What Is a Timeshare? Everything You Need to Know

The Simple Answer

A timeshare (also called vacation ownership) is the right to use a specific holiday property for a set period each year — typically one week. Instead of buying an entire property, you share ownership or use-rights with other buyers who each hold different weeks.

The concept was developed in Europe in the 1960s and spread to the US, Caribbean, and beyond. Today, millions of families worldwide own timeshare memberships at resorts ranging from modest apartment complexes to five-star luxury properties.

How Does a Timeshare Actually Work?

When you buy a timeshare, you typically receive:

• A specific week (or weeks) at a specific resort every year
• Access to resort facilities — pools, restaurants, spa, sports, entertainment
• Exchange rights — through RCI or Interval International, swap your week for a different resort or destination

In return, you pay an annual maintenance fee to cover the resort's running costs. This fee typically ranges from €400 to €1,500+ depending on the resort and unit size.

Types of Timeshare Ownership

Deeded / Fixed Week

You own a specific week (e.g. Week 28) in a specific unit type (e.g. 2-bedroom ocean view) at a specific resort. The deed is registered in your name like a property purchase. This is the most common type in Europe.

Right-to-Use / Floating Week

You have the right to use the resort for one week per year, but the specific week can vary. You book in advance and choose from available dates. Common in newer resorts and memberships.

Points-Based

Instead of a specific week, you receive annual points that can be spent like currency — at your home resort or exchanged across a network of hundreds of properties worldwide. Marriott Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacations, and Disney Vacation Club all use points-based systems.

The Major Exchange Networks

RCI (Resort Condominiums International) and Interval International are the two largest exchange networks. If your resort is affiliated with either, you can trade your home week for a week at thousands of other resorts worldwide — a major benefit that makes timeshare ownership far more flexible.

What Does a Timeshare Cost?

On the primary market (buying direct from a resort developer), timeshares typically sell for €5,000–€40,000+ depending on the resort, location, and unit size. On the resale market — buying from an existing owner — the same weeks can often be purchased for a fraction of that price.

Annual maintenance fees are ongoing regardless of whether you use your week. This is often the key factor owners consider when deciding to sell.

Is Buying a Timeshare a Good Investment?

Timeshares are generally not financial investments — they don't typically appreciate in value. They're lifestyle purchases: a guaranteed, pre-paid annual holiday at a resort you love. The real value is in the experience, not resale potential.

For families who holiday consistently at the same destination, timeshare ownership can represent excellent value over time. For those whose circumstances change — children leaving home, health issues, financial pressures — selling on the resale market is a straightforward solution.

Buying Timeshare on the Resale Market

The resale market offers the same resort access, the same exchange rights, and the same annual holidays — at dramatically lower prices than buying new. BidMyTimeshare.com specialises in connecting timeshare sellers with buyers across Europe and North America.