Using Delaware Statutory Trusts in Real Estate Investments: Opportunities and Legal Risks
Structuring and Financing the DST, Advantages Over TIC Ownership, Preserving 1031 Tax Treatment
Note: CPE credit is not offered on this program
Recording of a 90-minute premium CLE video webinar with Q&A
This CLE webinar will provide real estate finance and tax counsel with a review of the advantages and risks of Delaware statutory trusts (DSTs) as a structure for real estate investments. The panel will offer approaches for structuring and financing DSTs and discuss the key tax issues associated with DSTs, including the "seven deadly sins," which can jeopardize 1031 tax treatment.
Outline
- Trends in the use of DSTs for real estate investments
- Structuring the DST
- Assets for DST programs
- Financing DST investments
- DST governance
- Workouts of DST programs
- Nontraditional uses for DSTs: REITs/funds vs. direct investment
- Recent regs issued in response to COVID pandemic
Benefits
The panel will review these and other key issues:
- What are the trends in using DSTs as real estate investment vehicles?
- What opportunities exist for using DSTs, and what are some of the legal pitfalls?
- What types of investment properties are DSTs well-suited for an investment structure?
- What challenges do DSTs present for lenders, and how should these problems be addressed?
Faculty

Edward J. Hannon
Shareholder
Polsinelli
Mr. Hannon concentrates his practice on providing advice and counsel to clients on the development of tax savings... | Read More
Mr. Hannon concentrates his practice on providing advice and counsel to clients on the development of tax savings structures for real estate transactions. He represents real estate owners and investors in the use of tax-oriented structures related to U.S. based real estate projects, development joint ventures and structures involving investment in U.S. real estate by foreign investors. He also has an in-depth understanding of regulations, including Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code and Delaware statutory trust and tenant common structure to facilitate the like-kind exchange process. Mr. Hannon is both an attorney and certified public accountant and is a member of the adjunct faculty the DePaul University Graduate School of Business where he teaches a course on Tax and Structural Issues of Real Estate Transactions.
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Steven R. Meier
Partner
Seyfarth Shaw
Mr. Meier's diverse tax practice involves all aspects of federal taxation. He regularly advises clients on the... | Read More
Mr. Meier's diverse tax practice involves all aspects of federal taxation. He regularly advises clients on the design, implementation, disposition and workout of real estate investment programs, including real estate investment funds and complex like-kind exchange programs. He acts as lead tax counsel in domestic and cross-border transactions, and advises early-stage businesses on tax, equity compensation and related matters.
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