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Home » 1031

What properties qualify for a 1031 exchange in Charleston, SC?

09/21/2025 by billbyrd

What properties qualify for a 1031 exchange in Charleston, SC?

Properties that qualify for a 1031 exchange in Charleston must be real estate held for investment or business use. These include rental homes, apartment buildings, commercial properties, and raw land. However, personal residences, second homes, and property held for resale do not qualify.

IRS Rules for a 1031 Exchange in Charleston

Section 1031(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code explains that you can defer capital gains taxes when you exchange property held for investment or business for like-kind real estate. However, Section 1031(a)(2) makes it clear that property held primarily for sale or personal use does not qualify.

To determine what properties qualify for a 1031 exchange we have to defer to the definition of Like Kind Property.

Examples of Qualifying Properties for a 1031 Exchange in Charleston

Charleston offers many property types that qualify for a 1031 exchange. For example:

  • A rental duplex in West Ashley
  • An apartment building in North Charleston
  • Retail space downtown on King Street
  • Raw land on Johns Island or Wadmalaw
  • Office buildings in Mount Pleasant
  • Warehouse or industrial property near the port

What Properties Do Not Qualify for a 1031 Exchange in Charleston

While many investment properties qualify, several categories do not. According to IRS rules, these properties are excluded:

  • Primary residences
  • Vacation homes or second homes (unless converted to rentals under safe harbor rules)
  • Fix-and-flip properties held for resale
  • Inventory property
  • Partnership interests

1031 Exchange Property Qualification Guide

A quick-reference chart showing which properties qualify for a 1031 exchange in Charleston, SC.

✅ Qualifying Properties❌ Non-Qualifying Properties
Rental houses & Condo’s (long-term)Primary residences
Apartment buildingsVacation or second homes (unless converted under safe harbor rules)
Commercial retail spaceFix-and-flip properties held for resale
Office buildingsInventory property
Warehouses / industrial propertyPartnership interests
Raw land (held for investment)Personal-use property
Farms and timberlandForeign real estate (outside the U.S.)
Multi-family properties 


Note: This chart is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a CPA, tax advisor, or attorney for specific guidance.

Vacation Homes and Safe Harbor Rules for 1031 Exchanges

Safe Harbor Guidelines for Second Homes help you discover what properties qualify for a 1031 exchange

The IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2008-16, which provides a safe harbor for vacation homes. To qualify, the property must be rented for at least 14 days per year at fair market value. In addition, your personal use cannot exceed 14 days or 10% of the total days rented. By following these rules, Charleston investors with vacation homes in areas such as Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, Seabrooke Island, Edisto Beach, Sullivans Island or Isle of Palms may qualify.

The Like-Kind Property Requirement in a 1031 Exchange

Like-kind property does not mean identical property. Instead, it means that both properties are of the same nature or character. In Charleston, you might exchange a rental home in James Island for raw land on Johns Island. Alternatively, you could trade raw land for an office building. The flexibility of the like-kind rule makes it attractive for investors looking to reposition portfolios.

How Charleston Investors Apply 1031 Exchange Rules

Recently, real estate in the Charleston area has seen significant appreciation which makes knowing what qualifies critical. For example, an investor might sell an appreciated duplex in downtown Historic Charleston and reinvest in a multi-family complex in North Charleston. Another investor could sell a beachfront rental on Isle of Palms and use the proceeds to purchase inland properties with stronger cash flow and higher cap rates. These strategies highlight how local investors apply the IRS rules to maximize returns.

Bill Byrd’s Expert Advice on 1031 Exchange Properties in Charleston

Bill Byrd, a Certified Keller Williams Real Estate Planner, works directly with Charleston investors to ensure they understand which properties qualify under IRS rules. With decades of experience in residential, land, and commercial transactions, Bill emphasizes pre-exchange planning and helps clients avoid common mistakes. He also connects clients with Qualified Intermediaries, CPAs, financial advisors and attorneys for client specific guidence and to complete compliant exchanges. In addition, Bill teaches 1031 strategies to real estate professionals throughout the Carolinas and Virginia.

Professional Note on 1031 Exchange Property Qualification

This blog is for educational purposes only. It is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Always consult a licensed CPA, tax advisor, or attorney before making 1031 exchange decisions.

Ready to Learn Which Charleston Properties Qualify for a 1031 Exchange?

Not every property qualifies for a 1031 exchange, but many do. When you understand what qualifies, you can defer taxes and build wealth through your Charleston real estate. To find out if your property qualifies, call Bill Byrd at 843-972-7670 today and schedule your consultation.

Looking to Sell Your Home?

What’s your Charleston area home worth?

Are you considering taking advantage of our market? Or, simply curious about your home’s potential value?

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The Author…

Bill Byrd is a Husband, Father, Realtor, Educator, Musician and Athlete. A licensed Realtor since 1986 who loves helping his clients grow their personal wealth through real estate! Having helped hundred’s of families and individuals during his career you can feel comfortable that Bill and his Team’s experience and expertise are unparalleled in our market. Plus, Bill’s a great guy and one heck of a guitar player! More About Bill

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved – It is unlawful to reproduce without permission.

Filed Under: 1031, Home Seller Information, Real Estate Investing Tagged With: 1031 exchange, Cap Rate, Capital Gains, Like Kind

Can You Do a 1031 Exchange on a Second Home?

09/14/2025 by billbyrd

Can you do a 1031 exchange on a second home in Charleston, SC?

Vacation Home on Johns Island. Can you do a 1031 exchange on a second home?

In most cases, no. A second home counts as personal-use property, which does not qualify. Consequently, if you rent your second home, report the income, and follow the IRS rules, you may be able to use a 1031 exchange.

IRS Rules: 1031 Exchange on a Second Home

The IRS allows a 1031 exchange only for real estate held for investment or business. Personal-use properties, like vacation homes or second residences, don’t qualify. This comes directly from Section 1031(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Let’s say you own a beach house at Folly Beach that’s only for family vacations, it won’t qualify. However, if you rent it, track the income, and treat it as an investment, you may have a path for it to qualify as an investment property..

Safe Harbor: How to Make a Second Home Eligible for a 1031 Exchange

The IRS issued safe harbor rules (Revenue Procedure 2008-16). These guidelines help second-home owners prove investment intent. To qualify for a 1031 exchange on a second home:

  • You must have owned the property for at least 24 months before the exchange.
  • Additionally, you will need to rent it for at least 14 days each year at fair market value.
  • And you must limit your personal use to 14 days or 10% of the rental days, whichever is greater.

Following these rules will show the IRS that your second home is truely held for investment, not just personal enjoyment.

Charleston Examples: Vacation Homes and 1031 Exchanges

Can you do a 1031 exchange on a second home?

Charleston-area owners often ask about Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, or Kiawah Island second homes. If you only use your beach property for personal vacations, it won’t qualify. If you rent it out each summer, limit personal use, and document activity, it may qualify for a 1031 exchange.

With coastal property values rising sharply in the Lowcountry, deferring taxes matters. So, if you sell your beach rental without doing a 1031 exchange, you could trigger tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes. Using a 1031 lets you roll that equity into a larger property or investment like a DST. (Delaware Statutary Trust)

1031 Exchange Pitfalls to Avoid

Common Second Home mistakes owners make include:

  • Not documenting rental activity with leases, ads, or tax returns.
  • Excessive personal use of the property.
  • Trying to exchange a property that was never rented.
  • Mis-classifying a flip or resale property as investment property.

Bill Byrd’s Advice on 1031 Exchanges for Second Homes

Bill Byrd, a Certified Keller Williams Real Estate Planner and Real Estate Wealth Advisor, helps investors prepare their second homes for 1031 exchanges. So if you’re eventually going to sell your vacation property, you should start renting as soon as possible. Keep good records and begin to build your team with a qualified intermediary, CPA, Financial Planner and Attorney.

Bill teaches investors and agents across the Carolinas and Virginia how to use 1031 exchanges correctly. His guidance makes sure property owners avoid mistakes and maximize their tax benefits.

Professional Note

This blog is for education only. It is not tax, legal, or financial advice. As always consult a licensed CPA, tax advisor, or attorney before making 1031 exchange decisions.

Ready to Explore a 1031 Exchange?

Most second homes don’t qualify for a 1031 exhange. However, converting your vacation property into an investment property may open the door. A 1031 exchange on a second home can help you defer taxes and preserve equity. To learn more, call Bill Byrd at 843-972-7670 and schedule a consultation.

Looking to Sell Your Home?

What’s your Charleston area home worth?

Are you considering taking advantage of our market? Or, simply curious about your home’s potential value?

FREE PROPERTY REPORT

The Author…

Bill Byrd is a Husband, Father, Realtor, Educator, Musician and Athlete. A licensed Realtor since 1986 who loves helping his clients grow their personal wealth through real estate! Having helped hundred’s of families and individuals during his career you can feel comfortable that Bill and his Team’s experience and expertise are unparalleled in our market. Plus, Bill’s a great guy and one heck of a guitar player! More About Bill

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved – It is unlawful to reproduce without permission.

Filed Under: 1031, Home Seller Information, Real Estate Investing Tagged With: 1031, 1031 exchange, Second Home, Section 1031, Sell my second home, sell my vacation property, Vacation Property

Is a 1031 Exchange Worth It?

09/14/2025 by billbyrd

Is a 1031 exchange worth it for Charleston investment property sellers?

For most Charleston investors, yes. A 1031 exchange is often worth it because it allows you to defer capital gains taxes when selling an investment property, keeping more of your money working for you. Instead of losing up to 25–30% or more of your profit to taxes, you can roll those funds into another property and continue building wealth. But whether it’s worth it depends on your goals, timelines, and portfolio strategy.

Why a 1031 Exchange Can Be Worth It in Charleston

Charleston’s real estate market has seen steady appreciation. For example, median home prices climbed from roughly $163,800 in 2004 to more than $424,000 in 2025, according to the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS®. That’s a gain of over 160%. If you sell without a 1031 exchange, much of that appreciation could be lost to taxes. Using a 1031 exchange defers those taxes and allows you to reinvest a larger pool of capital into your next property.

What the IRS Code Says

Under Internal Revenue Code Section 1031(a)(1), no gain or loss is recognized on the exchange of real property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment, if it’s exchanged solely for like-kind real property also held for business or investment. This means if you sell a Charleston rental and buy another qualifying property, your gain can be deferred. However, property held primarily for resale, such as flips, does not qualify (§1031(a)(2)).

The IRS also requires strict timelines: you must identify replacement property within 45 days and complete the exchange within 180 days (§1031(a)(3)). Missing these deadlines means your gain becomes taxable.

When a 1031 Exchange Makes the Most Sense

Happy Seniors in a Retirement Community after completing a 1031 exchange into a DST.
  • You have significant appreciation in your Charleston property and want to avoid a large immediate tax bill.
  • You want to trade into higher-performing assets, such as moving from single-family rentals to a multi-family property.
  • You’re consolidating smaller properties into one larger asset for easier management.
  • You’re diversifying into different neighborhoods or markets to balance risk (e.g., moving equity from West Ashley to Mount Pleasant).
  • You’re planning long-term estate strategies and want to reset depreciation or defer taxes until later.
  • You’re Cap Rate has dropped significantly in relation to your properties appreciation.

When a 1031 Exchange Might Not Be Worth It

  • If your gain is small and the tax bill is minimal, the complexity may not be justified.
  • If you need immediate cash from the sale instead of reinvesting, since 1031 exchanges require reinvestment.
  • If you plan to exit real estate investing entirely, as eventually taxes will come due.
  • If you can qualify for the §121 primary residence exclusion instead (up to $250k single / $500k married).

Charleston Example: Why It Matters

Couple crunching numbers after looking at the Charleston Mid Year Market Report and trying to decide, is a 1031 exchange worth it.

Imagine you bought a rental in James Island 15 years ago for $200,000, and today it’s worth $500,000. If you sell outright, here’s what you might face:

• For simplification, let’s say you have a $300,000 gain. You could be taxed as follows: federal capital gains (15–20%), NIIT (3.8%), and SC state tax (6.49%) and Depreciation Recapture (25%).

• You could possibly owe $80,000–$100,000 in taxes.

With a 1031 exchange, you can defer those taxes and reinvest the full $500,000 into a new Charleston property, keeping your money compounding instead of paying it out in taxes.

Bill Byrd’s Guidance on 1031 Exchanges

Bill Byrd, a Certified Keller Williams Real Estate Planner and Real Estate Wealth Advisor, has decades of experience helping investors decide when a 1031 exchange is worth pursuing. He not only guides sellers through the process but also teaches agents across the Carolinas and Virginia about 1031 rules, timelines, and strategies. Bill emphasizes careful pre-exchange planning, using cap rate analysis to evaluate replacement properties, and coordinating with qualified intermediaries, attorneys, and CPAs to ensure compliance.

Important Professional Note

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult with a licensed CPA, tax advisor, or attorney before making decisions about a 1031 exchange.

Is a 1031 Exchange Worth It for You in Charleston?

For many Charleston investors, a 1031 exchange is worth it because it preserves equity, defers taxes, and allows continued growth of your portfolio. But the decision depends on your goals and situation. To explore your options, call Bill Byrd at 843-972-7670 and schedule a personalized consultation today.

Looking to Sell Your Home?

What’s your Charleston area home worth?

Are you considering taking advantage of our market? Or, simply curious about your home’s potential value?

FREE PROPERTY REPORT

The Author…

Bill Byrd is a Husband, Father, Realtor, Educator, Musician and Athlete. A licensed Realtor since 1986 who loves helping his clients grow their personal wealth through real estate! Having helped hundred’s of families and individuals during his career you can feel comfortable that Bill and his Team’s experience and expertise are unparalleled in our market. Plus, Bill’s a great guy and one heck of a guitar player! More About Bill

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved – It is unlawful to reproduce without permission.

Filed Under: 1031, Home Seller Information, Real Estate Investing Tagged With: 1031, 1031 exchange, Section 1031, Tax advantage, tax deferral, Tax Exchange

Are 1031 Exchanges Still Allowed in 2025?

09/14/2025 by billbyrd

Are 1031 exchanges still allowed in 2025 for Charleston real estate investors?

Home under a magnifying glass. Are 1031 exchanges still allowed in 2025?

Yes, 1031 exchanges are still allowed in 2025. Depending who is in charge of the government, eliminating the benefits of the 1031 exchange seem surface in tax reform discussions from time to time. But for now, the 1031 is safe for Charleston real estate investors. They remain a valuable tool for deferring capital gains taxes when selling an investment property, but the IRS rules are strict and evolving. Working with a knowledgeable advisor like Bill Byrd can help you navigate these requirements successfully.

A Quick Overview of 1031 Exchanges

A 1031 exchange, named after Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, allows you to sell one investment property and reinvest the proceeds into another “like-kind” property of equal or greater value without immediately paying capital gains taxes. For Charleston investors, this can mean preserving more equity to reinvest into the local market or beyond.

The Status of 1031 Exchanges in 2025

Despite political debates and discussions over potential tax reform, the 1031 exchange is still an available in 2025. Investors in Charleston and across the country can continue to use them, but it’s important to stay informed about possible changes in future tax laws.

For now, Charleston investors can confidently plan 1031 exchanges to reposition their portfolios. Whether it’s selling a downtown rental, upgrading to a multi-family property in Mount Pleasant, or moving equity into land on Johns Island, the 1031 exchange is allowed in 2025 and the rules remain in effect.

Why the 1031 Exchange Matters in the Charleston’s Real Estate Market

Chart showing real estate prices going up over time.

Charleston’s real estate market has seen consistent appreciation over the past two decades. For example, according to the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS®, median single-family home prices grew from about $163,800 in 2004 to over $424,000 in 2025. That’s a significant increase that can translate into large taxable gains when selling.

For many local investors, using a 1031 exchange is the difference between keeping that equity working for them or losing a large portion of it to taxes. This is especially critical in areas like the Historic District, James Island, John’s Island, Mount Pleasant and others, where real estate appreciation has been dramatic and investor demand remains strong.

How the Process Works in 2025

The rules and timelines remain the same in 2025. Key steps include:

1031 exchanges are still allowed in Charleston in 2025 but you still have to follow the rules.
  • Sell your investment property – Once you close, your exchange timeline begins.
  • Work with a Qualified Intermediary – Required by the IRS to hold your proceeds.
  • Identify replacement properties within 45 days – Follow the 95%, 200% or 3 property rules.
  • Close on your new property within 180 days – To fully defer taxes, the replacement must be equal or greater in value.
  • File IRS Form 8824 – Your CPA will help report the exchange to the IRS.

Mistakes Charleston Investors Should Avoid

Common pitfalls include:

  • Waiting too long to start searching for replacement properties.
  • Trying to manage proceeds without a Qualified Intermediary.
  • Assuming all property types qualify (primary residences do not).
  • Missing a deadline.

Bill Byrd: Your 1031 Exchange Resource in Charleston

Bill Byrd is a Certified Keller Williams Real Estate Planner and has decades of experience helping Charleston investors maximize their real estate strategies. From guiding property owners through 1031 exchanges to teaching real estate professionals across the Carolinas and Virginia, Bill is a trusted voice in the industry.

If you’re unsure how the 1031 rules in 2025 apply to your investment goals, Bill can provide personalized guidance and connect you with qualified tax and legal experts.

Important Professional Note

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult with a licensed CPA, tax advisor, or attorney before making decisions about a 1031 exchange.

Are You Considering a 1031 Exchange in Charleston?

Yes, 1031 exchanges are still allowed in 2025, and they remain one of the most effective tools for deferring taxes when selling investment property in Charleston. If you want to explore your options, call Bill Byrd at 843-972-7670 to schedule a personalized consultation today.

Looking to Sell Your Home?

What’s your Charleston area home worth?

Are you considering taking advantage of our market? Or, simply curious about your home’s potential value?

FREE PROPERTY REPORT

The Author…

Bill Byrd is a Husband, Father, Realtor, Educator, Musician and Athlete. A licensed Realtor since 1986 who loves helping his clients grow their personal wealth through real estate! Having helped hundred’s of families and individuals during his career you can feel comfortable that Bill and his Team’s experience and expertise are unparalleled in our market. Plus, Bill’s a great guy and one heck of a guitar player! More About Bill

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved – It is unlawful to reproduce without permission.

Filed Under: 1031, Home Seller Information, Real Estate Investing Tagged With: 1031, Tax advantage, tax deferral, Tax Deferred Exchange, Tax Strategy

Understanding Cap Rates: Your Investment Decision Tool

09/14/2025 by billbyrd

What does understanding cap rates mean for real estate investors?

Understanding cap rates means knowing exactly how well your property performs compared to the market. A cap rate (capitalization rate) shows the relationship between a property’s net income and its value. Use it to decide whether to keep, sell, or reinvest.

Property Value vs Cap Rate

📈 Property Value vs Cap Rate

Interactive demonstration of the inverse relationship

$100,000
$1,250,000
Cap Rate = NOI ÷ Property Value × 100
Higher property value = Lower cap rate (when NOI stays the same)
Current Calculation: 8.00% = $100,000 ÷ $1,250,000 × 100

🔑 Key Real Estate Insight

This inverse relationship explains why expensive markets have lower cap rates and affordable markets have higher cap rates. When property values rise faster than rental income, cap rates compress. Investors often accept lower cap rates in high-value markets expecting greater appreciation potential.


How to Use the Cap Rate Calculator

The calculator will instantly help you understand cap rates and how they can impact the quality of your portfolio.

Step 1: Adjust the Net Operating Income (NOI)

Move the top slider to match your property’s annual NOI. This number is your gross rental income minus operating expenses. Include rent, parking fees, and laundry income. Subtract property taxes, insurance, maintenance, management fees, and utilities. Do not include mortgage payments.

Step 2: Adjust the Property Value

Move the second slider to reflect your property’s current market value. Use recent comparable sales, an appraisal, or online valuation tools for guidance.

Step 3: Watch the Relationship

The red dot shows your property’s cap rate position. The calculation box reveals your exact cap rate. Notice how a higher property value means a lower cap rate—if NOI stays the same.


Why Understanding Cap Rates Matter

1. Snapshot of Performance

Understanding cap rates will provide an instant return measure, independent of financing. For example, a 4% cap rate means your property generates 4 cents per dollar of value each year.

Know Your Numbers. Understanding Cap Rates will payoff.

2. Market Comparison Tool

Use cap rates to compare:

  • Similar properties in Charleston – Are you underperforming?
  • Other markets – Could you earn more elsewhere?
  • Alternative investments – Are stocks, bonds, or REITs offering better returns for the risk?

3. Understanding Cap Rates Is The Framework for Investors Decisions

Hold your property when:

  • Your cap rate matches or beats the local average.
  • You expect rent growth or appreciation.
  • Transaction costs outweigh the benefit of selling.
  • The property sits in a prime Charleston location.

Consider selling when:

  • Your cap rate falls more than 2% below market.
  • Other properties offer 1–2% higher cap rates.
  • The property needs major repairs.
  • The market has slowed down with limited upside.

4. Portfolio Optimization-Understanding Cap Rates Leads To Good Decisions

Savvy investors use cap rates to:

  • Identify underperformers dragging down returns.
  • Guide reinvestment of 1031 exchange proceeds.
  • Balance risk and reward.
  • Time the market: sell when cap rates compress, buy when they expand.

5. Real-World Example-Here's How It Can Work

When you begin to learn to understand cap rates you'lll start to remove emotions from your real estate investments.

You own an Air BnB in Downtown Charleston worth $1,500,000 with an NOI of $35,000, that would be a 2.3% cap rate. Not great. So you search and find a comparable property delivers a 7% cap rate. Better! So by selling your under performing property and reinvesting in a 7% cap rate property, your annual income rises to $105,000. That’s $70,000 more each year!

The Bottom Line on Cap Rates

Understanding cap rates help you cut through emotions and focus on performance. Use them to answer the most important question every investor faces: Should I hold this property or sell and reinvest elsewhere?

Charleston investors can model different scenarios with a cap rate calculator. Always verify numbers using actual operating statements, not just projections. Real expenses often exceed estimates.

If you'd like an Asset Performance Test (APT) and a Capital Gains Exposure Analysis performed on your property(s). Call Bill Byrd 843-972-7670 for a confidencial private consultation.


The Author...

Bill Byrd is a Husband, Father, Realtor, Educator, Musician and Athlete. A licensed Realtor since 1986 who loves helping his clients grow their personal wealth through real estate! Having helped hundred's of families and individuals during his career you can feel comfortable that Bill and his Team's experience and expertise are unparalleled in our market. Plus, Bill's a great guy and one heck of a guitar player! More About Bill

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved - It is unlawful to reproduce without permission.

Filed Under: 1031, Home Seller Information, Real Estate Investing Tagged With: 1031, 1031 exchange, Cap Rate, Capital Gains, Section 1031

How does a 1031 exchange work?

09/13/2025 by billbyrd

How does a 1031 exchange work when selling property in Charleston, South Carolina?

A 1031 exchange in Charleston allows you to defer capital gains taxes when selling an investment property, as long as you reinvest the proceeds into another qualifying property. The process follows strict IRS timelines and rules, so working with a trusted local real estate wealth advisor like Bill Byrd helps ensure compliance and maximize your financial outcome.

Understanding the Basics of a 1031 Exchange

If you’re considering selling an investment property in Charleston and wondering how a 1031 exchange works, you’re in the right place. The 1031 exchange is a proven strategy for building long-term real estate wealth. The name comes from Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, which allows property owners to defer capital gains taxes by exchanging one “like-kind” investment property for another of equal or greater value.

“Capital Gains Tax is the biggest impediment to growing generational wealth”.

Why Charleston Investors Use 1031 Exchanges

Charleston’s real estate market offers a wide range of investment opportunities—historic homes, waterfront estates, entry-level rental neighborhoods, and even trailer parks throughout the Tri-County area.

As property values have risen steadily over the last two decades, investor activity has also increased. According to the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS®, the median sales price for a single-family home climbed from $163,800 in 2004 to $424,300 in 2025—a gain of more than 160%.

For local investors, that kind of appreciation often means substantial taxable gains when selling, making a 1031 exchange especially attractive.

Do you know your investment properties current Cap Rate? You may be surprized!

Step-by-Step: How a 1031 Exchange Works in Charleston

Before starting a 1031 exchange, planning is critical. Meeting with Bill Byrd before listing your property can help ensure success. Here’s a simple outline of the five key steps:

  1. Pre-Exchange Planning – Build your team early. This usually includes a Qualified Intermediary, an accountant, a financial planner, and an attorney. Begin searching for possible replacement properties now.
  2. List and Sell Your Investment Property – Once you close on your property, the exchange timelines begin. Step up your search for replacement options. “Like-kind” is broadly defined and can include a downtown rental, a Johns Island tract, or a Mount Pleasant duplex.
  3. Close the Sale of the Relinquished Property – IRS rules require using a Qualified Intermediary to hold your proceeds. From this point, you have 45 days to identify one or more replacement properties under one of three rules: the Three-Property Rule, the 95% Rule, or the 200% Rule.
  4. Identify and Secure Your Replacement Property – You must formally identify your chosen replacement property or properties before the 45th day.
  5. Close on the Replacement Property – The transaction must be completed within 180 days. Your CPA will help file IRS Form 8824 to report the exchange.

Avoiding Common 1031 Exchange Mistakes in Charleston

Investors who don’t fully understand the rules can easily make costly errors. IRS guidelines are strict and must be followed precisely.

  • Missing the 45-day identification or 180-day closing deadlines
  • Failing to use a Qualified Intermediary
  • Trying to exchange a property that doesn’t qualify (such as a primary residence)
  • Closing on your relinquished property before you’ve set up your exchange.
How does a 1031 exchange work? Follow the timeline.

Bill Byrd: Your Charleston 1031 Exchange Resource

Bill Byrd is a Certified Keller Williams Real Estate Planner and has been a trusted advisor for many years to a number of successful real estate investors. With decades of experience in residential, land, and investment real estate, Bill has guided countless clients through complex processes like 1031 exchanges. Whether you’re selling a historic downtown property, acreage on Wadmalaw Island, or a rental properties in North Charleston, Bill provides strategic advice and can connects you with other trusted tax and legal professionals when needed.

In addition to working directly with clients, Bill teaches real estate agents across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia about IRC Section 1031, further demonstrating his expertise and commitment to real estate education.

Important Professional Note

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult with a licensed CPA, tax advisor, or attorney before making decisions about a 1031 exchange. The Code

Ready to Explore a 1031 Exchange in Charleston?

If you’re planning to sell an investment property in Charleston, reach out to Bill Byrd at 843-972-7670. Bill’s deep knowledge of the Charleston real estate market, from Awendaw to Edisto and from the Sea Islands to I-95, Bill can help you make informed decisions that align with your financial goals. Schedule your personalized 1031 consultation today.

The Author…

Bill Byrd is a Husband, Father, Realtor, Educator, Musician and Athlete. A licensed Realtor since 1986 who loves helping his clients grow their personal wealth through real estate! Having helped hundred’s of families and individuals during his career you can feel comfortable that Bill and his Team’s experience and expertise are unparalleled in our market. Plus, Bill’s a great guy and one heck of a guitar player! More About Bill

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved – It is unlawful to reproduce without permission.

Filed Under: 1031, Home Seller Information, Real Estate Investing Tagged With: 1031, 1031 exchange, selling investment property, Tax advantage, tax deferral, Tax Strategy

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