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1031 Exchanges

Resources RLI Advocacy 1031 Exchanges

1031 Like-Kind Exchanges

Section 1031 has long been a part of the U.S. tax code. In place since 1921, the code allows for an investor to defer paying capital gains taxes on the sale of an investment property as long as the gains from that sale are invested into a similar "like-kind" property. The 1031 has been under frequent attack as politicians and policymakers see its use as "tax-dodging." According to the National Association of REALTORS®, most people who utilize 1031s are "mom and pop" investors and the transactions rarely lead to permanent tax deferral. 

Current News on 1031s

December 2023

New Analysis Highlights Importance of Like-Kind Exchanges in Current Market Environment

A new analysis by Marcus & Millichap demonstrates how like-kind exchanges are fundamental to the health and financing of the commercial real estate industry, particularly during market corrections and liquidity shortages. (Marcus & Millichap - The Importance of Like-Kind Exchanges During Periods of Reduced Commercial Real Estate Market Liquidity, 2023).

Key Findings

  • Commercial real estate transaction volume is down, but like-kind exchanges are up. Despite a general decline in commercial real estate transactions, the number of 1031 exchanges initiated has increased nearly 15% from 17,467 in the first half of 2019 to 20,070 in the first half of 2023.
     
  • The analysis attributes the general decline in commercial real estate transactions in the first half of 2023 to the rise in interest rates, stricter lender underwriting, a diminished economic outlook, and a broad spectrum of geopolitical challenges.
     
  • “The 15% rise in the number of exchanges initiated, when commercial real estate transaction count fell by 22.1%, underscores the importance of like-kind exchanges in periods of reduced commercial real estate market activity.” (Marcus & Millichap)
     
  • The liquidity generated through LKEs serves as a deterrent against commercial property defaults, consequently reducing risks in the banking and financial systems that could otherwise pose a threat to the broader economy.
     
  • While the Biden administration has proposed limiting like-kind exchanges in its last two budget submissions, academic and other economic research has repeatedly demonstrated the positive economic contribution of LKEs and their importance to the economy. (EY report—“Economic Contribution of the Like-Kind Exchange Rules to the US Economy in 2021: An Update”)
     
  • The Marcus & Millichap analysis draws on data collected by the largest like-kind exchange qualified intermediaries in the country and aggregated by the Federation of Exchange Accommodators.

RLI will continue to raise awareness of the role that like-kind exchanges play in supporting the health of the US economy and the stability of real estate markets.

To better understand the value of 1031 Exchanges to property owners, investors, and our economy read "The Truth About 1031s" from REALTOR Magazine.

RLI Builds the Case for the Value of Like Kind Exchanges
President Biden has proposed eliminating 1031 like-kind exchanges for gains over $500,000 to help fund his American Families Plan. The REALTORS® Land Institute and the National Association of REALTORS® oppose any reform to this provision and have been working to educate Congress about the value these exchanges bring to the real estate sector and the economy as a whole. More Information

Articles by RLI Member Dan Wagner, Inland Real Estate:

Use this form to tell NAR about how you used 1031 to bring development and economic benefit to your community. Your stories will help put a human face on a critical issue for commercial real estate.