In real estate, syndication is the pooling together of equity capital from multiple individuals or entities to acquire investment real estate. Real estate syndicates can be structured as a variety of legal entities including Limitied Liability Companies (LLC's), partnerships, or corporations.
A syndicator generally takes the initiative to put the real estate syndicate together. The syndicator may bring together investors with similar investment criteria, and then find properties to invest in. Conversely, a syndicator may find an opportunity to invest in a commercial property, then embark on bringing together several investors to raise the capital needed to acquire the investment property.
Why Form A Syndicate To Buy Real Estate?
Real estate syndication allows real estate investors to invest in property without having to contribute all of the equity capital needed to purchase the investment property. Real estate investors may wish to limit the amount of capital they contribute for a variety of reasons.
Among the reasons investors decide to partner with other investors is they don't have enough money to buy their desired property. An investor may also wish to move up to gain the advantages of larger assets but lack the funds to do so. Syndication provides a solution.
However, lack of funds is not the only reason for syndication. Syndication can also provide real estate investors a method of spreading out their risk. By partnering with other investors to acquire assets, investors can own a variety of assets and diversify their real estate portfolio. In addition to diversifying risk, real estate investors may wish to partner with other investors who bring a specific area of expertise or core competency to the investment partnership.
What Are The Implications Of Real Estate Syndication?
Real estate syndication brings with it a variety of financial and legal implications, not the least of which is compliance with the securities regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A share in a real estate syndicate may or may not constitute a security and this has important legal and regulatory implications.
Syndication can also generate serious potential consequences regarding tax issues, estate planning, conflict resolution, asset disposition, and financial obligations to name a few.
For these reasons, and many more, it is imperative to seek professional advice and expertise regarding real estate syndication. Attorneys, accountants, and real estate professionals should be sought to advise on the syndication process and its implications.