We explore the upcoming Biden Administration, the effect of COVID vaccines, which metrics matter the most when choosing real estate investments, and much more.
America just had a Presidential Election. It could mean big changes for real estate investors.
As we’re writing this, it sure seems like Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. will become the 46th President of the United States.
Normally, we don’t cover politics at 1031x.
Except that earlier this year, we noted that Biden’s campaign openly targeted “like-kind” real estate exchanges (i.e. 1031 exchanges) as a way to pay for future social programs.
We argued it was a bad idea.
108 days later, Biden has all but defeated Donald Trump in the general election.
(Pending legal challenges and recounts, of course)
So…
Will a Biden Administration remain hostile to Section 1031?
Here’s what we know.
Biden’s Plans Are a Little Vague
Our concern stems from the Biden Plan for Mobilizing American Talent and Heart to Create a 21st Century Caregiving and Education Workforce released in July.
In fact, virtually nothing is shared about the mechanics of potential future legislation.
With one very notable exception.
Real estate investors draw the short straw in Biden’s new “Caring-Economy” to the tune of $775 billion over 10 years. (It’s always worth noting that Presidential campaigns tend to overstate the impact of new revenue sources)
Even so, there are many ways to interpret this.
And the plan doesn’t actually single out 1031 exchanges.
One senior campaign official, on the other hand, was more candid.
Take Aim at So-Called “Like-Kind Exchanges”
Shortly after the Biden proposal hit the circuit, the former Vice-President delivered remarks to reporters and took questions about his plans.
While Biden didn’t address real estate tax issues directly, one of his senior aides did, according to Bloomberg.
Now, it is not at all clear if the $400,000 income threshold will matter with respect to legislation targeting Section 1031.
Our research could not turn up any additional information.
Key Takeaway
Expect early drafts of future legislation to either limit or eliminate like-kind exchanges.
Whether such provisions could make it to (what would then be President) Biden’s desk is a different story.
Democrats May Lack Legislative Punch
According to FiveThirtyEight, control of the U.S. Senate will likely hinge on the results of one or two “runoff” elections in Georgia.
If either Republican wins in Georgia, then control of the upper chamber will remain with the GOP.
Here’s why that matters:
Democrats in the House may be eager to push Biden’s new tax plans (particularly, from what we hear, those inside the House Ways and Means Committee).
After all, targeting “wealthy” investor profits is increasingly popular among the Democratic electorate.
It’s difficult (but not impossible) to imagine a Mitch McConnell-controlled Senate going along with Biden’s tax plans.
So the lack of a “Blue Wave” in 2020 could end up delaying or preventing action against Section 1031.
Even so, it seems clear that Democrats (and Biden) would push for their rollback or elimination.
Bottom Line
Section 1031 exchanges are a little safer if the Senate stays in Republican hands.
We’ll keep our eyes and ears open.
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