Definition
A tax-deferral move for investment real estate: sell one property and roll the proceeds into another like-kind investment property through a qualified intermediary, deferring the capital gains tax. Strict clocks apply: identify the replacement within 45 days of the sale and close within 180 days. It covers investment property, not personal homes.
Why it matters
Deferral keeps money compounding in property instead of leaving for taxes at every sale. Investors can chain exchanges for decades, trading up each time with the tax bill postponed.
Example
An investor sells a rental for $500,000 that was bought for $300,000. Instead of paying capital gains tax on the $200,000 gain, they identify a replacement building within 45 days, close within 180 through an intermediary, and the entire $500,000 keeps working.
Put it into practice
Related terms
This definition is educational, not financial, legal, or tax advice. U.S. rules and limits change; verify time-sensitive details with official sources. See our disclaimer.