ICON 1031: Redefining 1031 Exchanges With Investor-First Real Estate
Lower Fees. Greater Stability. Stronger Returns.
For too long, 1031 exchange investors have been laden with broker-dealer commissions and preferred equity structures that skim returns. Icon 1031 was created to eliminate those inefficiencies. By cutting out broker-dealers and funding transactions with its own capital, the company passes 100% of the savings back to investors—delivering higher cash flow, lower fees, and greater transparency.
This is real estate investment the way it should be: efficient, resilient and aligned with the interests of the investor.
“Most sponsors bury 10%+ in commissions and excessive preferred equity costs into their deals,” says founder Patrick Nelson. “At Icon 1031, we’ve removed those costs entirely. Investors keep more of the value they deserve.”
Built for Stability and Growth
Unlike a single rental property that can sit vacant and disrupt income, Icon 1031 invests in large-scale student housing and multifamily communities. With hundreds of units per property, income streams are naturally diversified; rent stability comes built in.
Student housing offers consistent demand driven by flagship universities, while workforce and low-income multifamily properties provide essential housing that remains resilient in any market cycle. Together, these sectors create a foundation of stability for cash flow while still offering room for appreciation through value-add and smart investing.
To date, Icon 1031 and its affiliates have delivered over $100 million in distributions to investors, underscoring the firm’s commitment to consistent returns and disciplined performance.
In-House Efficiency: From Management to Construction
Icon 1031’s vertically integrated platform amplifies returns by keeping operations in-house. Properties are managed by the company’s own professional property management team, ensuring costs are tightly controlled and service quality remains high.
In addition, Icon 1031 operates an in-house construction team dedicated to value-add improvements. Renovations, upgrades, and community enhancements not only drive higher rents and increased occupancy but also improve tenant satisfaction. For investors, these improvements translate into more income today and higher valuations at exit, as additional revenue streams and modernized units command a premium on rent and resale.
Strategic Market Advantage
Icon 1031 targets student housing communities near top-tier universities as well as multifamily assets in supply-constrained markets. Properties are strategically located across California, Utah, Arizona, Maryland, and many more, ensuring diversification across regions with strong demographics and proven demand.
This disciplined market selection reduces downside risk and positions investors to benefit from both regional growth trends and demographic-driven housing needs while staying anchored to universities as economic drivers.
Proven Track Record
Icon 1031 and its affiliates have raised funds from thousands of investors and managed hundreds of millions in acquisitions, renovations, and operations nationwide. Its leadership team has secured more than $1.5 billion in financing and refinancing through Fannie Mae, HUD, national banks, credit unions, and private structures.
Industry recognition includes ranking on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies in America and the BBB Torch Award for Ethics for property management operations.
Resilient by Design
Through both the 2008 housing crisis and the 2020 Covid pandemic, the leadership behind Icon 1031 has proven its ability to protect investor capital and deliver results in the most challenging environments. That resilience is baked into every structure, every deal, and every investor relationship.
Investor-First, Always
Icon 1031 was built on a conviction: investors should keep more of the value they create. By removing broker-dealer commissions, running efficient in-house operations, and pursuing disciplined value-add strategies, Icon 1031 has reset the standard for 1031 exchange sponsors.
The upcoming Icon America Fund expands this model, combining the same investor-first principles with a diversified fund structure—offering greater access to institutional-quality real estate without the unnecessary layers of cost.
For accredited investors seeking steady monthly income, long-term appreciation, and the confidence that comes from working with a truly aligned sponsor, Icon 1031 delivers a smarter, stronger path forward.
Learn more at icon1031.com.
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