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How can I create a QOF to purchase new single family constructions in an Opportunity Zone?

I would like to find out if its possible to create an OZ fund and buy single family homes from a builder in a development that is in an opportunity zone and qualify for OZ treatment?


Answers
  • Marko Belej
    September 08, 2021

    Creating a Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) to purchase new single family constructions in an Opportunity Zone should be no different than forming any other QOF. If the constructions are in fact new, and have not been occupied, then the original use requirement should be met (so that you don't have to "substantially improve" them). What are you planning to do with the constructions, rent them or sell them? If you are renting them, then you'll need to provide the tenants with services and not just lease them on a triple net basis. If you are just going to sell them off (within the next few years), then you wouldn't get much benefit from a QOF -- the gains from the sales will not be excluded and you'll only be able to defer your invested gain until you've sold off the homes (unless the QOF finds another suitable investment to re-invest the proceeds).

  • Matthew Rappaport
    September 08, 2021

    This is possible but needs to navigate some compliance hurdles. For one, you need to make sure the homes will meet the original use requirement, which is somewhat possible if the homes are purchased prior to receiving a CO.

  • David LeGrand
    September 07, 2021

    I don’t think so; you need to buy the lots and pay the builder to improve the property by constructing the improvements.

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