This content is adapted from a Bisnow National Opportunity Zones Digital Summit panel moderated by Greg Friedman, CEO of Peachtree Group, featuring Matt Peurach, Partner at Seyfarth Shaw, and Michael Torhan, Tax Partner at EisnerAmper.
The Opportunity Zones program is entering a transformative phase. With OZ 2.0 making the program permanent and introducing enhanced incentives for rural investments, sophisticated investors need to understand how these changes impact both existing holdings and future deployment strategies.
For investors who deployed capital into OZ 1.0 funds, December 31, 2026, deferral deadline is approaching rapidly. This creates a critical planning imperative around asset valuation.
"When the deferral period is up, you're paying tax on the lesser of the amount that you put into the OZ fund or the fair market value of your interest on December 31, 2026," explains Matt Peurach. Given commercial real estate valuations have declined approximately 20% on average since 2021, many investors may benefit from establishing current fair market values through formal appraisals.
Michael Torhan emphasizes the importance of documentation: "Fair market value throughout the tax code and throughout case law is generally what would a buyer and seller be willing to exchange for. Obviously, if the asset is still being held, you would want to get some kind of appraisal, some valuation report, really to support that number, to support the tax reporting position."
The most significant change under OZ 2.0 is permanency. Rather than a fixed endpoint, the program now offers rolling five-year deferral periods for new investments beginning in 2027.
"Under OZ 2.0, you've got a fixed five-year rolling deferral period. So, it kind of doesn't matter from that perspective when you're putting your gains into the OZ fund, you get to defer it for five years," notes Pierock. This structural change eliminates the diminishing returns problem that plagued late-stage OZ 1.0 investments.
Additionally, new Qualified Rural Opportunity Funds offer supercharged benefits. Investments in designated rural zones qualify for a 30% discount on deferred gains versus the standard 10%, along with relaxed substantial improvement requirements. The new rural zone maps will be released in July 2026, creating strategic opportunities for investors who can position assets in advance.
The transition period between OZ 1.0 and OZ 2.0 presents unique challenges. Investors realizing capital gains today face a compressed timeline, as Pierock points out: "If I'm a taxpayer that realized a capital gain and I'm interested in pursuing a tax mitigation strategy for that and I want to do an opportunity zone investment, number one, I only have one 180 day period to put my gain into an OZ fund."
Furthermore, zone redesignations every 10 years under OZ 2.0 introduce new uncertainty. Projects currently in development within existing zones may face questions about grandfathering if their zone loses designation. While guidance is expected, proactive engagement with state offices regarding zone designations becomes critical for developers with multi-year timelines.
For commercial real estate investors and developers, the message is clear: the Opportunity Zones program remains one of the most powerful tax incentives available, but maximizing benefits requires sophisticated structuring, proactive valuation planning, and close attention to the evolving regulatory framework.
Listen to the full discussion on the Peachtree Point of View podcast for deeper insights into structuring Opportunity Zone investments, navigating state-level conformity issues, and capitalizing on the permanent OZ framework. To learn more about Opportunity Zones, read the article “Opportunity Zones 2.0: What Investors Need to Know About the New Tax Law (2025 Update)”. It summarizing a conversation between Greg Friedman and Jason Watkins, partner at Novogradac & Company and chair of the national Opportunity Zones working group.
Please note, this podcast does not provide legal or tax advice. Before investing in any tax-advantaged program, consult with your CPA or a tax attorney to ensure you are eligible to benefit from the program's tax advantages.
ATLANTA (July 8, 2025) - Peachtree Group, a leading commercial real estate investment firm with a multi billion-dollar portfolio of equity and debt investments, has launched its latest hotel property structured as a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST). The 128-key SpringHill Suites Phoenix West Avondale is located in Avondale, Ariz., within the Phoenix metropolitan area.
This is Peachtree’s ninth DST offering since the firm launched the program in 2022.
The SpringHill Suites Phoenix West Avondale opened in August 2024 and is positioned to benefit from the area’s strong population growth and economic expansion. Avondale is one of the fastest-growing cities in Maricopa County, with new residential and commercial developments driving local demand. The broader Phoenix metro area added nearly 85,000 residents between 2023 and 2024 and continues to rank among the fastest-growing regions in the country.
“This newly developed property represents everything we look for in a DST offering. It features strong market fundamentals, a leading brand and long-term upside supported by sustained demand channels across corporate, healthcare and leisure,” said Tim Witt, president of 1031 Exchange and DST Products at Peachtree.
SpringHill Suites serves the growing all-suites segment by offering stylish accommodations, modern design, expanded suites and enhanced amenities. In addition, the hotel will not require a change-of-ownership Property Improvement Plan and will benefit from affiliation with the SpringHill Suites brand and Marriott’s global distribution and loyalty platform, which surpassed 228 million members in 2025.
“The SpringHill Suites Phoenix West Avondale gives investors access to a newly built, debt-free asset in one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas,” Witt said. “It is an ideal opportunity for those seeking tax deferral through a 1031 exchange while maintaining exposure to the hospitality sector, which continues to demonstrate strong fundamentals and long-term resilience.”
Peachtree’s DST offerings provide a tax-efficient option for investors reinvesting proceeds from appreciated real estate. The firm’s nine DST offerings represent more than $291 million in debt-free real estate transactions. Each property aligns with Peachtree’s strategy of acquiring branded hotels in high-growth markets, pursuing value-add opportunities and leveraging experienced hotel management to drive performance and long-term value.
Peachtree continues to support 1031 exchange investors by offering a streamlined path to passive, income-producing real estate investments that align with the firm’s commitment to generating strong, risk-adjusted returns.
Securities offerings are distributed by Peachtree PC Investors, LLC, member: FINRA/SIPC. This announcement does not constitute an offer to buy securities. DST Interests are illiquid, speculative and involve a high degree of risk. Prospective Investor should consult with his, her or its own tax advisor regarding an investment in DST Interests and the qualification of his, her or its transaction under Section 1031 for his, her orits specific circumstances.
ATLANTA (May 2, 2025) - Peachtree Group, a leading commercial real estate investment firm with a multi billion-dollar portfolio of equity and debt investments, has launched its latest hotel property structured as a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST), the 114-key Residence Inn Ocean Township, located along the Jersey Shore in N.J. This marks Peachtree’s eighth DST offering since launching the program in 2022.
“This newly developed property represents everything we look for in a DST offering, strong market fundamentals, a leading extended-stay brand and long-term upside driven by secular tailwinds in travel,” said Tim Witt, president of 1031 Exchange/DST Products at Peachtree.
Residence Inn Ocean Township is located in Monmouth County, one of the wealthiest counties in the U.S., known for its high median incomes and vibrant year-round economy. The hotel benefits from proximity to popular beach destinations such as Asbury Park, Long Branch and Sandy Hook, supporting steady leisure demand. The region’s diverse economy, anchored by healthcare, education and technology, drives consistent lodging needs throughout the year. Looking ahead, Netflix is investing $900 million to redevelop nearby Fort Monmouth into its primary East Coast production hub, a project expected to create 3,500 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent jobs, as well as further boost hospitality demand.
“With the opening of Residence Inn Ocean Township in 2024, we’re providing investors access to a debt-free, income-generating asset in a premier coastal market. It’s a strategic fit for investors seeking tax deferral through a 1031 exchange while preserving exposure to one of the most resilient sectors in commercial real estate,” Witt said.
Peachtree’s DST properties present a compelling option for 1031 exchange investors seeking to reinvest proceeds from the sale of appreciated real estate while deferring taxes and maintaining exposure to the hotel sector. The firm’s eight DST offerings total more than $220 million in debt-free real estate transactions, each aligned with Peachtree’s core strategy of acquiring recognized hotel brands in high-growth markets, pursuing value-add opportunities and leveraging experienced hotel management teams to drive long-term performance and value creation.
Peachtree continues to align with the core principles of the 1031 exchange, offering investors a seamless and tax-efficient path to transition capital gains into passive income-producing real estate investments.
Securities offerings are distributed by Peachtree PC Investors, LLC, member: FINRA/SIPC. This announcement does not constitute an offer to buy securities. DST Interests are illiquid, speculative and involve a high degree of risk. Prospective Investor should consult with his, her or its own tax advisor regarding an investment in DST Interests and the qualification of his, her or its transaction under Section 1031 for his, her or its specific circumstances.
In the latest episode of Peachtree Point of View, CEO Greg Friedman sits down with Tim Witt, a seasoned expert with over 30 years’ experience, to explore tax-efficient investment strategies in commercial real estate. This insightful discussion explores various strategies that can potentially help investors preserve and grow their wealth while minimizing tax exposure.
Tim, who leads Peachtree's DST (Delaware Statutory Trust) strategy, brings a wealth of knowledge from his background as a Wall Street Journal All-Star Analyst and his extensive experience with alternative investments. During the conversation, he breaks down complex investment structures into digestible insights that investors will find valuable.
Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST)
Tim explains how DSTs work as a powerful tool for commercial real estate investors looking to transition from active to passive ownership while deferring capital gains taxes through 1031 exchanges. He shares real examples of how investors can potentially maintain their wealth-building momentum and reduce the impact of taxes, which can otherwise take 30-40% of their proceeds upon property sale.
Opportunity Zones
The opportunity zone program was created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Greg and Tim explore how these investments may offer both tax deferral and tax-free appreciation when held for ten years. They share Peachtree's success story of developing a hotel in downtown Phoenix and discuss their current project in Maui, highlighting how they first identified opportunities that make sense regardless of potential tax benefits.
Bonus Depreciation
Finally, they examine bonus depreciation strategies and their potential revival with upcoming tax legislation, offering insights into how different types of investors might benefit from these programs.
Perhaps most valuable is their candid discussion about the pitfalls of tax-driven investment decisions. Both experts emphasize the importance of evaluating investments on their fundamental merits first, with tax benefits serving as an enhancement rather than the primary motivation.
For investors looking to optimize their real estate investment strategy while managing tax exposure, this episode provides actionable insights from two industry veterans. Whether you're considering a transition from active to passive real estate ownership, exploring Opportunity Zone investments, or simply seeking to better understand tax-efficient investment strategies, this conversation offers valuable perspective and practical advice.
Listen to the full episode of Peachtree Point of View to dive deeper into these strategies and learn how they might fit into your investment portfolio. Available now on your favorite podcast platform.
Please note that this podcast does not provide legal or tax advice. Before investing in any tax-advantaged program, consult with your CPA or a tax attorney to ensure you are eligible to benefit from the program's tax advantages.