A reverse 1031 exchange is a tax-deferred exchange in which the investor acquires the replacement property before selling the relinquished property. The IRS authorizes reverse exchanges under Revenue Procedure 2000-37, which requires that a third-party Exchange Accommodation Titleholder (EAT) hold title to one of the properties during the exchange period. The investor has 45 days to identify the property to be sold and 180 days to complete the full transaction.
How a Reverse Exchange Works
In a reverse exchange, a third-party EAT takes title to either the replacement or relinquished property while you complete the transaction. You have 45 days to identify the property to be sold and 180 days to close the entire exchange.
- EAT holds title to the parked property during the exchange period
- You have 45 days to identify the relinquished property
- You have 180 days total to complete the exchange
- Requires careful coordination between all parties
When Is a Reverse Exchange the Right Choice?
Reverse exchanges are ideal when you find a replacement property in a competitive market and cannot wait to sell your current property first. They are also useful when you need to close on a replacement property quickly to secure favorable financing terms.
- You found the ideal replacement property before selling
- The replacement property is in a competitive market
- You want to lock in favorable purchase terms immediately
- Your current property will sell quickly once listed
Costs and Complexity
Reverse exchanges are more complex and costly than forward exchanges due to the EAT structure and additional legal requirements. However, the tax savings typically far outweigh the additional costs. Our team handles all the complexity so you can focus on your investment strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
A reverse 1031 exchange is a tax-deferred exchange in which the investor acquires the replacement property before selling the relinquished property. A third-party Exchange Accommodation Titleholder (EAT) holds title to one of the properties during the exchange period under IRS Revenue Procedure 2000-37.

