The timeshare industry has changed and developed in order to fit all types of owners. Timeshares and vacation ownership come in many forms, so it can be difficult to comprehend them all. If you are confused about which type of timeshare ownership you want, you have come to the right place. Here is an overview of the different types of timeshares.
Different Types of Timeshare Ownerships
This first list pertains to the general types of contracts and ownerships available with timeshares. There are many different types of timeshares, from deeded ownership of real property, right-to-use ownership that expires, or even leasehold ownerships that are a blend of the two.
Deeded Timeshare
A deeded week timeshare means that the owner literally gets a deed for their week and they own it. It is commonly called fee simple in real estate terms. Since it is a deeded week, the owner has the option to sell their timeshare, rent it out, and give it away if they wish to. You can rent it during the years you don’t use it. Deeded week timeshares were the most common when timeshares originated. There are still timeshares like this available but many companies have moved away from deeded weeks in favor of flexibility.
Right To Use Timeshare
Right to use timeshares (RTU) do not come with a deed, but they do come with a contract stating how long the owner has the right to use it. Most right-to-use leases are over after 30-99 years, depending on what is specified in the original agreement. However, owners can still sell their ownership to somebody else on the resale market.
Leasehold Timeshare
Leasehold timeshares are not owned in perpetuity and have a specific expiration date. They do however hold the same benefits and rights as other timeshares. Disney Vacation Club is the most prominent example of a leasehold timeshare.
Different Types of Timeshare Sub-types
Among the different types of timeshare, there can also be different sub-types. So, the above categories are what you own, and the below sub-types are the types within those timeshares and some terms that relate to how often you can use them. For example, DVC is a leasehold but it is also a points-based timeshare.
Points-Based Timeshare
The most popular (and most common) type of timeshare today is the points-based timeshare. An owner will purchase a timeshare in the form of points for their home resort. The points can then be used to stay at the owner’s home resort or exchanged to stay at other resorts in the brands’ network. Disney Vacation Club is a points-based timeshare vacation club, along with most Wyndham and Marriott timeshares. Each year you get a certain number of points, and you can use them how you want. For example, if you own a bunch of Disney Vacation Club points you can use them all for a weekend in a large unit. Or you could stay in a smaller unit for one week or even two weeks, depending on how many points you have.
Biennial Timeshare
A biennial timeshare is a timeshare that has usage rights every other year. Biennial timeshares are differentiated by the year they can be used: odd year and even year! These can be great for travelers who only want to timeshare every other year.
Floating Week Timeshare Ownership
A floating week is a term for timeshare use when an owner has the ability to choose the week they stay at a resort within a specific period or season. Usually, if an owner purchases a summer season floating week timeshare, they can visit their unit during any one available week as long as it is in the season they purchased. Floating timeshares give more flexibility than fixed weeks but not as much as point-based timeshares.
Fixed Week
The traditional timeshare usage — fixed week timeshares means you have the right to visit your property during the same week each year. You will have usage rights, usually for one week, to stay at the resort. The rest of the year other owners utilize it. Timeshare weeks are great if you plan to travel during a specific week each year. In addition, this type of vacation ownership helps you to create a yearly ritual. You have a set week in the same unit year year.
Fractional Ownership
Fractional ownership is similar to timeshare but each owner purchases and has rights to a much larger portion of a resort. Instead of the unit and time being split by 52, it is divided by fourths, eights, or even thirteenths. This is a rare occurrence, but worth mentioning.
Read more: Timeshare Vs Hotel: Which is Right for Your Family?
Best Timeshare Brands with Different Types of Timeshare Ownerships
The best hospitality brands offer world-renowned timeshares that vacation owners love year after year. They have resorts in top locations across the United States as well as abroad. Check out some of the best vacation clubs below. If you find a property you want, take a look at the listed contracts and put an offer in on the one you like the most.
Learn more: Best Timeshare Companies
Types of Timeshare Q&A
Which Timeshare Type Should I Buy?
As a buyer trying to decide which type of timeshare ownership is better for you and your family, it is essential to weigh your values. Do you value flexibility and visiting new resorts? If the answer is yes, you should purchase a points-based contract. In contrast, do you value making one resort your home away from home and visiting the same location on the same dates each year? If the answer is yes, you should purchase a fixed-week or floating-week ownership.
There are a few different types of ownership, so it can be a bit overwhelming trying to decipher it all. If you want to learn more about the different types of timeshares, check out this video. In the video, we break every type down, so you can decide which ownership is best for you!
Read more: Timeshares Weeks Vs Points: Which is Right For You?
Browse Timeshare Resales with Different Types of Timeshare
There are so many different types of timeshare options to meet your vacation lifestyle needs. What’s more, our timeshare resales span across Orlando, California, Hawaii, and even internationally, so you can find the right property for you. If you’d like to buy a timeshare, simply find one you’d like on our marketplace and make an offer. Buyers can also browse by timeshare companies if they have a preference for which brand they want to own with. We make it simple to purchase the perfect timeshare for you and your family!
If you’re thinking of selling your timeshare for any reason, we’re happy to help. Our licensed agents are experts! So, they can help you every step of the way. Feel free to give us a call at 1 (800) 410-8326. You can also email us at [email protected] or fill out the form below. We’d love to help you find buyers for your timeshare contract.
