How long can you keep your money in a 1031 Exchange?
James Williams
Updated on March 17, 2026
The taxes can be deferred indefinitely as long as no monetary benefit is ever received from the sale of a property. For example, if you complete a 1031 exchange, hold that property for several years, and then sell it and buy another property, you can continue to use this method to avoid paying taxes.
How long do you have for a 1031 exchange?
This usually implies a minimum of two years’ ownership. To receive the full benefit of a 1031 exchange, your replacement property should be of equal or greater value. You must identify a replacement property for the assets sold within 45 days and then conclude the exchange within 180 days.
How does a 1031 exchange work with rental properties?
The intermediary holds the funds after one property is sold in the 1031 exchange and uses that money to buy the new replacement property. When doing a 1031 exchange, the owner must identify the property he is exchanging and declare it before the sale.
Can a rental property be exchanged for a commercial building?
Exchanging a single-family rental property for a commercial office building would be allowed. Exchanging a rental property or vacation rental for a restaurant space would be allowed. EXCEPTION: It’s important to note that the original and replacement property must be within the U.S. to qualify under section 1031.
Can you exchange real estate for another property?
Property owners may exchange real estate held for investment for another property of like-kind and so long as the properties are held for investment, all real estate is deemed to be like-kind. If the transaction qualifies, any realized capital gains are deferred until the replacement property is sold at a later date.
When do you have to sell a rental property?
If you never rented out the property, it’s a second home, not an investment. Another rule involves the timing of a 1031 exchange. You don’t have forever to pull off the swap – in fact, you have less than a year. First, you must find another piece of suitable real estate within 45 days after the sale of your first property.