Real Estate – Best Hedge Against Inflation?

Many investors are looking at real estate as a hedge against inflation. Real estate has traditionally been one of the strongest ways to hedge against inflation. In a recent article by the Wall Street Journal, economists found that portfolios that mixed stocks, bonds, and real estate outperformed others. While many people are aware that they can invest in stocks and bonds, only certain custodians allow you to invest in real estate. To invest in real estate, you need a Self-Directed IRA. However, many Self-Directed IRA Custodians do not allow you to physically invest in real estate. IRA Financial group is one of the few Self-Directed IRA Custodians that allow individuals to invest their retirement funds in alternative investments such as real estate. Although we cannot give you financial advice, the purpose of this article is to help educate you on the benefits of investing in real estate and diversifying your portfolio.

Why Real Estate?

With uncertainty abound, investors are looking past the markets, as they typically fall during times of tumult. On the flip side, real estate remains strong and usually outpaces stocks and other assets. The simple concept of supply and demand have driven real estate prices through the roof. Because of the pandemic, working remotely has become the norm for many industries. Bosses and employees alike have realized not everyone needs to work in an office. Because of that, many Americans are looking for quieter, and perhaps safer, places to live. All of this leads to a strong residential real estate market that investors are trying to capitalize on.

Learn More: Beginners Guide to Investing in Real Estate with Retirement Funds

What About Commercial Real Estate?

A recent Wall Street Journal article warns investors about commercial real estate. Real estate remains the most popular asset for Self-Directed IRA investors. It’s important for investors to know what they’re getting into before using retirement funds to invest.

As the WSJ article points out, “landlords who are unable to raise rents can suffer during periods of inflation.” Further, “Inflation only leads to higher prices for products that people actually want.” As we alluded to already, companies are ditching the traditional office space, which leaves many buildings near (or completely) vacant. The demand for that space is not as great as it once was. Plus, the leases of retail and office space are generally longer. If there’s no way to raise the rent because of inflation, the owner/investor will see less of a return.

As the country reopens and more people return to work, there may be an influx of new businesses. But will those be brick and mortar? Can you expect to charge a high enough rent to make it worth the investment? One can argue the supply of commercial real estate will be much more than that of the demand. Quite the opposite story of the residential space. Of course, there are always exceptions, so if a commercial property fits the bill, it may be worth the risk. As always, you should consult with a financial advisor and real estate experts before making any investment. Plus, be sure to do your own research, especially if you are considering using retirement funds to invest.

Read More: What is the Minimum Amount to Invest in Real Estate?

Using Retirement Funds to Invest

If you self-direct your retirement plan, you can invest in just about anything. With residential real estate seen as a hedge against inflation, now may be the time to step up your game. Using a Self-Directed IRA will allow you to buy, sell and rent real estate in a tax-advantaged account. Remember, any investment held inside a retirement account is not subject to annual taxes. Your investment grows tax-deferred, or tax free in the case of a Roth account. You only pay taxes once you withdraw the asset from the plan (or never in the case of a Roth!).

Residential real estate comes in all shapes and sizes, from single family houses to multi-family apartments, land, vacation properties, short- or long-term rentals and even fix-and-flips. Depending on your goals and risk tolerance, there is a property out there for you.

Again, with more people working remotely, they’re moving further away from the big cities, which expands desirable neighborhoods. Plus, as summer is on the horizon and the country is getting “back to normal,” you can expect a strong demand for vacation destinations. VRBO and Airbnb are two popular options among vacationers. It would be great to finally have a steady stream of income, all within a tax-advantaged account.

Bonus for the Self-Employed

The one drawback of using a Self-Directed IRA to invest in real estate is the UBTI tax. We talk about not having to worry about taxes with an IRA investment. However, when you borrow funds (i.e. for a mortgage), you will be subject to Unrelated Business Taxable Income. Essentially, the percentage of the purchase price that is borrowed will be taxed on the income the property generates.

If you are self-employed, you can open a Solo 401(k) plan, which has an exemption for UBTI. For whatever reason, the IRS has stated that you don’t owe the tax when you leverage real estate with a 401(k) plan. Experts are still baffled why the tax applies to IRAs and not 401(k)s. Obviously, you can take full advantage of the tax code, but you must be self-employed.

Learn More:

Tips for Investing in Real Estate with a Self-Directed IRA

Real Estate Investing with a Solo 401(k)

Practical Ways to Invest in Real Estate

Conclusion

Residential real estate is a hedge against inflation, while commercial properties may not be. That’s not to say that that’s true for every single property out there. As an investor, you must do your own due diligence, and decide what’s right for you. Plus, using retirement funds to invest may be the best way to hedge, because of the tax-advantaged nature of the system. To learn more about real estate investing, feel free to reach out to us @ 800.472.0646!