Since we’ve all gone digital with our “handy” mobile phones, life has become increasingly controllable. The days when your child could play outside without location tracking seem far behind us. We no longer think for ourselves about how best to drive to our appointments; we rely on Waze and Google Maps because they also monitor all other drivers and thus recognize traffic jams that can be avoided. We pay digitally with our phones, and bank cards seem increasingly impractical. Anyone who pays with cash is sometimes looked at suspiciously, as if you’re a criminal.
Of course, the government wants to protect its citizens as much as possible and take good care of us. That’s why they’re introducing a handy system called Central Bank Digital Currency, or CDBC. This digital wallet is linked to your identity (Digital Passport) and your bank account. From now on, your salary is digital, and you have everything on your phone. An ideal world. Until the government decides we need to save the climate.
Or that extra money needs to be diverted to a war that keeps the arms industry afloat. They then have direct access to your money, and in theory, can easily withdraw it. Do you often fly to the French Riviera? If the government thinks you fly too much, they can block payment to the airline. All for your own good and, of course, to make the world a better place. The government is thinking for you, which looks pretty reassuring because it has your best interests at heart. Is this time a blessing or a danger?
CDBC, Crypto or a Solid Real Estate Investment?
In an era where digital assets dominate headlines, the allure of digital money and cryptocurrency promises quick riches and financial freedom. Yet, as the European Union pushes forward with plans to digitize currency through the digital euro, savvy investors are turning their gaze toward something far more enduring: real estate. The pun in “invest in stones” isn’t just clever—it’s a nod to the solid, unyielding nature of property investment.
With banks and regulators eyeing a shift toward central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), now is the opportune moment to secure your savings in bricks and mortar. This approach not only safeguards your wealth “as safe as a rock” but also paves the way for a lasting, potentially tax-advantaged legacy for your descendants. Real estate as heritage is emerging as the smart choice for forward-thinking individuals.
Let’s start with the digital transformation looming over Europe’s financial landscape. The European Central Bank (ECB) has been actively developing the digital euro (CDBC), an electronic form of central bank money designed to complement physical cash. As of 2025, the project is in its preparatory phase, with findings highlighting its potential to foster innovation in payments and enhance financial inclusion.
EU finance ministers recently agreed on a roadmap to launch this digital currency, aiming to reduce dependence on non-European providers like Visa and Mastercard. The motivation is clear: in a digital world, citizens should still access public money for payments. However, this shift raises concerns about privacy, government oversight, and the erosion of financial autonomy. Critics argue that digitized savings could expose personal transactions to unprecedented scrutiny, potentially limiting individual control over money. Amidst this, accelerating plans—spurred by U.S. stablecoin advancements—signal that the digital euro might roll out sooner than expected, possibly by late 2025 or beyond.
Crypto or stones?
Contrast this with cryptocurrency, often touted as a hedge against traditional finance. Bitcoin and its peers offer liquidity, low entry barriers, and no maintenance costs—appealing for those seeking rapid gains. Yet, crypto’s volatility is legendary; prices can swing wildly based on market sentiment, regulatory news, or even tweets from influential figures. While some investors have reaped massive returns, others have faced devastating losses, with no tangible asset to fall back on. Real estate, on the other hand, provides stability rooted in physical reality.
Properties appreciate over time due to inflation, population growth, and urban development, offering a hedge against economic uncertainty. Unlike crypto, which lacks intrinsic value beyond speculation, real estate generates passive income through rentals, covers living expenses, and serves as collateral for loans. It’s a low-risk option with historical reliability, far outperforming crypto’s high-stakes gamble in long-term wealth preservation.
The tangible nature of real estate extends beyond immediate benefits to generational wealth transfer. In a world of fleeting digital fortunes, luxury property on the French Riviera stands as a beacon of legacy. When you invest in homes, land, or commercial spaces, you’re not just buying assets—you’re creating inheritable value that can endure for decades. One key advantage is the potential for tax efficiency in inheritance.
A legacy investment
While not entirely tax-free across the EU, many countries offer exemptions or reduced rates for direct heirs like spouses and children. For instance, in Germany, household effects and certain movables enjoy exemptions up to €41,000 for close family, and real estate often benefits from favorable valuations. In Italy, recent updates for 2025 base taxable values on cadastral amounts, typically 30-40% below market value, easing the burden. Overall, 19 of 27 EU nations levy inheritance taxes, but revenues are low, often under 1% of total taxation, indicating room for planning.
Strategies like placing properties in trusts or LLCs can further minimize taxes, avoid probate delays, and ensure smooth transfers. Heirs inherit at a stepped-up basis in some systems, resetting the property’s value to current market levels and potentially erasing capital gains taxes on appreciation during your lifetime. This isn’t just financial—it’s emotional. Inheriting a family home preserves memories, accelerates heirs’ goals like homeownership amid rising costs, and provides ongoing income or appreciation. Unlike crypto wallets, which can vanish with lost keys or market crashes, real estate is physical and resilient, fostering family stability.
Of course, real estate isn’t without challenges. It requires upfront capital, ongoing maintenance, and can be illiquid compared to crypto’s instant trades. Property taxes persist, and in some states or regions, heirs might face reassessments. Yet, these pale against crypto’s risks: regulatory crackdowns, hacking vulnerabilities, and environmental concerns from energy-intensive mining. As the EU bolsters its digital euro to counter U.S.-dominated stablecoins, the push toward centralized digital money underscores the value of decentralized, tangible assets.
In conclusion, as banks digitize savings with CDBC and crypto tempts with hype, real estate emerges as the bedrock of smart investing. It’s not merely about returns—it’s about security, income, and a heritage that withstands time. By channeling funds into property now, you shield against digital uncertainties while building a legacy your children and grandchildren will cherish. Real estate as inheritance isn’t just a trend; it’s a timeless strategy for the prudent. With the digital euro on the horizon, the time to act is now—invest in stones, and let your wealth stand firm.
//
