Typical timeshare costs: what you'll actually pay in 2026

Last updated 2026-07-24

How much does a timeshare cost upfront?

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) reports that the average purchase price for a one-week timeshare interval was $23,940 in their 2023 member survey ^[1]. Prices vary widely by location, season, unit size, and brand. A studio week in a less-popular season might list for $10,000 to $15,000. A two-bedroom oceanfront week in peak season at a major resort can run $40,000 to $60,000 or more. Developers sell these intervals at full retail, often during high-pressure sales presentations where buyers sign that day. You'll also pay closing costs and document fees, which add another $500 to $1,500 to the bill. Most people finance. The same ARDA survey found that roughly 42% of purchasers financed their timeshare through the developer ^[1]. Developer financing typically carries interest rates of 12% to 18%, far above mortgage rates. A $24,000 timeshare financed at 15% over ten years costs around $387 per month, totaling more than $46,000 paid when you include interest. Resale timeshares on the secondary market tell a different story. Licensed resale brokers and platforms like RedWeek or the Timeshare Users Group forums list thousands of timeshares for under $1,000, and many owners advertise theirs for $1 or even offer to pay closing costs just to transfer the deed ^[2]. The resale market has almost no price floor because buyers inherit the annual maintenance fee obligation, which is the real long-term expense.

What are annual maintenance fees and why do they matter?

Maintenance fees are the mandatory annual charges that cover the resort's operating costs: staff, utilities, insurance, repairs, property taxes, reserves, and management. These fees are your responsibility as long as you own the timeshare, whether you use it or not. ARDA's 2023 data put the average maintenance fee at $1,120 per year for a one-week interval ^[1]. Fees vary by resort size, age, amenities, and location. A modest week might cost $800 annually; a luxury two-bedroom lockoff at a full-service resort can run $2,500 to $3,500 or more each year. Maintenance fees rise every year. A 2021 analysis by the University of Central Florida's Rosen College found that timeshare maintenance fees increased an average of 5% per year over the prior decade ^[3]. That compounds. A $1,200 fee today becomes roughly $1,955 in ten years and $3,181 in twenty years at 5% annual growth. You cannot skip these fees. If you stop paying, the resort will assess late fees and interest, report the delinquency to credit bureaus, and may eventually foreclose on the timeshare and pursue you for the balance, legal fees, and collection costs ^[4]. Many owners facing rising fees look for how to get out of a timeshare long before the twenty-year mark.

What are special assessments and how often do they happen?

Special assessments are one-time (or periodic) charges levied by the homeowners association or resort management to cover major repairs, hurricane damage, regulatory upgrades, or capital improvements not fully covered by reserves. These can run from a few hundred dollars to several thousand per owner, billed on top of annual maintenance fees. There is no public database tracking assessment frequency across all timeshares, but resort financial disclosures and owner forums show that assessments are common at aging properties. A 20-year-old high-rise resort might assess owners $2,000 each for a new roof, elevator modernization, or HVAC replacement. Coastal properties hit by hurricanes sometimes levy multi-year assessments to rebuild amenities or meet new building codes. Your timeshare documents and the resort's annual budget should disclose the reserve fund balance. Resorts with underfunded reserves are more likely to pass large assessments to owners. Florida statute 721.16 requires timeshare plans to maintain reserves for capital expenditures and deferred maintenance, but enforcement and adequacy vary ^[5]. Before you buy or inherit a timeshare, ask for the most recent financial statements and reserve study. If reserves sit below recommended levels, expect assessments.

How much do exchange fees and membership programs add?

Most timeshare owners join an exchange company (RCI or Interval International are the two largest) to trade their week for a stay at a different resort. Exchange membership costs around $89 to $129 per year, and each exchange transaction carries an additional fee of $199 to $299. If you own a points-based timeshare, you may already have exchange privileges bundled into your maintenance fee, but upgrades or bonus weeks still cost extra. Some club systems charge annual dues on top of maintenance fees. For example, a Marriott Vacation Club owner pays an annual club fee (around $199) plus per-unit maintenance fees ^[6]. Guest certificates, extra housekeeping, resort parking, and amenity fees can add another $100 to $300 per stay. If you finance the purchase, tack on that monthly loan payment. Over ten years, the total out-of-pocket cost of owning a $24,000 timeshare financed at 15% with $1,200 annual fees rising at 5%, plus exchange and incidentals, easily exceeds $60,000.

Are timeshares a good investment or are they scams?

Timeshares are not real estate investments in the traditional sense. You cannot rent your week in most cases without resort approval (and many HOAs prohibit or heavily restrict rentals), and the resale market shows near-total depreciation. A timeshare is a prepaid vacation product, not an appreciating asset. Are timeshares scams? The product itself is legal and regulated under state law. Florida's timeshare statute is Chapter 721, and every state with significant timeshare sales has disclosure and rescission rules ^[5]. The Federal Trade Commission has published consumer guidance on timeshare purchases, warning buyers about high-pressure sales tactics and emphasizing the rescission period as your one clear exit ^[7]. The scam risk is highest in two places: the sales presentation (misrepresentations about rental income, resale value, or investment potential) and the exit market (companies charging thousands of dollars upfront and failing to deliver cancellation). Legitimate timeshare developers are members of ARDA and comply with state registration. If you're exploring how to get out of timeshare, the FTC explicitly warns against any company that asks for large fees before performing services ^[8]. For most owners, the question is not whether timeshares are scams but whether the ongoing cost and inflexibility match their vacation habits. If you vacation at the same resort every year and will use the week reliably for 20 years, the math can work. If your plans change, your job relocates, or your health or family situation shifts, you are locked into a rising annual bill with almost no exit options outside the rescission window.

How much does it cost to sell or get rid of a timeshare?

Selling a timeshare on the resale market is difficult and usually costs you money rather than netting a return. Licensed resale brokers typically charge a commission (often 10% to 15% of the sale price) only if the timeshare actually sells. Because most timeshares sell for under $1,000 on the secondary market, a 10% commission on a $500 sale is $50, and the broker has little incentive to market your listing aggressively ^[2]. Upfront-fee resale and advertising scams are rampant. The FTC has brought enforcement actions against dozens of companies that charged owners $1,000 to $5,000 upfront to "list" or "market" the timeshare, then delivered nothing ^[8]. A legitimate broker earns a commission at closing; anyone asking for money before the sale is a red flag. Some resorts offer deed-back or surrender programs that let you return the timeshare to the HOA or developer if you meet eligibility criteria (loan paid off, fees current, and often a requirement that you have owned for a minimum number of years). These programs charge a processing fee, typically $250 to $1,500, but they provide a legal, final exit. Not all resorts offer deed-back, and some have waiting lists or narrow eligibility windows. If you are within your state's rescission period (the cooling-off window that starts the day you sign the purchase contract), you can cancel at no cost by sending written notice to the developer before the deadline. Rescission periods range from three to fifteen days depending on the state, and the clock often starts on the contract date or the date you received the disclosure documents, whichever is later ^[9]. Confirm your state's rescission window immediately if you have just purchased. For detailed state-by-state rules, see our guide on timeshare cancellation. Outside rescission, hiring a timeshare exit company typically costs $3,000 to $5,000 or more upfront. The FTC and state attorneys general warn that many of these companies take the fee and do nothing, or they advise you to stop paying your maintenance fees, which destroys your credit and exposes you to collections and foreclosure ^[8]. ExitHonest's $149 Timeshare Exit Kit walks you through the same deed-back request letters, hardship documentation, and resort contact scripts that expensive exit firms use, at a fraction of the cost and with no ongoing fees.

What does a timeshare really cost over 10 or 20 years?

Let's run the numbers on a typical scenario. You buy a one-week timeshare for $24,000, finance it at 15% over ten years, and pay $1,200 per year in maintenance fees that rise 5% annually. You join an exchange company ($99/year) and exchange your week every other year ($249 per exchange). You travel to the resort or exchanged property and spend another $200 per trip on incidentals. Over ten years, you will pay roughly $46,440 in loan payments (principal plus interest), around $15,093 in maintenance fees (sum of the rising annual fees), $990 in exchange memberships, $1,245 in exchange fees (five exchanges), and $2,000 in travel incidentals. That is $65,768 total for ten weeks of vacation, or about $6,577 per week. If you pay cash and avoid financing, the ten-year total drops to around $43,328 ($24,000 purchase plus $19,328 in fees and costs), or roughly $4,333 per week. For comparison, booking a week at a four-star resort hotel or a vacation rental in the same area often costs $1,500 to $3,000 for the week, with no ongoing obligation. Over 20 years, assuming you pay off the loan in ten and continue paying rising maintenance fees, the total climbs past $90,000. If you cannot use the week one year, you still pay the fee. If you want to exit, you will likely pay someone to take it or pay a deed-back fee, adding to your sunk cost. The math works only if you genuinely use the timeshare every single year, you love the specific resort or exchange system, and you are confident your life circumstances will not change. For most people, flexibility and lower cost make traditional vacation bookings or vacation rental subscriptions a better deal.

What other fees and costs should you expect?

Beyond purchase price, financing, maintenance fees, and exchange costs, timeshare ownership brings several smaller recurring or occasional charges: - Property taxes: Some timeshares are deeded real estate, and you owe annual property taxes to the local government. These range from under $100 to several hundred dollars depending on assessed value and local millage rates.

• Club or system dues: Points-based clubs often charge an annual membership or club fee separate from per-unit maintenance fees.
• Reservation or booking fees: A few resorts charge a fee (typically $50 to $150) each time you reserve your own week or points.
• Late fees and interest: Missing a maintenance fee payment can trigger late charges of $25 to $100 plus monthly interest, often at 12% to 18% annual rates.
• Transfer and closing costs: If you buy resale or eventually transfer the deed, expect title company and recording fees of $300 to $800.
• Upgrade or conversion fees: Developers often pitch owners on "upgrading" to more points or a different use year, which means buying additional inventory (and paying closing costs and higher annual fees). Read your timeshare documents carefully. The public offering statement or disclosure document lists all mandatory fees, and the HOA budget breaks down where your maintenance fee dollars go ^[5]. If the documents are vague or incomplete, that is a red flag.

How do you get out of a timeshare you already own?

If you are past rescission, your exit options are limited and depend on your circumstances: 1. Deed-back or surrender program: Contact your resort's owner services or HOA and ask if they offer a deed-back, surrender, or buy-back program. Eligibility usually requires that your loan is paid off, your fees are current, and you meet any ownership-length requirement. Expect a processing fee of $250 to $1,500. This is the cleanest exit if available. 2. Resale: List your timeshare with a licensed broker or on a reputable platform (RedWeek, TUG, eBay). Price it at or below comparable listings. Be prepared to sell for $1 or to pay the buyer's closing costs. Never pay a large upfront fee to a resale company ^[2]. 3. Donation: A handful of charities accept timeshare donations if the timeshare has resale value and low fees, but most will decline. The IRS allows a deduction only for the fair market value, which is often minimal. Donation companies that charge upfront fees are usually scams ^[8]. 4. Negotiate a hardship exit: If you face financial hardship, medical issues, or other documented life changes, write to the resort explaining your situation and requesting a deed-back or fee waiver. Some resorts will work with you; others will not. Our $149 Exit Kit includes sample hardship letters and step-by-step contact scripts. 5. Stop paying and face foreclosure: This is a last resort with serious consequences. The resort will report the delinquency, charge late fees and interest, and may foreclose. You may still owe the deficiency balance, legal fees, and collection costs, and your credit score will drop. Never stop paying based solely on an exit company's advice ^{[4] [8]}. For a full walkthrough of these strategies and state-specific rescission deadlines, see our guide on how do you get out of a timeshare. The FTC's consumer alert on timeshare exit companies is also essential reading ^[8].

What should you do if you just bought a timeshare?

If you signed a timeshare contract within the last few days, you are likely within your rescission period. This is a statutory cooling-off window during which you can cancel the contract for any reason, receive a full refund of your deposit, and walk away with no penalty. Rescission periods are set by state law and vary from three calendar days in some states to fifteen days in others. The clock typically starts on the date you signed the contract or the date you received the required disclosure documents, whichever is later. For example, Florida law provides a ten-day rescission period from the date you signed the contract or received the disclosure statement, whichever is later (Florida Statutes § 721.10) ^[9]. You must send written notice of cancellation to the developer by the deadline. The contract will include the exact address and instructions. Send your letter by certified mail with return receipt requested and keep a copy. The letter can be simple: state your name, contract number, the date you signed, and your intent to cancel under your state's rescission law. Do not rely on a verbal cancellation or a phone call. Only written notice within the statutory window is legally effective. If you miss the deadline by even one day, you lose the right to rescind and are locked into the contract. For specific rescission language and deadlines by state, consult your state attorney general's consumer protection page or see our timeshare cancellation guide. The FTC's timeshare guidance also covers rescission rights and warns buyers to act immediately ^[7].

Frequently asked questions

How much is a timeshare per year after you buy it?

After the purchase, expect annual maintenance fees averaging $1,120 for a one-week interval, rising roughly 5% per year. Add exchange membership ($89-$129), exchange fees if you trade your week ($199-$299 per exchange), property taxes (if applicable), and any club dues. Total annual out-of-pocket for an actively used timeshare often runs $1,500 to $2,000 or more.

How much do timeshares cost to buy new versus resale?

New timeshares from developers average $20,000 to $25,000, with premium weeks reaching $40,000 to $60,000. Resale timeshares on the secondary market typically sell for under $1,000, often $1 or less, because buyers inherit the same annual maintenance fee obligation. The resale market reflects the product's true economic value.

Are timeshares worth the money?

Timeshares work financially only if you will use the same resort or exchange system every single year for 20-plus years, you pay cash (no financing), and the annual maintenance fee stays below the cost of booking comparable vacation lodging. For most owners, the inflexibility, rising fees, and near-zero resale value make timeshares a poor deal compared to pay-as-you-go travel.

How much does it cost to get out of a timeshare?

If you are within your state's rescission window (3 to 15 days after signing), cancellation is free. Outside rescission, deed-back programs charge $250 to $1,500. Resale often nets you nothing or requires you to pay closing costs ($300-$800). Timeshare exit companies charge $3,000 to $5,000 or more, often with no guarantee of success. ExitHonest's $149 Exit Kit provides the same deed-back request templates and scripts at a fraction of the cost.

Do maintenance fees ever go down?

No. Maintenance fees rise almost every year to cover inflation, wage increases, insurance premiums, utility costs, and deferred maintenance. Industry data shows an average 5% annual increase. Fees never decrease unless the HOA dramatically cuts services or amenities, which is rare and usually signals financial distress.

Can you rent out your timeshare to cover the fees?

Most timeshare HOAs prohibit or restrict rentals, and rental income rarely covers the maintenance fee plus the cost of marketing and managing the rental. Even when allowed, demand for timeshare rentals is low because travelers can book the same resorts directly or through discount travel sites at competitive rates without the owner's markup.

What happens if you stop paying timeshare maintenance fees?

The resort will assess late fees and interest, report the delinquency to credit bureaus, and may foreclose on the timeshare. You can still be pursued for the deficiency balance, legal fees, and collection costs. Your credit score will drop. Never stop paying based on advice from an exit company unless you have consulted an attorney and understand the consequences.

How long does the rescission period last?

Rescission periods range from 3 to 15 calendar days depending on the state where you signed the contract or where the timeshare is located. The clock typically starts on the contract date or the date you received the required disclosure documents, whichever is later. Check your contract and your state attorney general's website immediately after signing to confirm your deadline.

Are there any ongoing timeshare costs besides maintenance fees?

Yes. You may owe property taxes, exchange membership and transaction fees, club or system dues, reservation fees, and incidentals like parking or resort fees during your stay. Special assessments for major repairs or improvements can add hundreds or thousands of dollars in a given year. Over time, these extras add up to thousands beyond the advertised maintenance fee.

How to sell a timeshare without getting scammed?

Use a licensed broker who charges commission only at closing, or list it yourself on RedWeek, TUG, or eBay. Never pay a large upfront fee for advertising or resale services. Set your price at or below comparable listings (often $1). Expect to pay the buyer's closing costs. The FTC has detailed warnings about upfront-fee resale scams at ftc.gov.

Can you negotiate a lower maintenance fee with the resort?

No. Maintenance fees are set by the homeowners association board or the resort management company and are uniform for all owners in the same unit type and season. Individual owners cannot negotiate a discount. If fees are unaffordable, your options are hardship deed-back, resale, or legal exit, not fee reduction.

What is a timeshare deed-back program?

A deed-back program allows you to voluntarily return your timeshare to the resort or HOA, ending your ownership and fee obligation. Eligibility requirements vary: most programs require that your loan is paid off, your fees are current, and you have owned for a minimum period. You typically pay a processing fee of $250 to $1,500. Not all resorts offer deed-back, and some have waiting lists.

Is a timeshare a scam?

Timeshares are legal, regulated vacation products, not scams. However, high-pressure sales tactics, misrepresentations about investment value or rental income, and exit-company fraud are common. The product itself is legitimate if sold in compliance with state and federal disclosure rules, but buyer's remorse is widespread due to inflexibility, rising fees, and near-zero resale value. Rescission laws exist precisely because regulators recognize the risk of impulse purchases.

How much does timeshare financing cost in total?

Developer financing typically carries 12% to 18% APR. A $24,000 timeshare financed at 15% over ten years costs roughly $387 per month, totaling about $46,440 paid (nearly double the purchase price). Paying cash saves you more than $22,000 in interest. If you finance, paying extra toward principal early dramatically reduces total interest.

Sources

1. American Resort Development Association, State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry: United States Study 2023 Edition: Average timeshare purchase price $23,940; 42% of purchasers financed; average maintenance fee $1,120 per year
2. Federal Trade Commission, Buying and Owning a Timeshare: Resale timeshares often sell for under $1,000 or even $1; upfront-fee resale offers are red flags for scams
3. University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Vacation Ownership Market Overview 2021: Timeshare maintenance fees increased an average of 5% per year over the prior decade
4. Federal Trade Commission, Timeshare Exit Companies: Stopping timeshare payments can lead to foreclosure, collections, and credit damage
5. Florida Statutes, Chapter 721: Vacation and Timeshare Plans: Florida statute 721.16 requires timeshare plans to maintain reserves for capital expenditures and deferred maintenance; disclosure documents must list all mandatory fees
6. Marriott Vacation Club, Ownership Costs and Fees: Marriott Vacation Club owners pay annual club fee (around $199) plus per-unit maintenance fees
7. Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice: Timeshares: FTC warns about high-pressure sales tactics and emphasizes rescission period as the clear legal exit
8. Federal Trade Commission, FTC Approves Final Order in Timeshare Exit Company Case: FTC warns against companies charging large upfront fees before performing exit services
9. Florida Statutes § 721.10: Public Offering Statement; Rescission: Florida provides a ten-day rescission period from contract signing or disclosure receipt, whichever is later