How long do you have to own a 1031 exchange before you can sell it?

Asked by: Jalyn Collier  |  Last update: January 7, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (16 votes)

While there are no definitive rules on a holding period for a 1031 exchange property, it has made rulings indicating that a holding period of two years has been considered sufficient in order to meet the qualified use test.

How long before I can sell a 1031 exchange property?

If a property has been acquired through a 1031 Exchange and is later converted into a primary residence, it is necessary to hold the property for no less than five years or the sale will be fully taxable.

What is the 2 year rule for 1031 exchange?

Section 1031(f) provides that if a Taxpayer exchanges with a related party then the party who acquired the property in the exchange must hold it for 2 years or the exchange will be disallowed.

What are the rules for selling 1031 exchange?

Basic 1031 Exchange Rules & Key Takeaways
  • Buy Replacement Property for equal or greater than sold for and reinvest all proceeds.
  • Identify Replacement Property within 45 days of close of sale.
  • Purchase Replacement Property within 180 days of close of sale.

What is the minimum rental period for a 1031 exchange?

Second, rent the property for at least 14 days during each of the first two 12 month periods after the exchange. As stated above, it can be rented to a family member as long as it is their primary residence and they pay fair market rent.

How Long Do You Have to Hold a 1031 Exchange Property Before Selling by Natalia A Sishodia

20 related questions found

What is the 90% rule for 1031 exchange?

In a reverse 1031 exchange, an investor acquires a new property before selling the old one. The 90% rule stipulates that the total value of the replacement property must be equal to or greater than 90% of the relinquished property's sale price to defer capital gains taxes fully.

What is the downside of a 1031 exchange?

Lack of Liquidity- Exchanging properties continually can tie up funds in real estate, making it hard for an investor to access liquid capital if required. While real estate can be a profitable investment, it's not as liquid as some other assets.

What happens when you sell a property acquired in a 1031 exchange?

Tax Implications: Capital Gains and Deferral

A successful 1031 exchange offers capital gains tax deferral so you can reinvest the sales proceeds into another like-kind property. This strategy preserves more capital for reinvestment, potentially boosting investment returns and facilitating portfolio growth.

What voids a 1031 exchange?

Missing Deadlines

They have 180 days to acquire replacement properties, but that deadline also starts ticking away with the closing on relinquished properties. If an investor misses either deadline, it will invalidate the 1031 exchange.

What are the timeline rules for 1031 exchange?

TIMELINE REQUIREMENTS

Measured from when the relinquished property closes, the Exchangor has 45 days to nominate (identify) potential replacement properties and 180 days to acquire the replacement property. The exchange is completed in 180 days, not 45 days plus 180 days.

Can I live in my 1031 exchange property?

The exchange can be disallowed if the IRS suspects that you completed the 1031 exchange, intending to move in immediately. It's best to wait at least two years.

Who cannot do a 1031 exchange?

Here are examples of properties ineligible for a 1031 exchange: Primary residences: A 1031 exchange is specifically intended for investment or business properties. Personal properties are not eligible. Vacation homes: Vacation homes generally do not qualify if used for personal reasons.

Can you sell a 1031 exchange property to a family member?

While you can engage in transactions with family members as part of a 1031 Exchange, there are strict rules and potential pitfalls. The IRS scrutinizes these transactions closely to ensure they are not being utilized to circumvent tax laws.

Can I sell my second home in a 1031 exchange?

The sale of a vacation property or a second home will qualify for tax-deferred exchange treatment if the following safe harbor requirements have been met: The subject property has been owned and held by the investor for at least 24 months immediately preceding the 1031 Exchange ("qualifying use period"); and.

How long to hold property before selling?

Real estate agents suggest you stay in a house for 5 years to recoup costs and make a profit from selling. Before you put your house on the market, consider how your closing fees, realtor fees, interest payments and moving fees compare to the amount you have in equity.

Can I buy my parents' house in a 1031 exchange?

Doing a 1031 exchange with an immediate family member raises red flags with the IRS. Tax-deferred exchanges between family members are allowed, but the IRS has specific rules to qualify and avoid abuse of the system by tax evaders.

What are loopholes for 1031 exchange?

The Alleged "Loophole"

They point to situations where investors continuously roll over their gains into new properties through a series of like-kind exchanges, essentially deferring taxes until they eventually sell a property outside of a 1031 exchange.

What is the 100% rule for 1031 exchange?

A 1031 Exchange allows a taxpayer to defer 100% of their capital gain tax liability. To do this, the exchanger must buy new Replacement Property equal to or greater than in value to the property sold and reinvest all the proceeds from the sale of their old property.

How long must you hold 1031 property?

How long is long enough for the IRS? Investors talk about two-year and five-year rules related to 1031 exchanges, but are these actual rules? In fact, there is no minimum holding period for a 1031 exchange property. However, the IRS and many advisors recommend holding it for at least two years to avoid scrutiny.

Can I cash out after 1031 exchange?

If the investor knows he wants to take cash out of the exchange, he should receive the funds directly out of the relinquished property closing. The balance of the proceeds should then be sent to the qualified intermediary to complete the exchange.

What are the limitations of a 1031 exchange?

The exchanged properties must be in the United States to qualify. There are strict time limits: The replacement property must be identified within 45 days, and the exchange must be completed within 180 days. Cash or mortgage differences, called “boot,” can trigger tax liabilities.

How do I change ownership of a property after a 1031 exchange?

In answering the question about changing the title – or ownership – following a 1031 exchange, the general answer is “no.” The same investment entity must have ownership of the relinquished property, and take ownership (or the title) of the replacement property, or that exchange could be disallowed by the IRS.

What is better than a 1031 exchange?

The Deferred Sales Trust is an effective 1031 exchange alternative to help business and real estate owners sell their assets and defer capital gains tax. Both the 1031 exchange and Deferred Sales Trust are well-established investment strategies.

What happens if I don t spend all the money from a 1031 exchange?

However, the amount of funds you have left over will be taxed. These leftover funds are referred to as “boot” in a 1031 exchange. Since your replacement property must be equal or greater in value than your replacement property, you may choose to invest in more than one property to avoid having cash left over.

What is the success rate of 1031 exchanges?

For more than 25 years, I've worked on countless commercial 1031 Exchanges nationally. I've helped investment clients achieve great success with the process. That being said, more than 60% of 1031 Exchanges fail every year.