Ares Real Estate Exchange (AREX) is a program that under IRC Sections 1031 and 721, allows an owner of appreciated real estate to exchange an investment property for access to high-quality commercial real estate. In addition to deferring capital gains taxes and eliminating the hassle of managing properties, AREX enables investors to maintain their exposure to the real estate sector while providing opportunities for steady income and the potential for divisibility of ownership units for ease of estate planning.