Your Gateway to Fort Worth Commercial Real Estate
Expert guidance for foreign investors navigating U.S. commercial real estate. From FIRPTA compliance to entity structuring, we provide comprehensive support for successful international investments.
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Understanding FIRPTA
The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act affects all foreign nationals selling U.S. real estate. Here's what you need to know.
What is FIRPTA?
FIRPTA requires buyers to withhold 15% of the gross sales price when purchasing real property from a foreign seller. This withholding is remitted to the IRS and applied toward any capital gains tax liability.
- Applies to direct property sales
- May apply to sales of entity interests
- Withholding may be refundable
Minimizing FIRPTA Impact
Strategic planning can significantly reduce or eliminate FIRPTA withholding. Our team works with specialized tax counsel to optimize your position.
- IRS withholding certificate applications
- Domestic corporation structures
- Tax treaty optimization
- 1031 exchange strategies
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the Right Investment Structure
The entity you choose affects liability, taxes, estate planning, and operational flexibility. Here are the most common structures for foreign investors.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Most popular choice for foreign investors due to flexibility and liability protection.
Advantages
- •Pass-through taxation options
- •Limited personal liability
- •Flexible management structure
- •Can be owned by foreign entities
Considerations
- •State filing requirements
- •Annual franchise tax in Texas
- •May require EIN application
Best for: Individual investors or small groups seeking simplicity and protection
Limited Partnership (LP)
Ideal for larger investment groups with passive and active partners.
Advantages
- •General partner manages operations
- •Limited partners have liability protection
- •Flexible profit distribution
- •Good for syndications
Considerations
- •General partner has unlimited liability
- •More complex structure
- •Partnership agreement required
Best for: Investment groups with designated managers and passive investors
Corporation (C-Corp)
Best for investors planning significant U.S. business operations.
Advantages
- •Clear corporate structure
- •Easier access to U.S. banking
- •Familiar to institutional investors
- •No FIRPTA withholding on stock sales
Considerations
- •Double taxation on dividends
- •More regulatory requirements
- •Higher administrative costs
Best for: Large institutional investors or those planning extensive U.S. operations
Delaware Statutory Trust (DST)
Passive investment vehicle often used for 1031 exchanges.
Advantages
- •Passive investment
- •Fractional ownership
- •1031 exchange eligible
- •Professional management
Considerations
- •Limited control
- •Less liquidity
- •Sponsor fees
Best for: Investors seeking passive income without management responsibilities
Important: Entity selection should be made in consultation with qualified tax and legal professionals familiar with cross-border transactions. We can connect you with experienced advisors.
International Investment Case Studies
Real examples of successful foreign investments in Fort Worth commercial real estate.
German Investment Group - Industrial Portfolio
Alliance Corridor, Fort Worth
Investment
$12.5M
Size
185,000 SF
Property Type
Industrial Distribution Center
A German family office sought to diversify their real estate holdings into the U.S. market. We identified a Class A industrial distribution facility in the Alliance corridor, one of the largest inland ports in the country. Working with international tax counsel, we structured the acquisition through a Wyoming LLC owned by a German GmbH, optimizing both FIRPTA considerations and German tax treaty benefits.
Results
Asian Investment Partnership - Office Building
Downtown Fort Worth
Investment
$8.7M
Size
125,000 SF
Property Type
Class A Office Tower
A consortium of investors from Singapore and Hong Kong partnered to acquire a trophy office building in downtown Fort Worth. We facilitated the formation of a Delaware LP with a domestic C-Corp as general partner, enabling efficient cash distributions while maintaining liability protection. Our team coordinated with local property management, lenders, and legal counsel across multiple time zones.
Results
Mexican Family Office - Retail Center
West Fort Worth
Investment
$5.2M
Size
45,000 SF
Property Type
Neighborhood Retail Center
A multi-generational Mexican family office sought stable, income-producing real estate in a growing Texas market. We identified an anchored retail center with strong national tenants and a diverse tenant mix. Given the proximity to Mexico and frequent U.S. travel, we structured ownership through a Texas LLC with careful attention to estate planning considerations and cross-border tax efficiency.
Results
* Case studies are representative examples. Actual details have been modified for client confidentiality.
Our International Investment Process
A structured approach to help you successfully invest in Fort Worth commercial real estate.
Initial Consultation
Understand your investment goals, timeline, and requirements
Market Analysis
Identify target markets and property types matching your criteria
Entity & Tax Planning
Structure ownership for tax efficiency and liability protection
Property Sourcing
Leverage SVN's global network to find off-market opportunities
Due Diligence
Comprehensive property analysis and documentation review
Transaction Management
Coordinate all parties for smooth closing
Asset Management
Connect you with property management and ongoing advisory
Exit Strategy
Plan for FIRPTA-optimized disposition or 1031 exchange
We Welcome Investors From Around the World
Our network includes multilingual professionals to assist with your investment needs
Start Your Journey
Ready to Find Your Next Commercial Space?
Whether you're looking to lease, buy, sell, or invest in Fort Worth commercial real estate, we're here to help. Let's discuss your goals and create a strategy tailored to your needs.
Call Direct
(817) 559-1235
Email Us
Daniel.weber@svn.com
Visit Office
3000 Race St, Suite 100
Fort Worth, TX 76111