What Is Like-Kind Real Estate?

Definition and Examples of Like-Kind Real Estate

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Definition

Like-kind real estate is a piece of property or land that is similar to another in nature or character.

What Is Like-Kind Real Estate?

Under IRS Code 1031, like-kind parcels of business or investment real estate can be exchanged, one for the other, without needing prompt payment of capital gains taxes. You may also hear these types of trades referred to as "1031 exchanges."

How Do I Know Whether My Purchase Qualifies?

There aren’t many rules when it comes to what counts as like-kind real estate. In fact, it's quite simple. To qualify, the property needs to meet both of the following criteria:

  1. It must be a physical piece of “real” property.
  2. Its intent must be for the purpose of investment or business.

The size, value, level of development, and other factors don’t play a role. And since the rule falls under the purview of the U.S. tax code, the property has to be in the U.S.

How Like-Kind Real Estate Works

According to the IRS, like-kind real estate refers to business or investment properties that are “of the same nature or character, even if they differ in grade or quality,” such as exchanging a hotel for an apartment building. This applies even if one was much larger, of higher value, or more developed than the other, so long as it is still alike in nature or character.

At first, the IRS code allowed for intangible property and personal assets to be deemed like-kind real estate. They went so far as to include items like cars, equipment, and machinery, for example. That changed in 2018, when the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) went into effect.

Note

In order to count as like-kind real estate in the eyes of the IRS, both properties must be located in the U.S. The replacement piece of real estate must be of the same value as the first or greater.

Types of Like-Kind Real Estate

Some common types of like-kind real estate include:

  • Apartment buildings, duplexes, triplexes, and similar properties
  • Hotels
  • Farms and ranches
  • Malls and shopping centers
  • Office buildings
  • Commercial properties
  • Condo units
  • Industrial buildings
  • Vacant land
  • Self-storage facilities
  • Restaurants

Raw land can also count as like-kind real estate and may be exchanged for business- or investment-related properties. If you invest in real estate, this can be a good way to turn an idle piece of land into a solid investment, or many.

Pros and Cons of Like-Kind Real Estate

Pros
  • No capital gains taxes

  • Incentivizes real estate development and improves market value

  • Allows you to exchange one property for many

Cons
  • Complex transactions

  • May need a third-party intermediary

Pros Explained

Tax Perks

The clear benefit of a like-kind exchange is that it allows you to avoid capital gains taxes when you invest in this manner. Rather than paying tax on an idle piece of land or real estate, you can put the full sales profit toward a new piece of property that earns income. The rule works in your favor even more so if you can apply the exchange toward more than one source of real estate income, such as a condo complex, or zoning for retail spaces.

Note

For most people, capital gains are taxed at 15%. For people in the highest tax brackets, the rate goes up to 20%. Given these rates, a like-kind exchange can have a big impact on your bottom line.

Boosts Real Estate Market Value

According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, like-kind exchanges also help investors and developers better allocate funds, make better use of land, and infuse more cash into local markets. The survey of agents found that 86% of their clients (out of a total 1,031 surveyed) put additional money into their properties after the exchange. More than half the agents said that investors also greatly improved the properties’ total market values.

Greater Income Streams

Another perk is that the IRS allows you to exchange one like-kind property for many. You can choose from:

  1. Three properties of any value;
  2. An unlimited number properties, as long as their combined value is equal to or less than 200% of your original property;
  3. An unlimited number of properties, as long as each one has a value of 95% or more of the original.

Cons Explained

Tight Timelines

On the downside, like-kind property exchanges come with tight timelines. If you want to defer capital gains taxes in this way, you need to choose your new property within 45 days of selling the old one. The full exchange of the properties must be complete within 180 days.

High Degree of Complexity

These types of transactions can be very complex. For one, the property owner must be careful not to receive even a portion of the proceeds. They might need to use a qualified intermediary to manage the transaction. That is often an accountant, attorney, or real estate broker, but it could be any agent who knows the field. In effect, though, getting help from a third party could mean paying another fee or commission.

Whom Are Like-Kind Real Estate Exchanges For?

Like-kind real estate exchanges can prove to be a handy tool for anyone looking to invest in real estate. When used properly, they can put off your tax liabilities, make purchasing new income-producing properties easier, and allow you to expand your portfolio. 

Just make sure you consult a knowledgeable intermediary if you’re not familiar with these exchanges, as they can often be complex transactions. One misstep, and you could end up in violation of the Internal Revenue Code, which might mean a hefty penalty.

Key Takeaways

  • Like-kind real estate exchanges allow similar properties to be exchanged with no capital gains tax paid.
  • The properties in a like-kind exchange need to be business or investment in nature, but they don't have to be the very same type of structure.
  • It's advisable to seek professional help with these complex transactions if they are new to you, because the tax consequences can be severe.
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Sources
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Internal Revenue Service. "Like-Kind Exchanges - Real Estate Tax Tips." Accessed Oct. 14, 2021.

  2. Internal Revenue Service. "Instructions for Form 8824." Accessed Oct. 14, 2021.

  3. Internal Revenue Service. "Like-Kind Exchanges Now Limited to Real Property." Accessed Oct. 14, 2021.

  4. U.S. Congress. "H.R.1 - An Act to Provide for Reconciliation Pursuant to Titles II and V of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2018." Accessed Oct. 14, 2021.

  5. Internal Revenue Service. "Topic No. 409 Capital Gains and Losses." Accessed Oct. 14, 2021.

  6. National Association of Realtors. "Like-Kind Exchange Survey." Page 14 of PDF. Accessed Oct. 14, 2021.

  7. CWS Capital Partners, LLC. "What Is a 1031 Exchange? The Basics for Real Estate Investors." Accessed Oct. 14, 2021.

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