What Buyers Should Know About The Perks Of Picking Up A Timeshare Resale

According to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the average transaction price for a timeshare purchase in 2024 was $23,160. While some view timeshare purchases as a way to potentially enjoy long-term savings on future vacation expenses, there is no denying that the large upfront cost can make some buyers hesitant.

However, these high prices become much less of an issue when buying a timeshare on the resale market. As websites like SellMyTimeshareNow have gained popularity, access to timeshare resales has increased exponentially, with secondary resale listings experiencing 24% year-on-year growth in 2023 alone.

Here’s what prospective buyers should know about this type of vacation purchase:

Timeshare Resales Offer Potential Cost Savings

Purchasing a timeshare resale generally results in a lower purchase price than buying from a developer. Part of the price of buying a new timeshare directly from the developer is a result of various markups that are incorporated into the sales process, including commissions for salespeople, marketing expenses and other types of overhead.

On the resale market, existing timeshare owners must instead price their timeshare at a competitive rate to attract qualified buyers. This means that properties advertised on sites like SellMyTimeshareNow are often advertised at a fraction of the price that you would pay for a new sale.

As with new timeshare purchases, the cost of a timeshare resale can still vary significantly based on factors like the quality of the resort and its amenities, the resort location and the type of ownership package being offered. Resale buyers should generally expect to pay more for a points-based or floating week timeshare than a fixed week timeshare. You can also expect higher prices for peak demand weeks as opposed to off-season weeks.

The open nature of resale marketplaces makes it easy for prospective buyers to evaluate a wide range of options and find a solution that best fits their budget and vacation preferences. A far lower entry cost could mean foregoing the need to finance your purchase.

No High-Pressure Sales Process

The timeshare industry often has a reputation for using a high-pressure sales process that tries to get prospective buyers to make quick decisions — even if they aren’t financially ready or sure if a particular timeshare location is right for them. By creating a sense of urgency, salespeople often try to get buyers to make an immediate purchase.

Buying on the resale market is a stark contrast to this approach. When browsing on a website like SellMyTimeshareNow, prospective buyers have the ability to evaluate different ownership options on their own timetable. This lets you compare amenities, the size of the timeshare or ownership flexibility. When you find a timeshare resale that seems like it could be a good fit, you reach out to the seller to negotiate.

With so many options to choose from, you can make sure that your purchase actually fits your vacation preferences and budget. You can compare listings to find the best options within your search criteria, and take your time so you can feel confident about your final decision. 

Buyers Should Check Benefit Status

While buying a timeshare on the resale market can offer significant financial benefits for buyers, there are still a few additional factors to consider. Depending on the nature of the original owner’s timeshare contract, some of their benefits and developer advantages may not transfer to the resale buyer. This tactic is sometimes used by developers to make owners less likely to sell their timeshares on the resale market.

Benefits that may not be available to resale buyers could include enrollment in the developer’s internal point exchange systems, or from using certain perks (such as Disney Vacation Club resale buyers not having access to dining discounts, extra park hours or Disney Cruises). Of course, resale buyers still generally get access to the amenities at their home resort, which is usually the top priority for most buyers. 

However, because some benefits don’t always transfer to resale buyers, it is essential that you carefully review the terms of the contract before you commit to a purchase. Depending on your priorities, understanding which amenities won’t be available to you as a resale buyer could make all the difference in whether a particular purchase is right for you. 

Similarly, you should also confirm aspects such as how the booking process works (particularly for floating week timeshares), or any other questions you have about the property. Make sure that the seller is upfront about what benefits are and are not included in the resale. Don’t be afraid to negotiate or walk away from a sale if the benefits you want won’t be available.

A More Affordable Solution for Timeshare Ownership

Timeshares remain a very popular vacation option, with over 80% of timeshare owners surveyed by ARDA saying they would recommend timeshare ownership to others. While buying a new timeshare can be expensive, buying through a resale marketplace like SellMyTimeshareNow can give would-be vacationers a much more affordable solution without a high-pressure sales process. 

By doing your due diligence to confirm benefits status and whether a resale has your desired usage plan and amenities, you can find a timeshare that matches your dream vacation — and your budget.