Understanding TIC
How the TIC exchange
actually works
Tenancy in Common is one of the most flexible forms of property ownership in existence. tic.exchange is built on one simple idea - if shares in a company can be traded on an exchange, so can shares in real property.
The basics
What is Tenancy in Common?
Tenancy in Common (TIC) is a legal form of co-ownership of real property recognised in every US state and most common law jurisdictions globally. Unlike joint tenancy, each TIC co-owner holds a defined, separate, and independently tradeable share of the property.
There is no minimum share size prescribed by law. One co-owner might hold 10%, another 40%, another 50% - any combination that adds to 100% is valid. Each owner can sell, transfer, or mortgage their individual share independently, without requiring the consent of other co-owners.
This is what makes TIC fundamentally different from joint tenancy - and what makes a TIC exchange possible.
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Separate legal ownership
Each co-owner holds a distinct title interest. Your share is yours - not shared with anyone else's creditors or estate.
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Independently tradeable
Any co-owner can sell their share at any time without the consent of other co-owners. No lock-in, no forced exit.
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Separately mortgageable
A TIC share can be used as security for a loan independently - no joint liability with other co-owners.
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Any percentage share
Hold 10%, 25%, 50% or more. Entry-level investors can participate in properties they could never afford outright.
The exchange model
Like a stock exchange - but the asset is real property
01
A TIC share is listed
A vendor or their agent lists a property as available for TIC shared ownership on tic.exchange for a modest annual fee. They set the asking price and declare 1031 exchange intent if applicable.
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02
Buyers submit bids
Interested buyers submit a bid offer through the platform. The bid goes directly to the vendor or their agent - no transaction occurs on tic.exchange itself.
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03
Bid alerts keep the market alive
Any interested party can register for bid alerts on a listing. When a new bid is submitted, they are notified - giving them the opportunity to place a competing counter bid.
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04
The property stays listed
Once purchased by TIC co-owners, the property remains listed permanently - just like a company stays on the stock exchange after its IPO. It is the shares that trade, not the property.
The IPO analogy
Why we think of this as a property stock exchange
Stock exchange
A company lists shares via an IPO
Shareholders buy and sell shares freely
The company stays listed after the IPO
New shareholders can join at any time
Existing shareholders can exit at any time
Share price reflects market demand
tic.exchange
A property is listed for TIC purchase
Co-owners buy and sell their shares freely
The property stays listed after first sale
New co-owners can join at any time
Existing co-owners can exit at any time
Bid prices reflect market demand
US investors
Section 1031 exchange eligibility
TIC structures are an IRS-approved vehicle for Section 1031 tax-deferred exchanges under Revenue Procedure 2002-22. This means a TIC share can qualify as replacement property in a 1031 exchange - allowing investors to defer capital gains tax when selling investment property.
The 1031 exchange market in the US represents billions of dollars of property transactions annually. tic.exchange gives that investor community a dedicated marketplace to find and trade qualifying TIC interests.
Vendors who intend to seek replacement property under a 1031 exchange can declare this intent on their listing - making it visible to the significant pool of investors actively seeking qualifying TIC opportunities.
Important note
tic.exchange is a listing and discovery platform only. We are not a licensed real estate broker, financial advisor, or tax advisor. Nothing on this platform constitutes financial, legal, or tax advice. All transactions are conducted by licensed real estate agents. Investors should consult their own tax and legal advisors regarding 1031 exchange eligibility and requirements.
For real estate agents
Why TIC listings benefit agents
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New deal structures — new commissions
A seller's agent earns commission from the vendor when a TIC share sells. A buyer's agent earns commission from each TIC purchaser in a syndicate. Both agents benefit from an ongoing resale pipeline as co-owners eventually exit and new buyers take their place.
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Ongoing resale pipeline
Every TIC property stays listed permanently on tic.exchange. When any co-owner wants to sell their share, they click the SELL button and the listing agent is notified first - giving them first opportunity to obtain the vendor mandate for the resale.
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More buyers for every listing
TIC opens your listings to buyers who cannot afford sole ownership - whether purchasing individually or as part of a buyer syndicate assembled by a buyer's agent. Every property becomes accessible to a much larger pool of motivated purchasers.
Ready to trade a TIC share?
Browse active listings on the exchange, or list your own TIC share for $99 per annum.