---
title: Held For Investment Definition | Real Estate Loans | Accounting
description: Properties held for investment purposes can be any property or asset that are acquired and held for income production or for growth in value.
image: https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Realized_Glossary_Graphic-4.jpg
---

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# Held for Investment

Properties held for investment purposes can be any property or asset that are acquired and held for income production (rental or leasing activities) or for growth in value (capital appreciation). In order to qualify for tax-deferred treatment, property must have been held for investment or for business use. Property held for resale (e.g. inventory such as for-sale condo units) typically will not qualify for tax-deferred treatment.

Properties held for investment qualify for a 1031 exchange. How long the property must be held to be considered “held for investment” isn’t clearly defined. A general rule of thumb is to hold the property for at least one year or maybe two. This will show intent to invest. Investors should work with their tax advisor or financial team to better clarify the holding period.

Since there is no absolute holding period on such property, it is possible to hold it for less than a year and still show intent to invest. However, that may be more difficult and require more evidence during any audit. The investor doesn’t want to end up with a property “held for sale” as the property will not be eligible for a 1031 exchange.

In addition to avoiding a held for sale status, the investor must not use the property for personal use. Holding the property for investment will allow the investor to take various tax deductions. Deductions include mortgage interest and insurance, depreciation, and property taxes (on investment land). Depreciation must be calculated using the IRS-specified Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) method.

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---

 

---

### The 1031 Investor's Guidebook

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Hypothetical example(s) are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to represent the past or future performance of any specific investment.

Investing in alternative assets involves higher risks than traditional investments and is suitable only for sophisticated investors. Alternative investments are often sold by prospectus that discloses all risks, fees, and expenses. They are not tax efficient and an investor should consult with his/her tax advisor prior to investing. Alternative investments have higher fees than traditional investments and they may also be highly leveraged and engage in speculative investment techniques, which can magnify the potential for investment loss or gain and should not be deemed a complete investment program. The value of the investment may fall as well as rise and investors may get back less than they invested.

This site is published for residents of the United States who are accredited investors only. Registered Representatives and Investment Advisor Representatives may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed until appropriate registration is obtained or exemption from registration is determined. Not all of services referenced on this site are available in every state and through every representative listed. For additional information, please contact the Realized Compliance department at 512-472-7171 or info@realized1031.com.

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