a car (let alone two!) are seen as ultimate symbols of having money, the study of 2,000 people found.
It appears Gen Z is prioritising the value of a comfortable lifestyle over traditionally viewed luxury goods – with 49 per cent preferring non-material items, compared to 35 per cent of those aged 35-44. .
Meanwhile, the personal income threshold to be considered wealthy came in at £213,000.
The research showed that almost half (49 per cent) of people consider having a portfolio of investments as a sign of wealth, with being able to retire early (48 per cent) and go on holiday (48 per cent) also ranking near the top.
Typical signs of wealth making the list were having a private jet (50 per cent), a yacht (48 per cent), or a sports car (43 per cent).
A new survey has revealed the signs that a person may be seen as wealthy in 2025 – and some surprising contenders made the list (stock image)
But also making the list were more surprising signifiers, including having a kitchen island (10 per cent), a cleaner (25 per cent) and a driveway (19 per cent).
Some may resent having it, but in fact buying a monthly gym membership may cause others to perceive you as wealthy, with around 10 per cent of those surveys listing it.
Having a car (15 per cent) is now seen as a wealthy luxury, while having more than one (27 per cent) is even more extravagant.
Meanwhile, non-tangible factors not traditionally associated with wealth, such as having strong relationships (15 per cent) and investing in self-improvement (11 per cent), also made the list.
For 14 per cent of people, wealth is associated with having good work-life balance and a decent number of hours away from the office.
The report also explored the little luxuries that people felt they couldn’t be without – with gym memberships, hobbies and streaming services considered ‘essential’.
Other must-haves included buying new clothes and electronics – and eating out at least once a month.
For those earning a yearly salary of more than £100,000, common long-term aspirations included being able to retire comfortably (48 per cent), paying off the mortgage (30 per cent), having more holidays (29 per cent) and making home improvements (20 per cent).
If you have a kitchen island in your home, many may think you’re sitting on a secret fortune (stock image)
In the short term, earners wanted to take more than three holidays abroad each year (23 per cent) and buying a second property (17 per cent).
High earners tend to spend five times more on clothes, nine times more on international travel, six times more on organic food and 19 times more on private tutors compared to the average customer.
However, only one in 10 people earning over £100,000 see themselves as wealthy.
Xian Chan, head of premier wealth at HSBC said: ‘In recent years, we’ve seen consumer attitudes towards financial advice shift. Some people may not be able to afford to pay for financial advice or may not feel that they should have to pay for it.
‘Others may not see the value of it and feel very confident in managing their money. ‘As your wealth grows, and particularly as your needs become more complex, financial advice could help you to better plan for the future you want.
‘This might be driven by key life events, such as getting married, or by having children.
‘But it’s important to understand the difference between financial advice and the guidance available from influencers or social media, which is not regulated and should be considered carefully.’
YouGov commissioned the data from a survey of more than 2,000 people in December 2024.
Previously, experts revealed the tell-tale signs to help you spot whether someone is actually rich, or just flaunting their wealth.
In the age of influencers and Instagram flexing, financial experts have sounded the alarm and warned that not all that glitters is gold.
Abid Salahi, co-founder of FinlyWealth, emphasized that some with seemingly lavish lifestyles are really just frauds – while genuinely wealthy people may look like the average Joe.
‘I once advised a client who drove a flashy sports car and wore expensive watches yet struggled to qualify for a basic credit card,’ Salahi told the outlet.
Genuinely rich individuals often prioritise financial security over ostentatious displays of wealth.’
‘True wealth is about financial security and freedom, not just the outward trappings of success,’ he added.
Another key sign is spending every dollar on maintaining appearances.
The genuinely wealthy, by contrast, often maintain modest lifestyles relative to their income.
The fake rich also often struggle to take their finances seriously – unable to discuss investments or financial strategies in depth.
They often will ‘deflect’ or ‘exaggerate’ when questioned, he explained.
Meanwhile, the truly wealthy invest in appreciating assets – that will grow their wealth in the future.
