A 1031 exchange, also known as a “like-kind exchange,” is a tax code provision that allows real estate investors to defer paying taxes on the sale of a property by using the proceeds from the sale to purchase a “like-kind” property. The primary requirement of a 1031 exchange is that the property being sold (the “relinquished property”) and the property being purchased (the “replacement property”) are both considered to be “like-kind” properties.

The 1031 exchange can help increase liquidity in the US real estate market by allowing investors to defer paying taxes on the sale of a property, which can provide them with more capital to invest in other properties. This can lead to a greater number of real estate transactions, as investors are more likely to buy and sell properties when they can defer paying taxes on the sale. Additionally, 1031 exchanges can also enable investors to upgrade their properties or move into different markets, which can also help increase liquidity in the market.

However, it is important to note that 1031 exchanges have some restrictions and rules that must be followed, such as the requirement to identify replacement property within 45 days and to close on it within 180 days after the sale of the relinquished property. Additionally, there are also some limitations on the replacement property, such as the property must be of “like-kind” and the equity and debt on the replacement property must be “equal or greater” than the relinquished property.