Timeshare Vs. Vacation Club: What's the Difference?
Understanding Which Option to Choose and Why
What is the difference between a timeshare and a vacation club? Both terms are often used interchangeably, and while they both offer people comfortable travel accommodations, there are a few distinct differences that are important when it comes to advertising your property on the resale market. We compare timeshares and vacation clubs in the table below.
Comparing a Timeshare and a Vacation Club
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Timeshare |
Vacation Club |
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Ownership Type |
Timeshare ownership typically means you own a legal deed to a piece of real estate, similar to owning a home except your deed covers a single week of ownership. |
While vacation club ownership may also be a deeded ownership for a single week, it can come in the form of club points that are tied back to the resort. These points can be exchanged within the vacation club’s network for resort stays at other locations around the world. |
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Price |
Timeshare prices are based on the week of ownership (popular or holiday weeks would be higher in price than off-season or non-holiday). |
Vacation club prices are based on flexible options of multiple vacation usage, and vary based on points purchased. The more points you have, the more flexibility. |
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Location Exchange |
The ability to exchange timeshare locations depends on the type of timeshare exchange membership you have. Typically, owners should plan a year ahead to confirm their week and make a successful exchange. |
Because of the points system, it’s typically easier to exchange time or location with a vacation club. For example, if you’re a member of the Marriott Vacation Club, you can use your points toward other in-network locations with ease. |
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Time and Date Flexibility |
The flexibility of time and date is also dependent on the type of timeshare you own. If you have a fixed-week timeshare, you own a specific week at a single location. If you have a floating-week timeshare, you will have a range of weeks to choose from. |
With a vacation club, you typically have a single week’s worth of vacation time during which you can travel to the same location or another location within your vacation club’s network. |
Is a Timeshare or a Vacation Club More Desirable on the Resale Market?
The honest answer is that both types of properties are desirable on the resale market, but for different reasons.
For example, let’s imagine you have a potential buyer for your fixed-week timeshare property in Myrtle Beach who has a lot of family in that area and just wants a consistent place to stay when they make their annual trip to visit. Your timeshare is perfect for them.
However, another potential buyer wants to travel to different places each year and see other parts of the world. A vacation club property would be best as it has that flexibility.
In short, both types of properties are in high demand by buyers, and the more detail about the type of ownership that you can provide about your property, the better.
Related Insights & Resources
Tips to Sell a Marriott Timeshare: Maneuvering the Market
Selling a Marriott timeshare, those available through Marriott Vacation Club, is a nuanced process given the specialized nature of the market. Learn more here.
Can You Sell Vacation Club and Travel Club Memberships?
If you no longer want to be a part of your club or cannot use your membership, can you sell your vacation club or travel club memberships? Let’s find out.
Best Time to Sell a Caribbean Timeshare
A combination of factors, including visitor trends, local developments and even the weather play a pivotal role in the best time to sell a Caribbean timeshare.
