Many strategies exist when it comes to commercial real estate transactions, and 1031 Exchanges are among the most promising. Among the many avenues to take, why should a commercial real estate 1031 Exchange be your top choice?
In this article, Realized 1031 goes in-depth about the advantages of investing in commercial property with a 1031 Exchange. Keep reading to learn why the like-kind swap might be the most suitable choice for your current and long-term financial goals.
1. Capital Gains Tax Deferral
The main reason investors conduct a 1031 Exchange is the tax-deferral benefits. A traditional sale will result in various tax liabilities, such as federal capital gains taxes, state-level income taxes, and depreciation recapture. Together, these expenses reduce reinvestment capital by a substantial amount.
Conducting an exchange allows you to swap two like-kind properties without triggering an official sale. This framework results in the non-recognition of gains and losses, allowing you to delay tax liability until an official sale occurs. You preserve more of your wealth for longer, amongst other benefits. Ultimately, this process serves as one of the most effective tax-deferral strategies for commercial property available to modern investors.
2. Increased Purchasing Power
One of the most significant 1031 Exchange advantages is how it allows you to reinvest your gross proceeds rather than net proceeds. Like we mentioned, an outright sale results in major deductions that reduce your equity. This reality limits what you can acquire if you decide to reinvest in another commercial property.
As 1031 Exchanges preserve your capital, you can dedicate more of it to promising real estate. Even the modest increase in equity can provide you access to more in-demand locations, stronger tenants, and properties with favorable cap rates. The bottom line is, you’re able to move up the investment ladder more effectively.
3. Portfolio Consolidation
Restructuring your commercial real estate portfolio can trigger tax consequences if you rely purely on traditional sales. If you want to consolidate your investments without the unnecessary losses in capital, then a 1301 Exchange allows this.
For example, you can exchange a multifamily building for a single-tenant retail building to simplify management. Or you can swap several smaller commercial properties for one high-value asset to increase income potential. Whatever the case, a 1031 Exchange allows you to conduct these restructuring strategies with added flexibility.
4. Enhancing Diversification
Another way 1031 Exchanges help commercial real estate investors is by enhancing diversification through Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs). These are legal entities that own underlying income-generating property. These assets can be diverse, and many DSTs own institutional-grade assets.
Since DSTs are eligible for 1031 Exchanges, you can enter these trusts and begin accessing income from a wide range of properties. Plus, you gain additional cushion against various risks. If one property in the DST underperforms, the others can pick up the slack to ensure consistent, stable cash flow.
5. Estate Planning Advantages
One of the most overlooked benefits of 1031 Exchanges is how you can continue them indefinitely. This translates to two key estate planning advantages.
- Tax Management: As you continue exchanging throughout your lifetime, you can continue deferring all the accrued capital gains taxes up to the first exchange. This allows you to avoid tax liability until your passing.
- Step-up in Basis: Upon your death, your assets receive a step-up in basis. This benefit wipes away all the accrued capital gains taxes and depreciation recapture, giving your heirs relief from what would be a huge tax burden.
6. Ability To Adapt to Market or Business Changes
The commercial real estate market, regardless of the sector or location, will evolve over time. Your needs and priorities will change, too. A 1031 Exchange allows investors to adapt without being locked into a single asset or property type. The swaps allow you to move from office to retail to mixed-use properties as market conditions shift, all while avoiding major tax liability.
Such levels of flexibility are critical during periods of major economic change, regional market shifts, or interest rate fluctuations. Executing a well-timed exchange can help you exit saturated markets and enter ones that offer stability or enhanced income potential.
Wrapping Up: 1031 Exchange Benefits for Commercial Property
Investors looking to defer capital gains taxes on commercial property sales will find 1031 Exchanges one of the most promising option. Preserving your capital also allows you to reinvest more, while the lack of immediate tax liability provides flexibility when restructuring your portfolio or entering new markets. With all these advantages, it’s worth considering the like-kind swap as a powerful strategy for commercial real estate investing.
Sources:
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/stepupinbasis.asp
https://www.delawareinc.com/blog/what-is-a-delaware-statutory-trust/
https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0110/10-things-to-know-about-1031-exchanges.aspx
