Reverse 1031 exchange

A 1031 exchange where the replacement property gets bought before the relinquished property sells. Harder to structure and more expensive than a standard exchange. Uses an exchange accommodation titleholder.

Taxes & insurance · Updated September 2026

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Part 1 of 4

Why a seller cares

A reverse exchange buys the replacement before the old property sells, which is useful when the right building comes up first. It takes an accommodation titleholder, more cost, and the same 180-day clock.

Part 2 of 4

A simple example

You find a replacement building before your rental sells. An exchange accommodation titleholder takes title to it, and your rental has to close within 180 days.

Reverse 1031 exchange: a simple example
The stepIn a reverse exchange
Buying the replacementParked with an accommodation titleholder, not in your name
Selling the old propertyWithin 180 days of the parking
CostHigher; a second entity and more paperwork

A reverse exchange runs the 1031 backwards, with a placeholder owner in the middle.

Part 3 of 4

What people get wrong

That buying first disqualifies the exchange. It complicates it; the reverse structure exists to allow it.

Part 4 of 4 · where to read next

Where it appears in the sale

What a definition is, and what it isn't

Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.

Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish

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