How Much Do Timeshares Sell For? A Comprehensive Guide to Timeshare Resale and Market Value

Why Do Timeshares Lose Value?

Timeshares generally depreciate due to several reasons:

• Oversupply in the Market: The timeshare industry produces more units than there is demand for. Many resorts create thousands of timeshare intervals, meaning the supply often far exceeds demand, driving down resale prices.


• Initial Overpricing: Timeshare companies tend to sell their products at high prices, often including marketing and other sales commissions, which inflate the initial purchase price. When resold, however, the price drops substantially.


• High Maintenance Fees: The ongoing costs of timeshare ownership, including annual maintenance fees, taxes, and utilities, deter potential buyers who don’t want to deal with these recurring costs. This makes timeshares harder to sell on the resale market.


• Lack of Flexibility: Traditional timeshare systems require owners to commit to specific weeks or properties, which can limit the appeal to buyers who are looking for flexibility.

In summary, while timeshares can offer great vacation experiences, their resale value is typically much lower than the original purchase price. Understanding this dynamic will help you make better decisions when trying to sell.

Factors That Affect the Price of a Timeshare

The resale value of your timeshare depends on several key factors, which can either increase or decrease its worth. Here are some of the most important elements that affect the price of a timeshare:

1. Location of the Timeshare

Location is perhaps the most significant factor affecting timeshare prices. Properties located in high-demand vacation destinations such as Hawaii, Las Vegas, Orlando, or popular coastal areas are often worth more than those in less desirable or more remote areas. The appeal of the destination and its popularity among travelers play a crucial role in determining resale value.

• Prime Locations: Timeshares in tourist hubs like Orlando or Hawaii tend to maintain higher values due to constant demand for accommodations in these areas.


• Off-Peak or Remote Locations: Timeshares located in less popular or off-season destinations, such as rural areas or remote beaches, often see a significant reduction in resale value.

2. Brand Reputation and Resort Quality

The reputation of the resort brand can have a huge impact on the timeshare’s market value. Major brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Disney Vacation Club are well-known for their high standards and luxurious accommodations, which makes their timeshares more appealing on the resale market. Resorts with strong reputations are generally in higher demand.

• Premium Brands: These include resorts that have a strong reputation and offer excellent amenities, like those from Hilton Grand Vacations, Marriott Vacation Club, or Wyndham.


• Less Popular Resorts: On the flip side, timeshares from lesser-known resorts or those with lower-quality accommodations often sell for much less.

3. Timeshare Type: Fixed Week, Floating Week, or Points-Based

The structure of your timeshare can also influence its resale price. There are three primary types of timeshares: fixed weeks, floating weeks, and points-based systems.

• Fixed Week: This system assigns owners a specific week each year. Fixed week timeshares tend to be more predictable and desirable, as buyers know exactly when they can use the property. This can lead to higher resale values.


• Floating Week: Floating week timeshares give owners the flexibility to choose from a range of dates. While this flexibility is appealing to some, it can be less desirable than fixed week timeshares, as the availability of the property may be uncertain.


• Points-Based Timeshare: With points-based systems, owners can use points to book vacations at different locations, often within a brand’s network. These systems can be convenient, but their resale value is typically lower because they are less tangible.

4. Maintenance Fees

High or rising maintenance fees can severely impact the resale value of your timeshare. When prospective buyers see that maintenance fees are increasing or higher than average, they may be discouraged from purchasing the property. Timeshare owners often complain about how fees seem to increase every year, which can make the property less appealing.

5. Age of the Timeshare

Older timeshares, especially those that are nearing the end of their contract period, tend to have a lower resale value. The longer the timeshare has been in circulation, the more likely it is that the property has experienced wear and tear. Also, some timeshares have limited lifespans (e.g., 99 years), and when they’re close to expiration, potential buyers may hesitate to purchase.

For a comprehensive overview, see our recommended Timeshare Exit Companies.