Anyone who owns a timeshare and is considering selling it, one of the first questions they are going to ask themselves or type into Google is how much can I sell my timeshare for? Selling on the second-hand market is not as straightforward, and your car could be valued in a hundred different ways. In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn what contributes to the value of a timeshare, how most resale prices stack up against one another (and why), where location and maintenance fees come into play, plus some advice for getting top dollar.
The first question that many buyers or sellers want answered is: “How much does a timeshare cost?” In the end you will be much better informed about pricing your property well with an understanding of how works in the timeshare resale market. And when selling is not for you, learn why CancelTimeshareGeek reigns as the best timeshare exit solution.
What Determines the Value of a Timeshare?
The value of a timeshare depends on several key factors that influence what buyers are willing to pay. These factors include:
- Location: A timeshare in a popular destination (e.g., Orlando, Hawaii, Las Vegas) tends to hold more value than one in a less frequented area.
- Resort Quality: The reputation, amenities, and overall quality of the resort play a significant role. High-end resorts with luxury facilities will generally command a higher price.
- Season: The specific time of year you own the timeshare can greatly impact its value. Prime vacation seasons—often classified as Red Weeks—tend to be more valuable.
- Type of Ownership: Whether your timeshare is a deeded property (ownership in perpetuity) or a right-to-use contract (a set number of years) can affect its appeal and value.
- Flexibility: Timeshares with more flexible options—like floating weeks or points-based systems—often have higher resale potential.
Understanding these factors can help you set realistic expectations about the value of your timeshare on the resale market.
Average Selling Price for Timeshares on the Resale Market
The average resale price for timeshares varies widely, but most owners can expect to sell for significantly less than the original purchase price. Here’s a general breakdown:
- High-demand timeshares: Properties in popular destinations and luxury resorts can sell between $5,000 to $20,000.
- Mid-range timeshares: Standard resort properties in decent locations might sell for $1,500 to $5,000.
- Low-demand timeshares: Timeshares in less popular areas, or those with limited amenities, often sell for as little as $1 to $1,500.
On average, most timeshare resales go for 30-50% of the original developer price, highlighting the significant difference between the initial purchase price and the resale value.
How Location Affects the Value of Your Timeshare
Location is a crucial factor in determining the resale value of a timeshare. Here’s how different locations impact pricing:
- Prime Destinations: Timeshares in high-demand areas like Orlando, Hawaii, or Cancun often sell for more because of their appeal to vacationers and proximity to tourist attractions.
- Seasonal Locations: Ski resorts in winter destinations (like Colorado or the Swiss Alps) or beach resorts in summer hot spots tend to hold higher value during their peak seasons.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations: Timeshares in less popular or remote destinations may struggle to find interested buyers, leading to lower prices.
When assessing your timeshare’s value, consider the desirability of the location from a buyer’s perspective.
How to Assess the Worth of Your Timeshare Before Selling
To get a realistic estimate of your timeshare’s value before listing it for sale, follow these steps:
- Research Similar Listings: Look at timeshares for sale in your area or resort that have similar characteristics (e.g., season, unit size, and amenities).
- Check Timeshare Resale Websites: Use platforms like RedWeek, eBay, or SellMyTimeshareNow to see how similar properties are priced.
- Consult a Professional: Consider getting a valuation from a timeshare resale expert or a licensed real estate agent who specializes in vacation properties.
By comparing similar listings and seeking expert advice, you can better gauge the market value of your timeshare.
The Role of Maintenance Fees in Timeshare Pricing
Since maintenance fees significantly affect the resale value of a timeshare, they need to be taken into account by potential buyers. LifeTime Elite Members and Life Premier members pay a lower annual fee at certain resorts, while people who come for day use must pay anywhere from $120 to several hundred dollars a year in maintenance fees per lodging unit (dedicated week or vacant). This is how they influence the resale value:
- More Maintenance Fees: The last thing a buyer wants to think about is spending extra money with better interest elsewhere when purchasing something new, especially when there are likely cheaper options already on the market.
- Fair Assessments: Homes with high or unreasonable fees tend to get passed over and sell for a lower amount.
Make sure to let the buyers know what kind of maintenance fees that your timeshare will be coming with when looking at pricing your property.
How to Price Your Timeshare for a Quick Sale
If at all possible, set it up through your association so that you meet a live person to get their signature. How to Price Your Product Competitively Below are some general hints on how best to rate your merchandise competitively:
- Price It Right: Back Off of What You Paid For It in the First Place Instead, focus on what the market is telling you now and look at others that have sold.
- Incentives: Offer to pay the maintenance fees for the upcoming year as an incentive in order, attract potential buyers.
- Be Flexible: If you can, ask a bit more than the lowest number for which you would be prepared to take-and negotiate down from there.
The right price can make the difference between your listing sitting for a long time, or selling it quickly and effectively.
Can You Sell a Timeshare for a Profit?
The reality is that selling a timeshare for a profit is rare. Most timeshares depreciate in value once they are no longer new, similar to how cars lose value once driven off the lot. However, there are some exceptions:
- Prime Locations: Timeshares in high-demand destinations during peak seasons have a better chance of retaining or even increasing their value.
- Special Ownership Types: Some luxury or exclusive timeshare properties may hold value if they offer unique benefits or experiences not available elsewhere.
If making a profit is your primary goal, it’s essential to manage expectations and understand the resale market’s dynamics.
Comparing Developer Prices vs. Resale Prices for Timeshares
One of the biggest challenges for timeshare owners is the difference between developer prices and resale prices. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Developer Prices: Buying directly from the developer (e.g., at a timeshare presentation) often involves paying a premium. These prices include marketing costs, sales commissions, and incentives offered during presentations.
- Resale Prices: On the secondary market, timeshares are sold at fair market value without the developer’s markup. This often results in a much lower price.
On average, buying a timeshare on the resale market can save buyers 50-70% compared to purchasing directly from the developer.
Tips for Maximizing the Sale Price of Your Timeshare
Here are some tips on how to get top-dollar for your timeshare:
- Emphasize Peak Season Advantages: If you have a timeshare during an on-demand season (or Red Week), signify that in your listing.
- Take Professional Pictures: This may seem like a no brainer but high quality pictures will help sell your timeshare better than you can. Investing in a professional photographer is important.
- Image Credit: Be transparent with expectations of the ownership, maintenance fees, restrictions and benefits.
- Promote on Many Platforms: Never and by no means depend upon a single website. Leverage multiple platforms, such as RedWeek, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to attract more eyeballs.
When you show off your timeshare as best you can, that increases the odds in attracting genuine buyers.