Delaware Statutory Trust vs. Direct Rental Ownership: Key Differences for Investors
A Delaware Statutory Trust and direct rental ownership can both provide exposure to income-producing real estate, but they serve different investor needs. A DST is generally a passive, fractional ownership structure often used in 1031 exchanges, while direct rental ownership offers more control, more responsibility, and more hands-on operational risk.
Can You Use a DST to Diversify a 1031 Exchange Into Multiple Properties?
Yes. A Delaware Statutory Trust can let you diversify a 1031 exchange across multiple properties by dividing your exchange proceeds among more than one DST offering. That can help reduce concentration in a single asset, location, or tenant, but it also means accepting a passive, illiquid investment structure with sponsor oversight.
What Happens When a Delaware Statutory Trust Property Is Sold?
When a Delaware Statutory Trust property is sold, the trust typically distributes each investor’s share of the net sale proceeds based on their ownership interest. At that point, investors generally have two main paths: take the cash and recognize a taxable event, or complete another 1031 exchange into like-kind replacement property if they want to continue deferring taxes.
How Long Do Delaware Statutory Trust Investments Typically Last?
Delaware Statutory Trust investments typically last about five to seven years, although some may run as short as three years or as long as 10 to 12 years. In practice, investors should expect a longer-term, relatively illiquid holding period that typically ends when the sponsor sells the underlying property and distributes net proceeds.
Delaware Statutory Trust Fees Explained: What Investors Should Look For
Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) involve several fees that investors should be aware of when considering participation. These fees typically include upfront costs for property acquisition, sponsor commissions, and various transaction fees, all of which are generally embedded within the investment offering, sparing investors from additional out-of-pocket expenses.
How to Read a Delaware Statutory Trust Private Placement Memorandum
A Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) is important when evaluating a potential investment in a DST. It contains critical information, including asset details, financial projections, risks, and legal disclosures that can qualify it as a sophisticated investment. Understanding how to decipher each section of a PPM can help you make informed decisions.
