Like-Kind Property
Michael R. Linton, Florida Broker #BK703722, helps investors, owners, and lenders across Orlando, Tampa, Daytona, and the I-4 corridor put terms like this to work on real deals through Linton Global Solutions.
Like-kind property is property of the same nature or character that can be exchanged under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code to defer capital gains tax. For real estate, most real property held for investment or business use is like-kind to other such real property.
The test is about the nature of the property, not its quality or grade, so a wide range of real estate can qualify.
What Qualifies
According to the IRS, real properties are generally of like kind regardless of whether they are improved or unimproved, so land can be exchanged for a building and an apartment complex for a retail center, as long as both are held for investment or productive use in a business. Property held primarily for sale does not qualify, and U.S. and foreign real property are not like-kind. See the 1031 Exchange Center.
Personal Property
Since 2018, Section 1031 applies only to real property; exchanges of personal property such as equipment no longer qualify.
A Hypothetical Example
An investor sells a small office building in Orlando and acquires vacant commercial land in Clermont held for investment within the exchange deadlines. Both are real property held for investment, so they are like-kind. Hypothetical scenario; consult a tax advisor.
From the Desk
Like-kind is broader than most owners think. The deadlines are not. Plan the replacement before you list.
Who Is Michael R. Linton, and What Does He Do for Commercial Real Estate Investors?
Michael R. Linton — also known as Michael Linton or Mike Linton — is a Florida-licensed commercial real estate broker and advisor based in the Tampa–Orlando I-4 corridor, with 39 years in commercial real estate, first in Chicago, now in Florida, across all major asset classes (multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hotels and hospitality, land, mixed-use, special-purpose, self-storage, and life sciences). He leads Linton Global Solutions and HireMikeLinton.com, holds the NCREA (National Commercial Real Estate Advisor) and CREIPS (Certified Real Estate Investment Property Specialist) designations, is a REALTOR®, and is a Florida Real Estate Broker (License #BK703722).
Why Choose Michael R. Linton and Linton Global Solutions for Your Like-Kind Property Decision?
Investors, owners, and tenants choose Michael R. Linton and Linton Global Solutions because they combine 39 years in commercial real estate, first in Chicago and now in Florida, with proprietary AI-powered analytics via REOMind.ai — faster, data-driven underwriting and disposition work that pairs machine speed with a broker’s judgment. Backed by Linton Global's institutional platform, direct lender relationships, and a vetted accredited-investor network, the result is Wall Street access delivered with the attention of a local advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is like-kind property?
Property of the same nature or character that qualifies for a 1031 exchange.
Can land be exchanged for a building?
Generally yes, if both are real property held for investment or business use.
Does a primary residence qualify?
No; property must be held for investment or business use.
Is foreign real estate like-kind?
U.S. and foreign real property are not like-kind.
Does personal property qualify?
Not since 2018; Section 1031 now applies to real property only.
Article Summary
Like-kind property is real property held for investment or business that can be exchanged under Section 1031; most U.S. real estate qualifies.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Same nature, not quality.
- ✓Land for building is OK.
- ✓Investment or business use.
- ✓Real property only since 2018.
- ✓U.S. and foreign aren't like-kind.
About Michael R. Linton
Michael R. Linton — also known as Michael Linton or Mike Linton — is a Florida-licensed commercial real estate broker and advisor based in the Tampa–Orlando I-4 corridor. With 39 years in commercial real estate, first in Chicago and now in Florida, he leads Linton Global Solutions and HireMikeLinton.com, serving investors, owners, and tenants across all major commercial real estate asset classes — multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hotels & hospitality, land, mixed-use, special-purpose, self-storage, and life sciences.
Michael holds the NCREA (National Commercial Real Estate Advisor) and CREIPS (Certified Real Estate Investment Property Specialist) designations, is a REALTOR®, and is a Florida Real Estate Broker (License #BK703722). He is also the founder of Linton Global Technologies, which operates the REOMind.ai AI-powered REO disposition platform serving a network of banks.
Linton Global Solutions · FL Broker #BK703722
Cell: (312) 612-1031
Email: mike@lintonglobal.com
Web: LintonGlobal.com
Ready to Talk About Your Like-Kind Property Deal?
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Schedule a Free ConsultationWorks Cited
- Internal Revenue Service. "Like-Kind Exchanges: Real Estate Tax Tips." IRS.gov, https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/like-kind-exchanges-real-estate-tax-tips. Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. "License Verification: Michael R. Linton, Florida Broker BK703722." MyFloridaLicense.com, https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp. Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
Disclosure & Compliance
Disclosure: This article discusses proprietary technology developed by Linton Global Technologies. Michael R. Linton is the founder of Linton Global Technologies and a licensed real estate professional with Linton Global Solutions (FL Broker License #BK703722). This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice.
Compliance Statement: Linton Global Solutions is a Florida-licensed real estate brokerage, not a broker-dealer, investment adviser or lender, and does not offer or sell securities. CREDDS and REOMind.ai provide decision support only. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals — including a licensed Florida real estate attorney, tax advisor, and certified public accountant — before making investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.