Are you referring to the old folk with $5m+ net worth? If so, let me give you a glimpse of the kind of returns he is possibly enjoying:

1. His primary home, let's say is worth $1.6m is not earning any income, but can appreciate over the long term.
2. His second condo, let's say is worth $1.2m, generates $42K pa (gross rental). The second condo can also appreciate in value over time.
3. His portfolio of $1m in dividend paying stocks giving an average of 4.5% dividend income (or $45k) pa. His stock holdings can also appreciate in value over time. In fact, he only invested $750k in stocks but the value has grown to the $1m now

Now let's see, the above assets took out $3.8m already. He has another $1.7m in "safer" investments (bonds) and in CPF giving him a conservative 3+% return or $51k pa.

His total passive cash flow income is = $42k + $45k + $51k = $138k pa for him to spend or reinvest. Knowing people like him, he will reinvest the money.

Mind you, the above passive income does not include the possible gain in the value of the assets!

Just based on the cash flow portion, his return is about $138k/$5.5m = 2.5% only.

Factoring in the appreciation of his assets, the return will be higher.