Tax Question: REIT's and 1031 exchange?

[Jon Deavers]

I currently own shares in a couple of REIT's as a parking place for some cash while saving to purchase a S/MFR. I was wondering if it's possible to shelter the cap gains using a 1031 when the time comes to liquidate and use the REIT value for a down payment?

Sounds good in theory (I will be selling a real estate asset worth X dollars to buy a larger real estate asset worth X+ dollars) but does the trust being securitized throw a wrench in the works?

[Bill Exeter]

Hi Jon,

Unfortunately, no. You are actually not selling a real estate asset. You are selling a security (i.e. shares in the REIT). The REIT owns the underlying real estate assets - not you individually. The sale of a security is specifically exclude from 1031 Exchange treatment.