Retirement Planning? Don’t Forget About Investment Real Estate
Investment properties have the potential to generate monthly income and appreciation as part of a diversified portfolio. But you don’t have to be a hands-on landlord. You can make passive real estate investments and avoid the 3 a.m. calls about clogged toilets!
![A person takes a photo of a skyscraper from a distance.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uAA4qGkjUtRNbZFmPHN6An-415-80.jpg)
You’re planning ahead for retirement, and determined to invest in a diversified basket of stocks, bonds and alternative investments. Maybe you have no exposure to income properties now, or maybe you’re a landlord either as your primary business or as a part-time investor. If it’s the latter, you’re likely ready to shed the responsibilities in favor of a passive approach that allows you to try to stress less and enjoy more.
Either way, you can be invested in commercial and multifamily real estate in retirement without the daily hassles of being a landlord. There are a range of passive real estate investments with the potential to help you achieve your goals, dreams and objectives. Here’s a look at four of them.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
The market for publicly traded REITs is long established, and many people access the market through their retirement plans and stock brokerage accounts. REITs are generally companies that own and operate real estate, so you’re investing in the company, not just the underlying real estate. REITs pay out their income in the form of dividends, which are taxable.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-200-80.png](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-320-80.png)
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The biggest downside to REIT investments — aside from their high correlation to the overall stock market and the volatility that entails — is the inability to defer taxation on any capital gains from the sale of shares. In other words, when you sell your REIT shares, you will have to pay capital gains tax on any gains.
Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs)
With DSTs, which are a form of direct real estate ownership, you have the ability to defer capital gains tax on gains so long as the gains are reinvested in other investment properties. (The reinvestment occurs in the form of a 1031 exchange, which your tax or legal adviser can tell you more about.) That’s one reason but not the only reason to consider DSTs.
DSTs are entities that hold title to investments, such as income-producing real estate. Most types of real estate can be owned in a DST, including industrial, multifamily, self-storage, medical and retail properties. Often, the properties are institutional quality similar to those owned by an insurance company or pension fund, such as a 400-unit Class A multifamily apartment community or a 100,000-square-foot industrial distribution facility leased to a Fortune 500 logistics and shipping company. The asset manager (also known as the DST sponsor company) takes care of the property day to day and handles all investor reporting and monthly distributions.
DST investments are used by cash investors with a typical minimum of $25,000, as well as by investors seeking a replacement property as part of a tax-deferred 1031 exchange solution. To learn more about retirement planning with DSTs or how they can be used in a 1031 exchange, visit www.kpi1031.com.
Tenants-in-Common Properties (TICs)
A TIC structure is another way to passively invest in real estate as part of a retirement planning strategy. With a TIC, you own a fractional interest in the property and receive a pro rata portion of the potential income and appreciation of the real estate. As a TIC investor, you will typically be given the opportunity to vote on major issues at the property, such as whether to sign a new lease with a tenant, refinance the mortgage or sell the property.
Although TIC investments and DSTs have their nuances and differences, they often will hold title to the same types of property. DSTs are generally considered the more passive investment vehicle. Both DSTs and TICs qualify for 1031 exchange tax treatment as described above.
Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds
Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds, which were enabled by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, are a form of private equity funds. They offer some capital gains tax deferral and elimination benefits. A fund of this type can invest in real property or operating businesses within an Opportunity Zone, typically a geographic area in the U.S. that has been so designated by the government because it may be underserved or neglected.
If you seriously consider this investment option, be aware that there may be a higher level of risk based on the location of the property, and the time horizon of the fund may be as long as 10 years, which means tying up your capital for that length of time in an illiquid asset. With a Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund, there can be potential cash flow and appreciation, as well as positive economic and social impacts on a community.
Bottom line: Don’t forget about passive real estate investments in your retirement planning. Investment properties can provide diversification to a stock- or bond-heavy portfolio, with the potential for income in addition to appreciation and tax advantages, including the ability to defer capital gains taxes. (Diversification does not guarantee protection against losses or appreciation, although many believe it is a prudent strategy when investing.)
If you are or were a landlord, passive real estate investments also let you continue to be invested in the real estate market without the headache of dealing with tenants.
Disclaimer
This material does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. There are material risks associated with investing in real estate securities, including illiquidity, vacancies, general market conditions and competition, lack of operating history, interest rate risks, general risks of owning/operating commercial and multifamily properties, financing risks, potential adverse tax consequences, general economic risks, development risks and long hold periods. There is a risk of loss of the entire investment principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Potential cash flow, potential returns and potential appreciation are not guaranteed. Securities offered through Growth Capital Services, member FINRA, SIPC, Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction located at 582 Market Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94104.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Dwight Kay is the Founder and CEO of Kay Properties and Investments LLC. Kay Properties is a national 1031 exchange investment firm specializing in Delaware statutory trusts. The www.kpi1031.com platform provides access to the marketplace of typically 20-40 DSTs from over 25 different sponsor companies. Kay Properties team members collectively have over 340 years of real estate experience, have participated in over $39 billion of DST 1031 investments, and have helped over 2,270 investors purchase more than 9,100 DST investments nationwide.
-
Visa Is the Worst Dow Stock Wednesday. Here's Why
Visa stock is down sharply Wednesday after the credit card company came up short of revenue expectations for its fiscal Q3.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Another Analyst Moves to the Sidelines on Tesla Stock After Earnings
Tesla stock is spiraling Wednesday after the EV maker's big earnings miss and Wall Street has been quick to weigh in. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Confused by Annuities? Making Sense of the Different Types
Many investors aren't sure if annuities are a good option for meeting financial goals. Let's look at the different categories, along with their pros and cons.
By Kris Maksimovich, AIF®, CRPC®, CPFA®, CRC® Published
-
Talkin' 'Bout My Generational Wealth: Baby Boomers
With retirement, each generation has different priorities and challenges. For Baby Boomers, it's a matter of ready or not, here it comes.
By Alvina Lo Published
-
How to Avoid a Big Hassle if Your Financed Car Gets Wrecked
How an insurance check is made out for repairs can cause a world of problems if the lienholder is left out.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
-
Estate Planning Strategies to Consider as Election Nears
Are big changes in tax laws coming soon? Not likely, but you might want to take advantage of higher estate and gift tax exemptions well before the end of 2025.
By David Handler, J.D. Published
-
How to Get Your Money's Worth From Your Financial Adviser
A good financial adviser will focus on how your financial planning and investment strategy align with your lifestyle and aspirations.
By Pam Krueger Published
-
Think of Prenups and Postnups as Financial Planning Tools
These contracts provide a clear framework for asset management and protection and are especially useful if you get married later in life.
By Andrew Hatherley, CDFA®, CRPC® Published
-
Congratulations on Your Raise: Three Things to Do With It
We're not saying you shouldn't spend it on a new car, but there are some considerations to guard against lifestyle creep and to help ensure a comfy retirement.
By Andrew Rosen, CFP®, CEP Published
-
Check Off These Four Financial Tasks to Finish 2024 Strong
The new year is a popular time to set financial goals, but now is the ideal time to check how you're doing. Four tweaks could make a big difference.
By Daniel Razvi, Esquire Published