San Diego Investment Property

Real Estate 1031 Exchanges

Investors have enjoyed big returns with San Diego real estate over the years. Tax-free 1031 exchanges provide a vehicle for trading between houses, condos, apartments, land, and commercial properties. The residential market of San Diego homes for sale often shifts between buyer and seller’s market at different times than the commercial property market, so knowing when to buy and when to sell is important. When markets are down, investing in San Diego foreclosures is very popular, but there are always opportunities to make money in real estate. And it helps a lot to have qualified San Diego Realtors on your team.

In a nutshell, the 1031 Exchange allows a San Diego property investor to sell one or more properties and use the proceeds to buy different property without paying capital gains tax on the initial sale. So the investor who purchased a San Diego beachfront condominium for $500,000 can now sell it for $900,000 without paying capital gains tax on the $400,000 gain. Instead the entire $400,000 is used as a downpayment on a new home that is valued at more than $900,000. The mechanism is a great way to switch between property types – i.e. condominium to single family home, or single family home to apartment building.

The timing of the 1031 Exchange is simple. When a San Diego investment property is sold (close of escrow), the proceeds from the sale of the property are held to purchase a replacement property. The replacement property must be identified within 45 days after the sale. The purchase of the replacement property must be formally completed within 180 days after the original property was sold.

Some San Diego property investors prefer to find a replacement property before selling their current real estate holding(s). The Reverse 1031 Exchange allows the investor to purchase the replacement property first, then sell. For example, the person who purchased Del Mar home for $750,000 thinks the house is now worth $1,750,000. An oceanfront duplex becomes available for $2,500,000. The investor may buy the oceanfront duplex. Within 45 days after the purchase the investor must put the Del Mar home up for sale. The Del Mar house must be formally sold within 180 days after the oceanfront duplex was purchased.

The 1031 Exchange rules are very strict with timing. This is a San Diego real estate guide. We recommend that you consult a tax professional to determine how the tax laws will apply to your situation. There are restrictions involving sale of property to related entities, family members, and partnerships. Some types of sales may be disqualified. These rules don’t apply to the sale of a home or personal residence. Your San Diego real estate professionals will answer questions and provide references to service providers who will be critical to completing the 1031 Exchange.

Your personal real estate consultant will guide you through the home selling process to make sure that you maximize your investment.

Other resources are available at:

• IRS Real Estate Tax Tips For 1031 Exchanges
• National Association of Realtors Field Guide To 1031 Exchanges
• Maximize the return when you Sell San Diego Property
• Issues to avoid when Selling a Home in San Diego
• Top Listing Agents Net 10-15% more on San Diego Home Sales.
• Information on Financing San Diego Real Estate