Answer
How much capital gains tax will I owe on my apartment sale?
Federal long-term capital gains is 15% or 20% depending on income, plus 3.8% NIIT for most sellers, plus depreciation recapture at 25% on prior depreciation taken. California adds 9.3–13.3% state tax on top with no long-term rate distinction. A 1031 exchange defers all of it. Talk to your CPA for a property-specific number.
Depreciation recapture surprises many sellers
If you've owned the building 10+ years, depreciation recapture at 25% often exceeds the pure capital gains tax. It's the single line most sellers underestimate.
1031 is the standard defer
Full 1031 into replacement property defers federal + state gains and recapture indefinitely. Most LA sellers with material gain use it.
Local context
This answer reflects how deals actually trade in Cameron Samimi's core coverage area: the South Bay (Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hawthorne, Lawndale, Gardena, El Segundo), Long Beach (Alamitos Beach, Belmont Heights, Wrigley, Bixby Knolls, Downtown), and Westside LA. Pricing, rent regulation, and buyer depth differ materially between these submarkets — verify the specifics for your property before acting.
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