What is a Timeshare and How Does It Work?

What is a timeshare and how does it work

If you’re an avid vacationer, you’ve probably heard about timeshares. Maybe what you’ve heard is good, maybe it’s not. Whatever the case, we’re here to clear the air. A timeshare, also referred to as “vacation ownership,” is a type of vacation lifestyle product that offers resort units to owners for a fixed amount of time. If you like vacationing each year, timeshares are a way for you to visit a luxurious resort property in a popular destination each year. If you’re on the fence about vacation ownership, this is for you! We’ll answer the question “What is a timeshare and how does it work?”

What is a Timeshare and How Does It Work? Infographic

What is a Timeshare?

A timeshare is a property (such as a villa or condo-style suite) that is divided for multiple owners by time. Most of the time, they are divided into 52 weeks so that every owner can have an entire full week at the property. The meaning of timeshare is as simple as it sounds! Owners share the property by time.

Nowadays, there are many different types of vacation ownership. As times are changing, most brands are moving to a points-based model of ownership as opposed to the traditional same-week/same-resort ownership. This allows owners to have the most flexibility in their vacation options.

How Do Timeshares Work?

Now that you know what a timeshare is. You might be asking yourself, “But how do timeshares work?” Through a timeshare arrangement, the costs of owning a property are spread out among several people, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of ownership without having to bear the entire cost alone. Vacation ownership is a unique way to share the costs of ownership with multiple people. Depending on the agreement, each party may own a fraction of the property (known as “fractional ownership”), or they may simply lease it for a period of time.

Types Of Timeshares & How Each Work

How Many Types of Timeshares Are There Youtube Video

In order to understand how timeshares work, it is important to be aware of the different types! With multiple options, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which is best for you. Watch the video to the left for an overview of each type.

Deeded Timeshare

A deeded timeshare property has the same ownership rights as actual real estate (however, unlike real estate, vacation ownership is not an investment and does not appreciate). Deeded ownership means that the owner has the right to sell it, bequeath it, rent it, or even give it away.

Right to Use Timeshare

Right to use (or RTU timeshare) ownership grants owners the right to use their ownership for a specified amount of time through a lease. Generally, the lease is for 30-99 years. Once the period of specified time is up, the ownership goes back to the resort, or the lease is terminated. 

Leasehold Timeshare

Leasehold timeshares are similar to RTU, however, with a leasehold, you do have ownership without a deed for a set period of time. Disney Vacation Club is an excellent example of a leasehold timeshare.

Different Timeshare Sub-Types

Fixed Week Timeshare

A timeshare week is the type of ownership that most people are familiar with. As with all timeshares, owners have paid for their share of time at the resort, and generally, that time equates to one full week. Each resort has a different calendar system for its owners. The first week of January is typically week one, however, and the last week of December is generally called week 52. With a fixed-week timeshare, you’ll stay at the same resort at the same time each year. These types of timeshares are great for people who love a specific property or destination and want to keep coming back to it.

Points-Based Timeshare

Most timeshare companies these days use a point system for timeshare properties. How does a points-based timeshare work?  Typically, the fixed week is converted into points. So based on the week or caliber of ownership, owners will have a certain number of points at their disposal. Guests can use these points to stay at different resorts in the brands’ network or to stay at the unit at their home resort. When you check out timeshares for sale in our marketplace, there are point charts available for participating brands. You can see that depending on the type of ownership, the point value varies. Many timeshare owners love the control having a number of points gives you. Vacation Clubs are aware of this popularity, so your typical timeshare currently is most likely going to be points-based.

Floating Week

A floating week means that you can reserve your stay for any week of the year on a first-come, first-served basis. In some cases, floating weeks may only apply to a certain season. For example, an owner can own a week of the winter season, so they can stay at their resort any week available within that season. Some seasons have a higher value than others depending on demand and location.

Biennial vs. Annual

Biennial timeshare just means that owners can use their ownership every other year. Annual is, well, annually! Meaning owners can use their ownership every year, given they pay their timeshare maintenance fees.

The Importance of Reading Your Timeshare Contract

If you decide to buy a timeshare, be sure to read your contract carefully. All timeshare buyers should check their timeshare contracts for info like what type and subtype of ownership they’re buying. Your timeshare agreement will also have other important info about your timeshare property that may be important if you ever decide to sell your ownership.

Learn more: A Quick Look at Types of Timeshare

Timeshare Maintenance Fees

One other important aspect of being a timeshare owner that you’ll want to keep in mind are timeshare maintenance fees. These fees are typically paid annually, and as the name implies, are used to maintain your vacation property. Renovations, new amenities, and staff are all paid for using timeshare maintenance fees. So all the benefits you’ll get during your timeshare vacation are thanks to these yearly maintenance fees. Because they’re a major factor in timeshare costs, understanding timeshare maintenance fees is something all timeshare buyers should do.

Timeshare Resorts

Timeshare resorts are resorts that feature top-of-the-line amenities and accommodations. Unlike hotels, vacation ownership resorts offer suites that include full-size kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and private balconies. Simply put, a timeshare resort is where vacation owners stay for their vacations. When you purchase a timeshare, you have the option to choose your timeshare home resort, which is where you will have priority booking every year.

Resort Amenities

When you decide to book a vacation, it’s important to consider the amenities you must have for a great vacation. Amenities are considered the extras at a resort, like fitness centers, swimming pools, day spas, water parks, and lazy rivers, just to name a few. Depending on the location, you can also find on-site ski slopes in places like Breckenridge, Colorado.

Residence Style Accommodations

The accommodations at vacation ownership resorts are undoubtedly one of the main things that set them apart from hotels. If you love to travel with a large group or your extended family, timeshare resort accommodations are perfect. Many resorts offer suites that have anywhere from one to four locking bedrooms. This means everyone can have their own comfortable space to relax in. 

Additionally, accommodations come with more than one bathroom, so you won’t all have to share just one. Not to mention, many villas or suites come standard with in-unit washers and dryers, as well as full-size kitchens and separate dining and living areas. The extra space leaves you more room to stretch out, watch a movie, and cook dinner, like the perfect home away from home.

Timeshares vs. Hotel

There are some key differences between timeshares vs. hotels. Timeshare suites are much like residences since they have kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms. Staying in a resort is more like staying in a vacation home or apartment rather than staying in a hotel. As you can see, the offerings at timeshare resorts are far more extensive than your average hotel. Did you know the average timeshare unit is 3x larger than a hotel room? Plus, you receive more than just a microwave. In addition, you can pack lighter and use the in-room laundry to freshen up your favorite vacation outfits. This is especially helpful for large families or families with children because you can pack less.

Top Brands

Make sure you research which company you want to own with before you buy one. Benefits and systems vary among the top brands.

Vacation Exchange

If you value traveling far and wide, you’ll be pleased to know that timeshares allow a lot of options when it comes to visiting new places. Vacation exchange networks allow members to go to different resorts with their points. Club Wyndham, Disney Vacation Club, and Marriott Vacation Club are all examples of internal exchange networks. You can travel within the brands’ networks to their other resorts. For example, if you own in Colorado, you may have the chance to exchange your week for a week in Hawaii.

RCI vs. II

RCI vs Interval International: Vacation Exchange Showdown Youtube Video

RCI, formerly Resort Condominiums International and Interval International, are the most recognizable vacation exchange networks. These networks are known as external, meaning with ownership AND membership (in one of these networks), you can travel outside of your brand as long as where you want to go is within the external network. Figure out which is the best in our vacation exchange showdown.

Timeshare Buying Tips

Buying Timeshare Resale vs Direct Youtube Video

Now that you know how timeshares work, you might want to buy one, but should you buy a timeshare resale or direct? At the end of the day, it is a matter of preference, but we recommend considering the timeshare resale market first. Check out the video to the left to help determine which is best for you and your family!

How Much Does Timeshare Ownership Cost?

According to ARDA, the average cost of a timeshare in 2022 was $23,940. If you’re looking to buy a timeshare, the resale market has ownership available at costs way lower than retail. The great thing about resale is that although from the secondary market, it is not second-rate. Brands work hard to keep their units looking luxurious, so you can purchase the same great ownership for less. Knowing the best buying tips is a great place to begin.

Our number one piece of advice is to do your research on choosing the best possible ownership for you. Whether that means you want a fixed week in one location, so you can guarantee your spot every year or points-based ownership so you can travel to new resorts. There truly is a timeshare perfect for everyone’s preferences. The major flexibility is just one of many reasons why people still buy timeshares.

Why You Should Work With Fidelity Real Estate

Fidelity Real Estate marketplace for selling and buying timeshare resales

When it comes to navigating the timeshare industry, you’ll want to work with a company that’s trustworthy. With Fidelity Real Estate, that’s exactly what you get. Fidelity Real Estate has been part of the timeshare industry for over 20 years and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Plus, as a member of the American Resort Development Association, we follow a strict set of guidelines that helps to keep everyone in the industry safe. As a result, you can trust us when you’re ready to buy a timeshare.

Buy a Timeshare With Fidelity Real Estate

Ready to join one of millions of satisfied timeshare owners? Then check out our marketplace! We have listings from all of the best vacation clubs like Hilton Grand Vacations Club, Disney Vacation Club, and Holiday Inn Club Vacations. Whether you want a floating week timeshare or one that’s points-based, we’ll help you take the vacation of your dreams at one of the top timeshare destinations. If you have any questions about annual maintenance fees, vacation exchange, or anything else about the industry, give us a call at 1-800-410-8326 or team@fidelityresales.com. Our licensed agents are happy to help!

How to Sell a Timeshare and Avoid Timeshare Scams

There are many options to get out of a timeshare, but if a timeshare exit company advocates strongly against vacation ownership, tells you to stop paying your maintenance fees, or requests large upfront payments, it is wise to be wary and to make sure they are recognized by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).

How To Sell A Timeshare Without Upfront Fees Youtube Video

If you’re looking to sell your timeshare, we can help with that all the way to close. Since we are real estate agents and timeshare experts, you can trust we’ll take care of you! If you’d like to know more about how to sell, be sure to check out our video. Or, to start the process today, fill out the form below.

  • By submitting, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Join The Discussion

What Is A Timeshare?

  • 4 years ago
what is a timeshare

time-sharing

/tie-m sh-air-ing/
verb

Timeshare is a term used to describe a method of use and/or shared ownership of vacation real estate where purchasers acquire a period of time (often one week) in a condominium, apartment or other type of vacation accommodation.  Timeshare is also known as “vacation ownership.”

Getting Started With Timeshares

What Is A Timeshare?

A timeshare is a resort or vacation property, split into shared ownership. There are many different forms, uses, destinations, resorts, and clubs. While timeshare is previously known as a piece of ownership that families go back to at the same time, at the same resort, in the same unit every year, it’s evolution has become so much more.

Start With Your Home Resort

Whether you buy points or weeks-based ownership, you normally have to choose from a Home resort. This is where you will have priority booking and the best use of your benefits.

Timeshare Vs Hotel

Timeshare resorts offer a world of better benefits, accommodations, and amenities. Timeshare units are often complete with fully-equipped kitchens, spacious living room areas, and private bedrooms. Not to mention, most resorts have spas, multiple pools, restaurants, and luxurious lounges.

Timeshare Points or Weeks?

If you have a particular time every year that your family vacations, weeks-based ownership might work best for you. Points are the best for flexible, spontaneous travelers. Take your points for weekend trips, long weeks, and last-minute getaways. 

Why Timeshare Resale?

Timeshare resales can be a great way to dip your toes into the vacation lifestyle. They are much more affordable and come with most of the same benefits. If you already own a timeshare, resales can also be a cost-effective way to add more points or flexibility to your package. 

Take Advantage of Vacation Exchange

Popular vacation exchange networks like RCI or Interval International offer owners the advantage to travel near or far. Choose from thousands of resorts and destinations around the globe. Most brands are affiliated with a trading platform, where you can exchange your points or weeks for other travel opportunities.

How Does A Timeshare Work?

In the most simple terms, a timeshare works by owning a "piece" of a resort or unit, for use every year. However, there are many different ways a timeshare works, down to the usage type, frequency, or length of contract.

Fixed Week

With Fixed Week usage, an owner is given the ability to vacation at the same right, the same unit, during the same week every year. In theory, a resort could sell a single unit to 52 different owners, given that there are 52 weeks in a year.

Commonly, the resort assigns every week a number, beginning with Week One in January. Every few years, a Week 53 will appear on a timeshare calendar. When this happens, Week 52 owners are able to add this time to their ownership, given that they pay the maintenance fees for it. For this extra time, Week 52 is a highly popular week to own.

Timeshare Maintenance Fees

With any form of ownership, whether it’s a home, a car, and even a timeshare, it must be maintained. Timeshare maintenance fees are due annually and include the maintenance of the resort, employee wages, and emergency funds. Timeshare maintenance fees uphold the excellent amenities that owners love about their resort, and so they are really important.

Before buying a timeshare, take into consideration the maintenance fees that are also due every year, especially if you will also be financing your purchase. The average maintenance fees were $1000 in 2019, which is a 2% increase since 2017. These dues slightly increase year over year.

Floating Week

A floating timeshare weeks gives owners more flexibility in when they vacation. Depending on the brand, a floating week may be able to use at any time of the year, or during the designated ownership season.

Points

Points-based ownership is wildly popular in the timeshare industry. Owners can use their annual allotment of points as currency, spending them for other resorts within their brands portfolio, and choosing when they vacation. Points can offer the ultimate flexibility and convenience for all different travelers.

Biennial Ownership

For travelers that may not want to take a vacation every year, biennial ownership is every other year usage. With biennial usage, you may own an Even (years ending on even numbers) or Odd Year (years ending on odd numbers).

Right To Use

A Right to Use timeshare is a contract in which the owner has full use of the ownership for an allotted number of years. Right to use contracts can vary in length anywhere from 20 years to 99 years, depending on the resort or developer.

Timeshare Seasons

Most resorts or developers will categorize segments of the year based on seasons, making it convenient for points-based or floating week owners to plan their vacations around the most practical times.

Vacation Exchange

Most brands are affiliated with a vacation exchange network such as RCI or Interval International (II). These trading platforms allow owners to trade their points or weeks for thousands of other resorts and destinations.

Timeshare Resale

Timeshare is made to be a lifelong product. Some are owned in perpetuity, meaning it can be passed on for generations, and some last several years before the contract expires or the Right to Use period is over. Although many owners love their timeshare and mean to use it for life, sometimes circumstances change. That’s why the resale industry began. When owners no longer have use for their timeshare, the best option is to place it for sale on the secondary market.

Buying a resale property can have many benefits for new owners. Resales are usually less than a fraction of the cost, and they come with most of the same benefits. If you’re looking to give timeshare a try, a resale is a great option for dipping your toes in. Plus, you can browse right from home across all of the top brands, destinations, and resorts.

Timeshare Frequently Asked Questions

A floating week is a form of ownership that gives owners a little more flexibility when they travel. Some clubs allow floating week owners to make reservations within their season. There are also clubs that allow owners to make reservations during any week of the year. Every brand is different, so make sure to check which form of ownership will work best for your travel lifestyle.

Timeshare points are used as currency when you vacation. Each point has a value that differs from brand to brand. You can use your points to make reservations at any time of year, at different resorts within the brand’s portfolio, and for different sized villas. Points are extremely flexible. Most clubs allow owners to bank their points for a bigger vacation next year. If you’re looking to make a big trip sooner, you can also borrow points from the next year to use.

Timeshare weeks are assigned a specific number on the calendar, from Week 1 to Week 52. When you buy weeks-based ownership, it can be a floating week or fixed week, depending on the brand. Fixed weeks allow owners to choose which week they want to travel every year. This makes planning easy, and guarantees your vacation time. Floating weeks allow owners to make reservations during their specific timeshare season, and some clubs allow floating week owners to make a reservation any week of the year.

Biennial timeshares grant every-other-year usage. Instead of vacationing annually, biennial owners can vacation every other year. They either have odd-year usage (years ending in an odd number), or even year usage (years ending in an even number).

Some vacation ownership brands offer owners perpetual ownership. This means that the deed never expires and your ownership can be passed onto your children, grandchildren, etc.

According to the American Resort Development Association, maintenance fees averaged to be approximately $1,000. This can differ between brands, resorts, how many points you have, or which week you own. Maintenance fees increase slightly every year, with about a 2% increase between 2017-2019. Owners normally pay maintenance fees every year.

Timeshare maintenance fees go towards “maintaining” the resort! Imagine clean walkways, new fresh flowers, bigger pools, comfy beds, and damage repairs. All owners help pay maintenance fees, so the cost of the resort is divided among each member. Maintenance fees have their benefits too. They ensure that your resort will be gorgeous for years to come, with new upgrades awaiting.

Fractional ownership comes with a registered title deed, like real estate. Some fractional ownership properties give you more time than a week for vacations, even up to months in some resorts. It’s similar to owning a vacation home, but with the benefit of sharing ownership.

Some contracts are perpetual, meaning it never expires and can be passed down to your children, grandchildren, etc. There are also Right to Use contracts, which only last for an allotted number of years.

A timeshare lockout or lock-off unit offers more space, options, and flexibility for owners. It can be split into two units, similar to an adjoining room at a hotel. It’s nice for privacy if you will be traveling with other guests, or you could even rent it out.

Timeshare How-To's & Resources!

  • All
  • Buying
  • News
  • Owning
  • Selling
  • Timeshare News
  • Traveling
Spain FREA featured Image Buying

Best Marriott Vacation Club In Spain: 3 Top Resorts

Learn about the best Marriott Vacation Club resorts in Spain, and decide which one complements your European vacation wants and desires.
Read More
Featured Investment Pic Buying

Are Timeshares A Good Investment?

Wondering if timeshares are a worthwhile investment? If so, we've touched on some timeshare basics to help you decide today!
Read More
Viva La Musica Merengue Musicians Buying

Viva La Musica SeaWorld Orlando: Food, Entertainment & Nearby Accommodations

Viva La Musica SeaWorld is Orlando's hottest Latin music event. With a Fidelity Real Estate timeshare, you can make it a yearly tradition!
Read More

Need Help or Assistance?

Call Us

Call us toll-free: 1-800-410-8326
Worldwide: (407) 477-7987

Monday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Contact Form

Our licensed real estate agents pride themselves on providing outstanding service and support. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process.

  • By submitting, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Compare listings

Compare