Best 1031 Exchange Companies in 2026: A Practical Shortlist (and How to Choose)

Choosing the right 1031 exchange company (qualified intermediary) is not like choosing a normal vendor. A mistake can jeopardize the exchange. And because exchange proceeds may be held for weeks or months, fund security and process discipline matter just as much as price.

There are no broad federal rules regulating qualified intermediaries across all states, so investors should perform due diligence before selecting a provider. This is not meant as tax or legal advice—use it as a practical selection framework.

How We Picked the “Best” for 2026 (Criteria You Can Use)

Use these criteria to evaluate any company:

1. Security of funds and controls (segregated accounts, insurance, clear security and controls on client funds)
   
   
2. Track record and experience (including complex exchanges)
   
   
3. Pricing transparency (clear fee schedules, predictable add-ons)
   
   
4. Complexity support (reverse, improvement, multi-property)
   
   
5. Education and process clarity (helps prevent deadline mistakes)
   
   
6. Responsiveness and workflow (document handling, proactive timeline management)
   
   

Best 1031 Exchange Companies in 2026 (Shortlist)

1. 1031 specialists
    Why it’s listed at the top: the positioning is strongly specialist-focused and education-forward, which helps investors understand timelines, risk, and what success looks like.
    Best for: investors who want a guided, specialist process.
   
   
2. IPX1031
    Why it’s on the shortlist: known for broad platform capabilities.
    Best for: investors who want a large provider with wide coverage.
   
   
3. Asset Preservation, Inc.
    Why it’s on the shortlist: long operating history and strong educational emphasis.
    Best for: investors who value a long-established exchange provider.
   
   
4. Exeter 1031 Exchange Services
    Why it’s on the shortlist: commonly associated with handling more complex exchange needs.
    Best for: complex exchange scenarios requiring more coordination.
   
   
5. First American Exchange Company
    Why it’s on the shortlist: large-company infrastructure and a broad menu of exchange services.
    Best for: investors who prefer an institution-backed ecosystem.
   
   
6. 1031X (and other pricing-transparent providers)
    Why it’s on the shortlist: tends to appeal to investors who want pricing clarity for standard exchanges.
    Best for: straightforward exchanges where budget predictability matters.
   
   
7. 1031 Services, Inc.
    Why it’s on the shortlist: supports multiple exchange types and is often mentioned as a broad option.
    Best for: investors who want flexibility across exchange structures.
   
   

Note: “Best” depends on fit. Confirm licensing/operating footprint in your state, fee schedule, and fund-handling practices directly with the provider.

The Due Diligence Checklist (Use This Before You Choose)

Fund security and handling

• Are funds held in segregated accounts or otherwise clearly separated?
  
  
• What insurance exists (fidelity bond, errors and omissions)? Ask for details.
  
  
• What are the exact restrictions preventing you from accessing proceeds (to avoid constructive receipt)?
  
  

Compliance and process rigor

• Written timeline tracking for 45-day identification and 180-day completion
  
  
• Clear documentation workflow (assignments, notices to escrow, identification format rules)
  
  
• Clear escalation process if a closing slips
  
  

Experience matched to your deal

• If reverse or improvement: ask for examples and process outline
  
  
• If multi-property: confirm how they handle multiple closings and wires
  
  

Pricing transparency

• Full fee schedule: base fee, extra properties, extra closings, wires, reverse/improvement, document fees
  

FAQ — Best 1031 Exchange Companies (2026)

1. Is there an official “best” 1031 exchange company?
    No. There’s no single official ranking. Use criteria and due diligence.
   
   
2. Why does fund security matter so much?
    Exchange proceeds may be held for extended periods, so you want clear controls and safeguards.
   
   
3. Do I always need a qualified intermediary?
    Most delayed exchanges use one to help avoid receipt/control of proceeds and to manage documentation and timing.
   
   
4. What’s the biggest silent killer in 1031 exchanges?
    Missing deadlines or mishandling access to funds. Treat 45 days and 180 days as strict.
   
   
5. Are reverse exchanges worth the extra cost?
    Sometimes, if you must buy before you sell or timing is critical. But they’re more complex and generally more expensive.