What is a good 1031 exchange?
John Johnson
Updated on March 15, 2026
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. There are three rules that can be applied to define identification.
Who is eligible for a 1031 exchange?
As mentioned, a 1031 exchange is reserved for property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment. This means that any real property held for investment purposes can qualify for 1031 treatment, such as an apartment building, a vacant lot, a commercial building, or even a single-family residence.
What do you need to know about the 1031 exchange?
Key Takeaways. A 1031 exchange is a swap of properties that are held for business or investment purposes. The properties being exchanged must be considered like-kind in the eyes of the IRS for capital gains taxes to be deferred. If used correctly, there is no limit on how many times or how frequently you can do 1031 exchanges.
What’s the difference between real property and 1031 exchange?
If we find the asset being relinquished does qualify for a 1031 Exchange, the next question is what the replacement property will be. As discussed previously, section 1031 applies to both “real property” and “personal property.” The primary difference between a personal property exchange and a real property exchange is the definition of like-kind.
Can a 1031 exchange apply to a former primary residence?
The 1031 provision is for investment and business property, although the rules can apply to a former primary residence under certain conditions.
What do you need to know about IRS Section 1031?
IRS Section 1031 has many moving parts that the user must understand before attempting its use. There are also tax implications and timeframes that may be problematic. Also, the rule stipulates the 1031 swap like-kind properties and limits the rule’s use with vacation properties. What is Section 1031?