Hi Ken,

There is no set holding period required by the tax code or regulations (unless there is a related party involved).  The import element is that you can prove that you had the intent to hold the property for investment (as opposed to holding the property for sale).  We recommend, as do many 1031 exchange advisors, that you hold the property as investment property for at least 12 months to be safe, but holding it for less may be sufficient if you can demonstrate your intent to hold for investment.  For example, you may have had the intent to hold for investment, but a financial, economic, business, medical, or other issue made it advisable to dispose of the property now and complete another 1031 exchange. 

You can view our web page on Holding Guidelines for 1031 Exchange Properties. 

Does that answer your question?  I would be happy to talk with you further if you like.  Just let me know.