Last updated 2026-07-26
TL;DR
The average timeshare purchase price is about $10,600 (ARDA, 2023), and average annual maintenance fees run around $1,260, usually rising 3-5% a year. Add closing costs, special assessments, and financing interest, and total lifetime cost often runs into the tens of thousands, on an asset that resells for pennies on the dollar or nothing at all.
How much is a timeshare, really?
The sticker price at the sales presentation is only the first number. The American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the timeshare industry's own trade group, reported an average purchase price of $23,940 for a timeshare interval in its State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry research, with figures varying significantly by product type, unit size, and season [1]. Older industry figures cited an average closer to $10,600 to $22,000 depending on the year and survey methodology, so treat any single number as a rough midpoint, not a fixed price tag; plenty of buyers pay $20,000, $30,000, or more for larger unit sizes, prime weeks, or bundled points packages. That purchase price is the down payment on a much bigger commitment. You're also signing up for annual maintenance fees, periodic special assessments, closing costs, and in most cases, interest on a developer loan that can carry rates of 12% to 18% or higher. Nobody at the sales table walks you through the 10-year total. We will. Here's the blunt version: a timeshare is not an investment, and it is not the same as owning a house. It's a prepaid, ongoing right to use accommodations, wrapped in a contract that keeps charging you whether you use it or not.
How much do timeshares cost per year in maintenance fees?
Average annual maintenance fees run roughly $1,000 to $1,400 depending on unit size and resort brand, based on figures the timeshare industry itself has published in various years of its State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry research [1]. That number moves depending on the resort brand, unit size, and location, and it is not fixed for life. Maintenance fees are billed every year, they typically rise faster than general inflation, and you owe them whether or not you book a single night. Industry surveys and consumer complaints consistently point to annual increases in the 3% to 5% range, sometimes more after a hurricane, a roof replacement, or a lawsuit settlement gets passed through as a special assessment. A fee that starts at $1,000 and climbs 5% a year is roughly $1,630 by year ten, and about $2,650 by year twenty. Compounding works the same way it does on a savings account, except here it's working against you. Special assessments are the wild card. These are one-time (or not-so-one-time) charges layered on top of the regular maintenance bill, often to cover storm damage, major renovations, or reserve fund shortfalls. Owners have reported assessments ranging from a few hundred dollars to $10,000 or more after major hurricanes hit Florida and the Gulf Coast in recent years. There's no cap written into most contracts.
What's the total lifetime cost of owning a timeshare?
Run the math over a realistic ownership period and the numbers get uncomfortable fast. Take a $20,000 purchase financed at 14% APR over 10 years: total interest alone can exceed $14,000, on top of the principal. Add average maintenance fees starting around $1,200 and rising 4% annually, and 10 years of fees alone total roughly $14,400. Add one modest special assessment of $1,500, and you're looking at a $50,000-plus total cost for a product whose resale value on the secondary market is frequently close to zero. That last part matters. Timeshares are notoriously illiquid. Search resale sites and you'll find listings for $1, with the buyer only responsible for transfer fees and back maintenance dues. The purchase price you paid rarely reflects what the market will pay you back.
Are timeshares scams?
The timeshare product itself is legal in every state, and plenty of owners genuinely enjoy their weeks and never plan to sell. But the sales and exit side of the industry has a well-documented scam problem, and the Federal Trade Commission has taken action on it directly. The FTC has brought multiple enforcement actions against companies running deceptive timeshare exit and resale schemes that collected upfront fees, sometimes thousands of dollars, without delivering the promised cancellations or sales [2]. The FTC's consumer guidance is direct: 'Before you pay anyone for help getting out of your timeshare, check them out' and be skeptical of anyone who guarantees a sale or exit and asks for money upfront [3]. So the honest answer is nuanced. The core timeshare product is a real, regulated form of vacation ownership, not inherently a scam. But high-pressure sales tactics, exaggerated resale-value promises, and a thriving industry of upfront-fee exit companies that disappear with your money are real and well-documented risks. If you're evaluating an exit company, read our guide to timeshare exit companies before you sign anything or pay a deposit.
How to get out of a timeshare (and what it actually costs to do it right)
There are really only a handful of legitimate paths out, and none of them involve paying a stranger $5,000 upfront to promise a release with no risk. Here's the order to try them in. First, check your rescission window. Every state gives new timeshare buyers a short period to cancel with no penalty, no reason needed. The number of days varies by state, so confirm your state's rescission window with your state attorney general's consumer protection page before assuming you've missed it [4]. If you're still inside that window, a written cancellation letter sent exactly as your contract specifies is usually free and the fastest way out. See our full breakdown on how to get out of a timeshare. Second, ask the resort about a deed-back or surrender program. Many major resort brands (Marriott Vacation Club, Wyndham, Hilton Grand Vacations, and others) run formal deed-back programs for owners current on their fees, sometimes for a modest administrative fee, sometimes free. This won't work if you're behind on maintenance fees or if the resort doesn't offer one, but it costs nothing to ask. Third, consider resale, understanding you likely won't recoup your purchase price. Fourth, if you're going the DIY route with a written cancellation strategy, structured document, and call script, tools exist to help you organize it without paying thousands to a middleman.
How do you get out of a timeshare if you're past the rescission period?
Past the rescission window, your options narrow but don't disappear. This is where most owners get stuck, and where scam exit companies do their heaviest marketing. Deed-back or surrender programs are the cleanest legitimate option if your resort offers one. Some brands accept properties back at no cost if you're current on fees; others charge a processing fee in the hundreds of dollars. Call your resort's owner services line directly and ask what their program requires. Selling on the resale market is possible but slow, and pricing expectations need to be realistic: many timeshare resales close for $1 to a few hundred dollars, with the seller often still covering transfer fees and any back-owed maintenance dues. Licensed timeshare resale brokers registered in states that require licensing (Florida requires timeshare resellers to register under its Vacation Plan and Timesharing Act) are safer than unlicensed 'we buy timeshares' outfits [5]. If you hire outside help to build your cancellation paperwork, keep the cost proportional. Full-service exit companies often charge $3,000 to $10,000 or more, frequently paid upfront, with mixed track records; this is the segment the FTC has repeatedly warned about [3]. A flat, one-time toolkit costs far less; ExitHonest's Timeshare Exit Kit is a one-time $149 charge for the letter templates, documentation checklists, and call scripts you'd otherwise pay a middleman thousands to assemble. It doesn't promise your resort will release you (nobody legitimate can promise that outcome), and it's not legal representation. See our guide to timeshare cancellation for the documentation approach step by step.
How to sell a timeshare without losing more money to fees
Selling a timeshare yourself, without paying an upfront resale 'listing fee,' is almost always the safer starting point. Here's what actually works and what to avoid. List on established resale marketplaces (Redweek, Timeshare Users Group, and similar sites) where buyers browse listings directly; expect to price close to, or below, what similar units have actually sold for, not what you paid. Contact your resort directly, since some brands run their own owner-to-owner resale boards or first-right-of-refusal programs. Avoid any resale 'agent' who asks for money before a buyer is found and a closing is scheduled; this is the single most common thread in FTC timeshare fraud complaints [2][3]. Be honest with yourself about value. A studio week at a mid-tier resort in a shoulder season, purchased for $8,000 a decade ago, may realistically be worth $0 to $500 on today's resale market. That's not a reason to panic, it's a reason to stop chasing a sale price that doesn't exist and consider a deed-back or a documented cancellation approach instead. Our guide on timeshare exit companies breaks down which paid services are worth it and which are a waste of money.
How to get rid of a timeshare when you've inherited one
Inheriting a timeshare doesn't mean you automatically owe anything, but it can turn into a real financial trap if you're not careful. Timeshare contracts typically pass with the estate, and if you accept the inheritance (or don't formally disclaim it in time), you may become responsible for ongoing maintenance fees and any back dues. Check whether you can disclaim the inheritance through probate before accepting any transfer of the deed; a disclaimer executed properly and within your state's timeline can mean you never take on the obligation at all. If the deed has already transferred to you, contact the resort about a deed-back program, since some resorts are more willing to accept a return from an heir with no interest in using the property than from a longtime owner trying to exit for other reasons. Don't ignore mail from the resort assuming it will go away. Unpaid maintenance fees can lead to collections, credit damage, and in some states, foreclosure-style action against the deeded interest, similar to how HOA liens work. If you're facing this, our how do you get out of a timeshare guide covers the deed-back and documentation steps in more detail.
What red flags signal a timeshare exit scam?
The FTC's guidance and state attorney general actions point to the same handful of warning signs, over and over. Anyone who calls you out of the blue claiming they have a 'buyer already lined up' for your timeshare is almost certainly running a scam; legitimate buyers don't cold-call strangers offering full price for illiquid resale property. Any company that demands payment in full, upfront, before doing any work, and won't put a refund policy in writing, is a red flag the FTC has flagged repeatedly in its enforcement actions [2]. Pressure to wire money, pay by gift card, or use cryptocurrency for an exit or resale fee is a scam tactic, not a normal business practice. Check any company against your state attorney general's consumer complaint database and the Better Business Bureau before paying anything. If a caller claims to be affiliated with a government program to help timeshare owners, verify it directly with your state AG's office, since the FTC has warned specifically about scammers impersonating government or legal-aid programs targeting timeshare owners [3].
How does timeshare cost compare to just renting a vacation home?
| Upfront cost | ~$10,600-$23,940 average purchase, varies by source/year [1] | $0 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual recurring cost | ~$1,000-$1,400+ maintenance fee, rising 3-5%/yr [1] | Only what you book, when you book | |
| Special assessments | Possible, uncapped, can hit $1,000s | None | |
| Flexibility to skip a year | Still owe fees even unused | Just don't book | |
| Resale value | Often near $0 | N/A, nothing to sell | |
| Locked into one brand/region | Often yes, unless points-based | No | This isn't a knock on every timeshare owner; some people value the forced vacation discipline, the specific resort network, or the family tradition of a set week enough that the math works for them emotionally even if it doesn't purely financially. But if you're deciding whether to buy, or deciding whether to keep paying, run your own numbers against what a week at that same resort actually costs to book on the open market. Often it's less than your annual maintenance fee alone. |
Run the comparison honestly and renting usually wins on flexibility and often on raw cost, especially once you count what a timeshare actually costs beyond the sticker price. | Cost factor | Timeshare (1 week/year) | Renting comparable accommodations |
What should you do before you sign anything or pay anyone?
If you're still deciding whether to buy: sleep on it. Never sign at the presentation. Ask for the total cost breakdown in writing, including the interest rate on any financing, and calculate the 10-year total before committing. If you already own and want out: start with the free options first. Confirm you're not still inside a rescission window you forgot about. Call the resort and ask directly about deed-back or surrender programs. Check your state attorney general's website for verified complaint data on any company you're considering hiring [4]. Never send an upfront fee to a company that cold-called you or that you found through an unsolicited email or robocall. If you decide to pursue a documented self-directed cancellation approach, keep records of every letter, every certified mail receipt, and every phone call date and time. That paper trail matters if a dispute ever escalates. Our timeshare call list resource can help you track resort contacts and dates as you work through this.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a timeshare on average?
Average purchase prices reported by the timeshare industry's own trade group, ARDA, have ranged from around $10,600 to nearly $24,000 depending on the survey year and product mix. Prices vary widely by unit size, season, and resort brand; some points packages and larger units sell for $30,000 or more. That figure doesn't include annual maintenance fees or financing interest, which typically add far more over time.
How much do timeshares cost per year after purchase?
Average annual maintenance fees run roughly $1,000 to $1,400 depending on the resort and unit size, and they usually rise 3% to 5% a year. Owners also face occasional special assessments for major repairs or storm damage, which can add hundreds or thousands more in a single year, on top of the regular maintenance bill.
Are timeshares scams?
The core timeshare product is legal and regulated, not inherently a scam. But the FTC has sued multiple timeshare resale and exit companies for deceptive upfront-fee practices, and high-pressure sales tactics are common industry-wide. Research any company through your state attorney general's office before paying anything, especially for resale or exit help.
How to get out of a timeshare fast?
The fastest legitimate exit is canceling inside your state's rescission window, which requires a written cancellation letter sent exactly per your contract's instructions, usually free. If that window has passed, ask your resort about a deed-back program next. Avoid any company promising an instant, no-risk exit for an upfront fee; that's a common scam pattern the FTC has flagged.
How to sell a timeshare without getting scammed?
List on established resale marketplaces or contact your resort's own resale program directly, and never pay an upfront 'listing fee' before a buyer is confirmed. Price realistically since most resales close far below the original purchase price, sometimes for $1. Verify any resale agent or broker through your state's licensing database before signing anything.
How do you get out of a timeshare if the rescission period already passed?
Ask your resort directly about a deed-back or surrender program; many major brands accept properties back from owners current on fees. If that's not available, resale or a documented cancellation approach are the remaining paths. Avoid upfront-fee exit companies with sweeping promises; the FTC has sued several for deceptive practices in this exact space.
How to get rid of a timeshare you inherited?
Check whether you can formally disclaim the inheritance through probate before the deed transfers to you; done correctly and on time, this can mean you never take on the obligation. If the deed has already passed to you, contact the resort about a deed-back program, which some resorts prefer over collections from an uninterested heir.
What is a timeshare special assessment and how much can it cost?
A special assessment is an extra one-time charge on top of your regular annual maintenance fee, usually for major repairs, storm damage, or reserve fund shortfalls. Amounts vary widely; owners have reported assessments from a few hundred dollars to $10,000 or more after major hurricanes hit Florida and Gulf Coast resorts.
Can you just stop paying timeshare maintenance fees?
Stopping payment on fees you contractually owe isn't a safe shortcut; it can lead to collections, credit damage, and in some states foreclosure-style action against your deeded interest. If you're struggling to pay, contact the resort about a deed-back or hardship option first, and don't rely on nonpayment as an exit strategy.
How much does it cost to hire a timeshare exit company?
Full-service timeshare exit companies commonly charge $3,000 to $10,000 or more, often collected upfront, and the FTC has taken enforcement action against several for not delivering promised results. A cheaper alternative is a flat-fee documentation toolkit; ExitHonest's Timeshare Exit Kit is a one-time $149 charge for letter templates and a documented cancellation process, with no exit or cancellation promised.
Is a timeshare a good investment?
No major financial regulator or consumer agency treats timeshares as an investment vehicle. They typically lose most or all resale value, carry rising annual fees, and generate no income. Treat a timeshare purchase as a prepaid vacation product decision, not an asset that will appreciate or generate returns.
What's the difference between a deeded timeshare and a points-based timeshare cost-wise?
A deeded timeshare gives you a real property interest tied to a specific week or unit, while a points-based system gives you a contractual right to book across a network using points you buy and renew. Points systems often carry similar or higher annual fees and add booking competition, since popular dates get claimed fast across a shared inventory pool.
Sources
- American Resort Development Association (ARDA), State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry: United States Study (industry-reported average purchase price and maintenance fee figures): Average timeshare purchase price and average annual maintenance fee figures, as reported in ARDA's own industry research
- Federal Trade Commission, FTC Action Against Timeshare Exit Companies, Press Release: FTC and Missouri took action against a timeshare exit operation for deceptive upfront-fee practices
- Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice: Timeshares, Vacation Clubs, and Related Scams: FTC guidance to be skeptical of upfront fees and no-risk timeshare exit/resale promises
- Florida Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection: Timeshares: State attorney general guidance on timeshare rescission rights and consumer complaints
- Florida Statutes, Chapter 721, Vacation Plan and Timesharing Act: Florida law regulating timeshare resale registration and cancellation rights
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Consumer Complaint Database: Consumer complaint patterns around timeshare loans, fees, and exit companies