Timeshare ownership – especially if you’re talking to a salesperson – can often seem like an inarguable lifestyle upgrade. After all, who wouldn’t love yearly access to the beach or ski slopes, all for prices that are well below what you’d pay to book directly? The problem – in a nutshell – is that circumstances change. That pristine beach condo may be a little less desirable now that the kids are in college. Or maybe you want to travel with more flexibility. Whatever your circumstances may be, it’s possible that one day you’ll find yourself thinking about selling your timeshare. But what is it worth?

What is My Timeshare Worth? Do Your Research

When formulating your timeshare’s value, think about the highlights that would make your ownership stand out to buyers. Most importantly, where is your timeshare located? How many bedrooms does your unit have? Are your weeks locked in during a high season? Does your property feature particular amenities a traveler will love? What about the attractions or events in the surrounding region?

Your timeshare’s brand is also significant, as many travelers find certain names more appealing than others. While brands such as Marriott and Hilton have higher upfront costs, there’s also a better likelihood that you’ll be able to sell such timeshares faster (and for a better price). 

As you begin figuring out your timeshare’s value on the resale market, you should also contact your resort team to go over your ownership details, and learn more about your exit options. Your resort can provide all the info you need on your property, in addition to the key details of your contract. Further, many vacation clubs have internal teams to help walk you through the process of your sale. Some will even offer to repurchase your timeshare themselves.

What Affects a Timeshare’s Value? Compare Apples to Apples.

When assessing the value of your timeshare remember that there are multiple factors that potential buyers consider when making their purchase. Once you’ve made your evaluation of how your timeshare measures up, you’ll want to see how your listing compares with others of similar appeal.

You’ll find owners selling their timeshares on sites like Timeshare Users Group, eBay, and even Facebook. By checking out similar for-sale listings at your resort, in the same region, or with the same amenities, you’ll get a free insight into pricing and bidding activity, all of which can help you set a practical and attractive price.

Be Prepared to Accept a Loss

This is the hard part. You might feel a strong emotional attachment to your timeshare – who wouldn’t love a reliable home base for years of great vacations? That said, it’s important to recognize that selling a timeshare doesn’t adhere to the normal rules of supply and demand. In fact, timeshares depreciate immediately after you purchase them from a developer. Further, unlike other assets, timeshares come with a significant yearly liability in the form of maintenance fees.

As you dig in deeper, it’s likely you’ll be confronted with a stark truth: many owners list their properties for a fraction of the price they paid for it. You’ll have a tough time catching a buyer’s eye if you’re holding out for what you paid. And at the end of the day, competing on price is the key to selling your timeshare quickly.

Explore Your Options

Let’s fast-forward: You’ve done your research. You’ve settled on a target price for your timeshare that both you and your buyer-to-be can be happy with. What’s next? Let’s explore your options: 

1. See what your home resort or brand is offering to help you exit. Some brands, such as Wyndham, offer repurchase programs.
2. Work with a reputable resale company. KOALA has partnered with Timeshares Only, an industry leader with over 25 years experience in getting timeshares sold.
3. Do it yourself. There are plenty of marketplaces that make it easy to list your timeshare. Examples include Timeshare Users Group, Facebook, eBay, and Craigslist. While the DIY option can lower your costs, be aware that you’ll need to do your own advertising. You’ll also need to draw up a contract and handle payments yourself.

There are also options to consider if you’re not quite ready to part with your timeshare, but find yourself currently unable to use your week or points. Renting on KOALA is a risk-free option that helps you cover your yearly maintenance costs while you explore your exit options. 

KOALA makes listing your timeshare for rental hassle-free. Uploading takes 1-2 minutes, and there are zero upfront fees – we only get paid if you do. Click to learn more about whether renting is right for you.

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