Westgate timeshare maintenance fees: what owners pay per year

Last updated 2026-07-26

How much are Westgate timeshare maintenance fees per year?

Most Westgate owners pay somewhere between $800 and $2,500 a year in maintenance fees, and the exact number depends heavily on unit size, resort location, and how many points or weeks you hold. A studio or one-bedroom float week at a lower-demand property tends to sit near the bottom of that range. A two-bedroom or three-bedroom unit at a flagship resort like Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa in Orlando or Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino usually lands in the middle or upper end. These are not numbers Westgate publishes in a simple public rate card. They come from owner-reported figures in timeshare forums, resale listings, and secondary market data, since Westgate (like most developers) sets fees resort by resort through each property's owners' association and doesn't post a master fee schedule online. That means your actual bill depends on your specific resort, unit size, and season, and the only fully reliable source is your own coupon book or account statement. On top of the base maintenance fee, expect an annual assessment for the property's reserve fund and, periodically, a special assessment for storm damage, renovation, or unexpected repairs. Florida's timeshare statute requires that these assessments be disclosed and used for the purposes stated, but it does not cap how high they can go ^[1].

What drives the cost up or down at different Westgate resorts?

Unit size is the single biggest factor. A studio might carry a maintenance fee near $700 to $900 a year, while a three-bedroom lockout at a big destination resort can exceed $2,000 to $2,500. Points-based ownership (Westgate's newer model) ties your fee to how many points you own, so a large points package used for premium weeks costs more to maintain than a small one used off-season. Location matters too. Resorts with heavy amenities, water parks, multiple pools, spas, and golf courses cost more to run, and those costs get passed to owners through higher fees. Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, Westgate Myrtle Beach, and Westgate Lakes all carry different fee structures because their operating costs, insurance premiums, and property tax bills differ by state and by amenity package. Age of the resort matters as well. Older buildings need more capital repair work, which shows up as higher reserve contributions or special assessments. A resort that took hurricane damage, which has affected several Florida and coastal properties in recent years, may pass along a special assessment specifically for storm repair and insurance deductible costs.

How much do timeshares cost, more than maintenance fees?

The maintenance fee is only the recurring cost. The upfront purchase price for a Westgate timeshare, bought new from the developer, commonly runs from about $10,000 to $40,000 or more depending on unit size, season, and points package, and that's before financing charges. Westgate, like most developers, finances a large share of these purchases in-house at high interest rates, often in the mid-teens to high-teens percent range, which can double the real cost of the purchase over a 5 to 10 year loan term. So the honest full cost picture for timeshares in general includes four pieces: the purchase price, financing interest if you didn't pay cash, the annual maintenance fee that rises most years, and periodic special assessments. Resale prices tell a different story. Because the resale market is flooded with owners trying to exit, Westgate intervals frequently resell for $1 to a few thousand dollars, far below what the original buyer paid, because the resale value reflects the ongoing fee obligation a buyer is taking on, not the amenities.

Do Westgate maintenance fees go up every year?

Yes, in almost every case. Maintenance fees at Westgate and other major timeshare brands typically rise between 3% and 8% per year, according to owner reports and industry fee tracking, generally outpacing general consumer inflation. A fee that starts at $1,200 a year and rises 5% annually becomes about $1,940 in 10 years and roughly $3,160 in 20 years, without a single special assessment added in. That compounding is the part new buyers rarely think through at the sales presentation, where the focus stays on the purchase price and vacation flexibility rather than the 20- or 30-year fee trajectory. Special assessments are separate and unpredictable. A resort recovering from storm damage, or one that needs a new roof or HVAC replacement across multiple buildings, can levy a special assessment of several hundred to a few thousand dollars per owner, billed once or spread over a few years.

Are timeshares scams?

The ownership itself is a real, legal financial product, not a scam, but the sales process and secondary markets around timeshares have a documented history of aggressive and misleading tactics. The Federal Trade Commission enforces against deceptive practices in the timeshare resale and exit industry under the FTC Act's general prohibition on unfair or deceptive acts, 15 U.S.C. 45 ^[2]. The purchase itself isn't illegal or fake. What burns owners is the math: high-pressure sales presentations, financing at steep interest rates, fees that outpace what a comparable week of hotel or rental lodging would cost over time, and a resale market where units often sell for a small fraction of the purchase price. That combination makes timeshares a poor investment for most buyers even when every disclosure was technically accurate. The scam risk is heavier on the exit side. Companies that call you out of the blue promising an easy cancellation for a large upfront fee are the pattern regulators warn about most. The FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule restricts companies from collecting advance fees for certain recovery and exit services and requires clear disclosures before any payment, at 16 CFR 310.4 ^[3]. Check a company's standing with your state attorney general's consumer protection office before signing anything.

How do you get out of a timeshare?

There's no single button to press, and the right path depends heavily on timing. If you're still inside your state's rescission window (the short period right after signing when cancellation is your legal right), that's by far the cleanest and cheapest exit, and it costs nothing but a certified letter sent by the deadline. Confirm your state's rescission window and the exact procedure with your state attorney general's consumer protection page, since the length and requirements vary by state and Florida's timeshare rescission period is set by statute at Fla. Stat. 721.10 ^[4]. Outside that window, your realistic options are: selling on the resale market (often for very little or even giving the unit away), a deed-back or surrender program if the resort offers one, working with a licensed real estate attorney in your state, or in limited cases a legitimate timeshare exit company that charges after work is verified rather than a large sum upfront. Westgate has, at times, offered its own deed-back or surrender option for qualifying owners current on fees, though availability changes and isn't guaranteed, so ask your resort directly what's currently offered. Whatever path you take, keep paying maintenance fees and any loan payments until the timeshare is legally out of your name. Stopping payment before a deed transfer or cancellation is finalized can trigger collections, damage your credit, and in some cases lead to a deficiency judgment, regardless of how confident an exit company sounds on the phone. For a full walkthrough of the process by state, see how to get out of a timeshare and timeshare cancellation.

How to sell a timeshare (and what it's actually worth)

Selling a Westgate timeshare on the open resale market is legal and doable, but expect a low sale price, often just a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, sometimes $1 with the buyer covering transfer fees, because resale buyers are pricing in the annual maintenance fee they'll owe forever, not the amenities you enjoyed. Realistic channels include licensed timeshare resale brokers who work on commission (never pay a large upfront listing fee to a broker who promises a fast sale), owner forums and marketplaces like the Timeshare Users Group, and direct sale to another owner at the same resort who wants more points. Westgate's right of first refusal, common in developer contracts, may let the resort reclaim the unit at the sale price before an outside buyer can close, so check your contract before you invest time marketing it. If you can't find a buyer, a deed-back to the resort (sometimes called a deedback or surrender program) is often more realistic than a sale. Some resorts require the account be current on fees and free of liens before they'll accept a deed-back. See timeshare exit companies for how to vet a company if you go that route instead of a direct sale.

How to get rid of a timeshare when you've inherited one

Inheriting a Westgate timeshare doesn't obligate you automatically. In most states, an heir can disclaim (formally refuse) an inheritance, including a timeshare interest, within the timeframe set by that state's probate law, which typically must happen before you accept any benefit from the property. Once you accept it, sign paperwork in your name, or start paying fees, disclaiming becomes far harder or impossible. If the estate is in probate, the executor can also address the timeshare directly, either by transferring it to an heir willing to take it, selling it as part of estate assets, or negotiating a deed-back with the resort before final distribution. If nobody wants it and it isn't formally disclaimed in time, it typically passes to the heir under the will or state intestacy law, and unpaid fees can follow into collections against the estate or the new owner. Don't assume the fee obligation disappears if you simply ignore the mail. Westgate and other resorts pursue unpaid maintenance fees through collections and, in some cases, foreclosure of the timeshare interest, which protects the resort but can still hit the responsible party's credit report in the process.

What are the real numbers: purchase price vs. yearly fees vs. resale value?

Cost type	Typical range	Notes
Developer purchase price (Westgate, new)	$10,000 to $40,000+	Varies by unit size, season, points package
Annual maintenance fee (Westgate, studio/1BR)	~$700 to $1,200	Owner-reported, varies by resort
Annual maintenance fee (Westgate, 2BR/3BR premium resort)	~$1,500 to $2,500+	Owner-reported, varies by resort
Special assessment (as needed)	A few hundred to a few thousand dollars	Storm repair, renovation, one-time or spread over years
Resale price (secondary market)	$1 to a few thousand dollars	Reflects ongoing fee liability, not amenity value	The gap between column one and column five is the whole story of why timeshare resale prices crash. A buyer picking up a used Westgate week for $500 is still on the hook for the same $1,200 to $2,000 annual fee the original owner paid $25,000 to acquire.

What can you do if fees keep rising and you can't afford them anymore?

First, call Westgate's owner services line and ask directly what deed-back, surrender, or hardship programs currently exist. Policies change year to year and aren't always advertised, so it's worth a direct conversation before paying anyone else to negotiate on your behalf. Second, check your state attorney general's consumer protection page for timeshare-specific guidance and any active complaints or actions against Westgate or against exit companies operating in your state. Florida, Nevada, South Carolina, and Tennessee, where major Westgate resorts sit, all have consumer protection divisions that track this. Third, be skeptical of any unsolicited call or ad promising an easy exit for a large upfront fee. The FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule specifically restricts advance fees for certain services promising to get consumers out of contracts, at 16 CFR 310.4 ^[3]. If you want a structured way to organize your documents, understand your resort's specific deed-back or surrender policy, and build your own exit strategy without paying a company thousands of dollars to "negotiate" on your behalf, that's exactly the gap our $149 one-time Exit Kit Builder is built to fill: no promises about outcomes, no contact with the resort on your behalf, just a clear document-by-document plan based on your state and your contract type.

How to avoid a timeshare exit scam while you're figuring this out

The single clearest red flag is a company asking for a large payment before doing any work, especially if they contact you first by phone or mail rather than the other way around. Federal rules restrict this practice directly: the FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule, at 16 CFR 310.4(a)(5), prohibits requesting or receiving payment for debt relief and certain recovery services until the promised result has actually been achieved ^[3]. Other warning signs: pressure to sign within 24 hours, promises that sound like guarantees ("we will get you out or your money back" is a common script, and refunds rarely materialize when asked for), requests to stop paying your maintenance fees immediately as part of the "strategy," and refusal to give you a written contract with a specific service description before you pay anything. Check any company against your state attorney general's consumer complaint database and the Better Business Bureau before paying a dollar. If a company won't tell you which state it's licensed in or refuses a written explanation of exactly what work it will do for the fee, walk away. For a working list of vetted next steps and questions to ask before hiring anyone, see timeshare exit companies and timeshare call list.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a Westgate timeshare maintenance fee per year?

Most Westgate owners report annual maintenance fees between about $800 and $2,500, depending on unit size and resort. Larger units at premium resorts like Westgate Lakes or Westgate Las Vegas tend toward the higher end. Fees typically rise 3% to 8% a year, and special assessments for repairs or storm damage come on top of the base fee.

How much do timeshares cost, more than Westgate?

Purchase prices for new developer-sold timeshares commonly run $10,000 to $40,000 or more, often financed at high interest rates. Resale prices, by contrast, often fall to just a few hundred to a few thousand dollars because buyers price in the ongoing fee obligation. Annual maintenance fees at Westgate typically run $800 to $2,500 depending on unit size and resort.

Are timeshares scams?

The ownership product itself is legal, not a scam, but sales tactics and the exit industry around timeshares have real fraud risk. The FTC enforces against deceptive practices in this industry under the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45 ^[3]. The bigger issue for most buyers is poor financial value: high prices, rising fees, and crashed resale value, not outright fraud in the ownership contract.

How do you get out of a timeshare?

If you're still in your state's rescission window, cancel in writing by the deadline; that's the cheapest, cleanest exit. Outside that window, options include resale (often for very little), a deed-back or surrender program if your resort offers one, a real estate attorney, or a vetted exit company that doesn't demand large fees upfront. Keep paying fees until any transfer is final.

How to get rid of a timeshare you inherited?

You can often formally disclaim an inherited timeshare within your state's probate deadline, before you accept any benefit from it, which relieves you of the obligation. Once accepted or paid on, disclaiming usually isn't possible anymore. The estate's executor can also arrange a deed-back or sale before final distribution to heirs.

How to sell a timeshare, and what's it actually worth?

Resale prices for Westgate and similar timeshares often run from $1 to a few thousand dollars, far below the original purchase price, because buyers factor in the annual maintenance fee they'll owe. Use licensed resale brokers paid on commission, owner forums, or direct sale to another owner. Check your contract for the resort's right of first refusal before marketing it.

Do Westgate maintenance fees increase every year?

Yes, in nearly every case. Maintenance fees at Westgate and comparable timeshare brands typically rise 3% to 8% a year based on owner reports and resale-market fee tracking. Special assessments for repairs, renovation, or storm damage are separate and can add several hundred to a few thousand dollars at once.

Can you just stop paying Westgate maintenance fees?

You can, but it isn't advisable and carries real consequences. Unpaid fees typically go to collections, can damage your credit, and may lead to foreclosure of the timeshare interest or a deficiency judgment depending on your state. If you can't afford the fees, pursue a deed-back, sale, or hardship option instead of simply stopping payment.

What is a timeshare special assessment and how much can it cost?

A special assessment is a one-time or short-term charge beyond your regular annual maintenance fee, usually for storm damage, major renovation, or unbudgeted repairs. These can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per owner, billed once or spread over a few years, and Florida law requires disclosure of how assessment funds are used ^[1].

Does Westgate offer a deed-back or surrender program?

Westgate has, at various times, offered deed-back or surrender options for owners current on their fees, though availability and terms change and aren't guaranteed. Contact Westgate owner services directly to ask what's currently offered for your specific resort and contract before assuming a deed-back is available.

How do I know if a timeshare exit company is a scam?

Be wary of any company demanding a large payment before doing work, especially if they called you first. Federal rules under 16 CFR 310.4 restrict collecting fees before certain services are actually delivered ^[4]. Check the company against your state attorney general's complaint database and get a written scope of work before paying anything.

What is the rescission period for canceling a timeshare purchase?

Rescission periods are set by state law and vary in length, so confirm your specific state's window and required cancellation method with your state attorney general's consumer protection page. Florida, for example, sets its timeshare rescission period by statute at Fla. Stat. 721.10 ^[5]. Missing the deadline, even by a day, generally forfeits your right to cancel for free.

Sources

1. Florida Legislature, Florida Statutes Chapter 721 (Real Estate Timeshare Act): Assessment disclosure and use requirements for Florida timeshare owners' associations
2. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Consumer Complaint Database: Public database consumers can use to check complaint history before hiring a timeshare exit or resale company
3. FTC Act, Section 5, Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices: Federal statute prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices, the basis for FTC enforcement against timeshare exit companies
4. Telemarketing Sales Rule, 16 CFR 310.4 (Abusive telemarketing acts or practices): Federal rule restricting advance fee collection for debt relief and recovery-type services before results are delivered
5. Florida Statutes Section 721.10, Cancellation: Florida's statutory timeshare purchase cancellation/rescission provision