We often hear people say:

"Timeshare is dead."
"Nobody wants timeshare anymore – it's a thing of the past."

But if timeshare really were dead, why are new resorts still being built across the world? Why are new holiday clubs being launched, while established resorts continue to attract new owners?

Why are industry reports showing rising timeshare values and increasing sales at resort presentations? And why have European resale agencies seen growing numbers of enquiries from people looking to buy timeshares?

The truth is that there was a period when timeshare did lose some of its appeal.

That period was largely during the 2000s.

Cheap holiday rentals became widely available, banks were offering generous mortgages for overseas property—often with little or no deposit—and many people thought:

"Why buy a timeshare when I can own my own apartment abroad?"

But the market has changed dramatically since then.

Following financial crises, tighter regulations on holiday rentals and the sharp rise in property prices, owning a second home abroad has become far more expensive and far less straightforward.

People have started doing the maths again.

For many families, a quality timeshare holiday now represents better value than maintaining an overseas property or paying ever-increasing market rates for holiday accommodation every year.

Timeshare Has Changed

Perhaps even more importantly, timeshare itself has evolved.

Today's products bear little resemblance to those sold twenty or thirty years ago.

Modern ownership may include:

• floating weeks;
• points-based clubs;
• short breaks of three or four nights;
• online booking systems;
• digital ownership records;
• flexible holiday programmes.

In many respects, today's timeshare is an entirely different product.

Larger Resort Networks Mean Greater Choice

The industry has also undergone significant consolidation.

Major international brands continue acquiring smaller resorts and independent clubs, integrating them into larger holiday networks.

For owners, this often means access not just to one resort, but to hundreds of destinations worldwide.

The Industry Continues to Grow

When many owners first purchased their timeshare, destinations such as China, Vietnam, Bali, Croatia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Azerbaijan and many parts of Latin America were barely represented within the industry.

Today they form an increasingly important part of many holiday club portfolios.

The industry hasn't disappeared.

It has simply evolved.

Why Doesn't It Feel That Way?

In countries such as Russia and several other former Soviet states, people often don't see this development.

However, this reflects local market conditions and today's geopolitical realities—not the health of the global timeshare industry.

A better question might therefore be:

"Is my own timeshare ownership still right for me?"

That is a far more useful discussion.

What Should You Do?

If your timeshare no longer suits your lifestyle:

• consider upgrading to a more flexible ownership;
• choose a club offering destinations you now prefer;
• look for lower annual maintenance costs or pay-as-you-travel membership options;
• if the resale market is currently favourable, consider selling while demand remains strong;
• if your property is already listed for sale, refresh your listing and renew its online marketing to improve visibility.

If you've tried selling before without success:

• review whether the resale agency you used is still actively marketing your property;
• check whether your listing can be updated;
• ask whether returning sellers qualify for discounted advertising or promotional offers;
• develop a new resale strategy based on today's market conditions and list with the agencies currently generating the strongest buyer enquiries.

If you've stopped using your timeshare altogether:

• find out how your club has changed over the years;
• review whether today's membership benefits better match your current travel needs;
• if they do, explore the most cost-effective way to reinstate your membership;
• if only the season or apartment size no longer suits you, investigate whether an upgrade is available before reactivating your ownership;
• if your club no longer meets your expectations, consider transferring into a more suitable holiday club where your existing ownership may receive full or partial trade-in value.

Every owner's situation is different.

The important thing is not to assume that your options today are the same as they were ten or twenty years ago.

The timeshare market has changed considerably—and in many cases, so have the opportunities available to owners.

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To answer this question correctly, it is essential to know what type of timeshare you own and, consequently, what your main ownership document is.

The Most Common Type of Timeshare Ownership

The most common form of timeshare ownership among our clients is the exclusive right to use accommodation within a club, for a period expressed in weeks (sometimes converted into points).
This ownership is confirmed by a certificate of ownership, which lists the owner(s) and co-owner(s) and describes the specific timeshare interest.

This type of ownership is the simplest to transfer.

The transfer requires:

• completing the reverse side of the ownership certificate, which serves as a formal deed of transfer to another person;
• sending the completed certificate by post to the registry holder of the club (most often an independent trustee or trust company).

At the same time, a transfer fee must be paid to the registry holder. This fee covers:

• administrative processing,
• updating the ownership register,
• issuing a new ownership certificate in the buyer’s name.

In resale transactions, these costs are usually paid by the buyer. Before the documents are submitted, the buyer must also sign the reverse side of the certificate, confirming acceptance of the ownership with all associated rights and obligations.

If no written sale agreement exists (for example, in the case of a gift to family or friends), only the certificate is submitted for re-registration.

If a sale contract, gift deed, or other paid or unpaid transfer agreement has been executed, a copy of that agreement must also be sent to the trust company together with the certificate.
If the agreement is drafted in a non-European language, it must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

No additional certificates or checks are required.

The buyer may request proof that there are no outstanding maintenance fees. However, even if such proof is provided in advance, the trust company will disregard it and make its own official inquiry with the management company before proceeding with the transfer.

The entire process usually takes from 2 to 8 weeks.

For sale transactions, it is strongly recommended to arrange secure holding of the seller’s funds during the transfer period.
An escrow service may be provided by the trust company itself (if it offers dedicated escrow accounts), typically costing between €50 and €250, or alternatively by a notary.

Timeshare as Real Estate: A More Complex Process

More complex is the transfer of a timeshare that is legally classified as real estate, requiring full compliance with real estate law and notarial formalities.

The only practical way to complete such a transfer without excessive burden is to act through a power of attorney, appointing a representative who will:

• collect and translate documents required by the notary,
• wait for official notarial and registry inquiries,
• complete the transaction in the presence of representatives acting under powers of attorney,
• and finally obtain the registered ownership document confirming the buyer’s acquisition.

This process may take three months or longer, as it involves scheduling a notarial appointment and completing all statutory real estate formalities.

Costs may include:

• services of representatives acting under power of attorney,
• preparation of the power of attorney itself,
• drafting of the sale, gift, or transfer agreement,
• notary fees,
• government registration fees,
• and escrow services (for sale transactions).

The first two categories of costs are unavoidable; others may sometimes be negotiated to be paid by the buyer.

As in the previous case, it is advisable to verify in advance that:

• the seller is the legitimate owner,
• there are no outstanding maintenance or club-related debts.

Otherwise, the transaction should not proceed.
Nevertheless, any certificates obtained in advance will still be ignored by the notary, as the notary is legally obliged to perform independent checks and official inquiries.

When Are Documents Actually Needed?

As is clear from the procedures described, documents are required only after:

• all terms have been agreed,
• and either a preliminary agreement, a sale contract, or a verbal agreement has already been reached.

In practice, significant time passes before:

• negotiations are completed,
• a buyer is found,
• all questions are answered,
• and final conditions are agreed.

At this initial stage, no documents are required from the seller at all.

What is needed is:

• the intention to sell at a specific price,
• and accurate details of the ownership.

This is especially important for owners who cannot immediately locate the original documents.

No agency or intermediary will require the ownership certificate at the listing stage.
What matters is that, once a buyer is found, all co-owners agree to the sale.

If the original documents are missing, the seller will have sufficient time during the marketing period to:

• obtain duplicates,
• or request a special replacement document package for ownership transfer in case of loss.

⚠️ Important Warning

Certificates allegedly confirming ownership, so-called endorsements, overrating certificates, technical-legal passports, liquidity certificates, and similar documents are artificial constructs that have no legal relevance to the protection of a timeshare sale transaction.

A paid or unpaid transfer of timeshare ownership must be conducted strictly in accordance with:

• the legislation of the country where the transaction takes place,
• and the legislation of the country where the resort is legally registered.

The legal framework of the resort’s jurisdiction is specifically designed to protect the rights and interests of buyers, sellers, developers, and other market participants.

Any additional documents or procedures not required by the resort or by applicable law:

• do not enhance legal protection,
• are not integrated into the existing legal system,
• provide no real benefit,
• and only generate unnecessary costs.

Moreover, they may create a false sense of security, especially when core legal requirements are not properly fulfilled.

Over the past few days we have been receiving many concerned calls from timeshare owners. People are worried that events in the Middle East could bring tourism to a halt — that nobody will travel using their timeshare, rent out weeks, or purchase them.

 

Such concerns are understandable. News about military conflicts always makes travellers uneasy. However, when we look at the situation calmly and professionally, a different picture emerges: the travel industry does not stop — it simply adapts.

 

Let us take a closer look at what is actually happening.

Travellers Are Not Cancelling Holidays — They Are Changing Destinations

 

Experience from past decades shows that people rarely give up travelling altogether.

 

What usually happens instead is a shift in travel geography.

 

When a particular region becomes less convenient or causes concern, travellers simply choose another destination. This is exactly what we are seeing now.

 

For example:

·      some European travellers are reconsidering trips to South-East Asia due to complications with flights through Middle Eastern hubs;

·      travellers from Asia are becoming more cautious about long-haul flights to Europe;

·      certain destinations are seeing temporary declines in bookings.

 

However, people are still planning holidays — they are simply choosing destinations that feel closer, safer or more convenient.

The Impact of Flight Disruptions via Dubai

 

One of the most noticeable factors has been the cancellation or rescheduling of some flights via Dubai — one of the world’s largest aviation hubs.

 

This does create temporary complications:

·      for travel from Europe to South-East Asia

·      for Asian travellers heading to Europe.

 

However, this is essentially a logistical issue rather than a collapse in travel demand.

 

Travellers are beginning to look for:

·      direct flights

·      alternative connections

·      or different holiday regions altogether.

Destinations That May Temporarily See Lower Demand

 

In the short term, some destinations in the region may experience a modest decline in bookings.

 

In particular:

·      Cyprus

·      Turkey

 

Travel to Israel has already been significantly reduced for some time, and from certain countries tourism has effectively come to a halt.

 

Egypt is seeing only a slight decline in interest, and its resorts continue to operate and welcome visitors.

 

It is important to remember that such fluctuations occur during almost every regional crisis and are rarely long-term.

Changes in Exchange and Cruise Programmes

 

Some adjustments have also affected exchange programmes.

 

For example:

·      exchanges involving cruises in the Persian Gulf are currently being suspended

·      alternative options are being offered to owners.

 

Popular alternatives now include:

·      cruises in Northern European waters

·      cruises in the Mediterranean (Spain, France, Italy, Greece)

·      exchanges for apartments in the Caribbean

·      exchanges for resorts in Latin America.

 

In other words, exchange systems continue to operate — they are simply offering different destinations.

Why Timeshare Resorts Often Prove More Resilient Than Hotels

 

Interestingly, periods of uncertainty often highlight the advantages of timeshare resorts.

 

In recent days there have been reports that some hotels in Dubai:

·      asked guests who could not depart due to cancelled flights to leave their rooms;

·      required them to pay very high rates for additional nights.

 

For traditional hotels, this is standard practice — rooms are sold per night and must generate revenue.

 

Timeshare resorts operate differently.

 

Their guests include:

·      owners

·      club members

·      exchange guests.

 

For this reason, resorts often have greater flexibility to:

·      allow guests to stay additional nights without extra charges

·      assist in finding alternative flights

·      support owners during difficult travel situations.

 

This is one reason why experienced travellers value timeshare ownership — during times of disruption, the system often proves more flexible and supportive.

What Is Happening in the Timeshare Resale Market

 

At the moment, we are observing only very limited changes in buyer interest.

 

The only destination where we have noticed a slight decline in enquiries is timeshare property in the UAE.

 

This is understandable.

 

In recent years the resale market saw growing interest in UAE timeshares because:

·      hotel prices in the region have risen sharply;

·      owning a timeshare allowed travellers to stabilise their holiday costs.

 

Some potential buyers are now simply adopting a “wait-and-see” approach.

 

However, in most other destinations the market remains stable.

What About Renting Out Timeshare Weeks?

 

The rental market also continues to function normally.

 

During periods of geopolitical uncertainty we usually see:

·      reduced demand for certain regions

·      increased demand for others.

 

Historically, destinations that often benefit include:

·      Southern Europe

·      the Canary Islands

·      the Caribbean

·      parts of Asia.

 

As a result, weeks continue to be:

·      Booked

·      Exchanged

·      rented out.

Tourism Always Finds New Destinations

 

Over the past decades the tourism industry has experienced many crises:

·      regional conflicts

·      economic downturns

·      the global pandemic.

 

Yet every time the same pattern emerges — tourism does not disappear, it simply shifts to other regions.

 

Even if tensions expand within a particular region, there will always be many other destinations where travellers choose to go.

 

The world is simply too large for travel to stop altogether.

What Timeshare Owners Should Remember

 

If we look at the situation calmly, several simple conclusions can be drawn:

1.       Tourism does not stop — it shifts between destinations.

2.       Timeshare systems adapt particularly well thanks to flexible exchange programmes.

3.       Most resorts continue to operate as usual.

4.       Sales and rentals continue, although demand may shift between regions.

Our Advice

 

If you have been planning a holiday, there is no reason to panic.

 

In most cases it is enough to:

·      check current flight options

·      confirm the situation with your exchange company

·      or consider an alternative resort.

 

If you have questions regarding:

·      travel plans

·      exchanges

·      renting out your week

·      selling your timeshare

 

our specialists are always ready to help you review the situation and find the best solution.

 

The timeshare industry has proven its resilience many times — and the current situation is no exception.

Dear friends,
on behalf of the entire Help Line International team, please accept our warmest wishes for the New Year!

 

May 2026 bring peace, safety, prosperity, and many happy moments to you and your loved ones.
And of course, may the new year bring you more travel, successful deals, smooth sales, and unforgettable experiences!

 

As for us, we will continue to be by your side — taking care of your timeshare, helping you resolve any issues, and ensuring that timeshare ownership remains convenient, beneficial, and comfortable.

In 2026, we continue to support you in key areas:

⭐ Membership Management

• coordination and negotiation of maintenance fees, including payment deferrals
• membership status checks and negotiations with clubs
• removal of penalties and resolution of disputed situations

 

⭐ Rental and Resale

• full-service timeshare rentals
• resale listings with international agencies
• transaction control until full payment is received

 

⭐ Ownership Upgrade and Restoration

• timeshare tuning: changes of season, size, location, or membership type
• restoration of ownership within your club or transfer to another, based on your goals

 

⭐ Travel and Holidays

• selection and organization of holidays of any complexity
• bookings using all international exchange systems
• finding the weeks that are most advantageous to use right now

 

⭐ Protection of Owner’s Interests

• monitoring owners’ rights during club reorganizations or closures
• identifying violations and recovering underpaid or lost benefits

? New Year’s Gift: 5.9% discount on all services until 31.01.2026
Use promo code NEWYEAR2026

 

? +7 812 327 3222 | +39 306 588 188
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If you need help, a consultation, or simply some guidance — we are always here for you:
? St. Petersburg: +7 812 327 32 22
? Italy: +39 306 588 188

 

 

Thank you for trusting us with the care of your timeshare.
May 2025 become a year of peace, good fortune, and positive news! ✨

The year is coming to an end, but timeshare owners still have plenty to take care of!

·      At the end of the year it’s time to pay your club maintenance fee — and right now is the best moment to arrange anything important with your resort.

·      The highest number of sales and rental transactions happen at the end of the year — make sure your timeshare is visible to potential buyers.

·      This season also brings the most attractive holiday offers for both the near and distant future.

·      Management companies are especially willing at this time of year to discuss restoring ownership or improving your membership.

·       

But your timeshare matters should be handled by specialists — US.
You already have enough holiday tasks of your own!

 

Use the promo code LIKE ON FRIDAY to receive a 10% discount on any of our services until 22.12.2025

·      RENT IT OUT: 10% discount on organizing your timeshare rental  

·      GO ON HOLIDAY: 10% discount on booking and arranging holiday stays

·      PART WITH IT FOREVER: 10% discount for listing with UK agencies or on the Timeshare Magazin  

·      SPEED UP THE SALE: 10% discount on additional online advertising of your listed timeshare  

·      LEARN EVERYTHING: 10% discount on requests and negotiations with the club about your membership status  

·      REDUCE YOUR DEBT: 10% discount on negotiations to reduce outstanding fees  

·      CHANGE MEMBERSHIP: 10% discount on timeshare tuning, improvement or membership replacement  

·      REINTATE YOUR OWNERSHIP: 10% discount on restoring ownership and coordinating restoration terms

 

Write or call us right now!

 

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+39 306 588 188

The Director of Help Line International, Ms Nelli Margolit, has played a crucial role as a key witness and expert for the prosecution in one of the largest timeshare fraud cases in recent years.
Following a long investigation and a high-profile court case in the United Kingdom, the masterminds behind the Monster Group scam — a network that defrauded thousands of timeshare owners between 2013 and 2017 — have finally received substantial prison sentences.

 

How the Fraud Operated

The ringleader, Mark Rowe, and his associates acted through several companies, including sellmytimeshare.com, Monster Cruises, Monster Flight Centre, and others.

 

Their victims were primarily elderly timeshare owners who were lured by promises of a quick and profitable resale of their holiday properties. Instead, they were persuaded to exchange their ownership for so-called “Monster Credits” — allegedly high-value assets “particularly sought after by Russian buyers.” The victims were promised that their investment would double within 14 months.

 

In reality, these credits were worthless. Many owners were pressured into making additional payments for new fictitious projects. The court heard thousands of accounts of victims being subjected to hours of aggressive persuasion and being forced to sign documents “on the spot.”

 

The Scale and the Sentences

More than 4,500 victims.
Total losses — £27 million.

 

Sentences:

·      Mark Rowe — 7.5 years in prison;

·      Other participants — between 3 and 4.5 years;

·      Several received suspended sentences and community service.

 

The Monster Group case once again highlighted how fraudsters exploit trust and hope — their promises are nothing but empty words.

 

Our Company’s Role in the Investigation

Ms Nelli Margolit, Director of Help Line International, provided crucial testimony during the investigation by the British authorities and prosecution. She acted as an expert witness, offering in-depth analysis and evidence that exposed the myth of the alleged “strong demand from Russian buyers.”

 

In fact, the fraudsters had no presence whatsoever on the Russian market — only fabricated references designed to deceive potential clients. Proving the absence of real business activity or legitimate partnerships required a nuanced understanding of both the European timeshare structure and the specific characteristics of the Russian legal and commercial landscape.

 

To support her findings, Ms Margolit prepared a comprehensive analysis of the Russian timeshare market — tracing its history from the first companies in 1992 through its rise, crisis, and subsequent decline in attractiveness to foreign investors. This analysis helped the court understand that there was never any significant Russian demand for timeshares during the period from 2007 to 2012, as the fraudsters had claimed.

 

The Fake Russian Connection

Further assistance was provided by our company in proving that the allegedly “Russian” firm Cassack Investments, which was said to be part of the scheme, had never been registered in Russia. Moreover, the supposed Russian-language website in the .ru domain — which was presented as a key marketing platform — was never indexed or visible under relevant keywords or resort names related to timeshares.

 

A linguistic analysis of the website content revealed it to be nonsensical and culturally incoherent. It contained absurd descriptions of a so-called “exclusive Cossack dacha timeshare,” allegedly a must-have property for every “respectable Russian Cossack.”
In reality, this concept made no sense for Russian consumers — who do not identify with Cossack culture in the same way as Ukrainians do. What was meant to sound exotic and convincing to a British audience was, in fact, meaningless and even comical from a Russian point of view.

 

Ms Margolit meticulously deconstructed these inconsistencies and provided detailed linguistic and cultural evidence, helping the court see through the fraudsters’ fabricated narrative.

 

Broader Context and Final Message

This is not the first time our company has assisted law enforcement agencies across different countries in exposing fraudulent schemes. Unfortunately, such investigations do not always lead to convictions. Yet, this particular case — the Monster Group affair — was the most significant and high-impact one we have ever been part of.

 

We were proud to make a real contribution to justice and to help protect the public.

 

To all timeshare owners and buyers, we strongly advise: be cautious, stay informed, and always verify the details of any offer before you act.

 

For legal and practical consultations regarding timeshare ownership, use, or resale, contact Resort Helpline at:
? +39 306 588 188 | +7 812 327 3222
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Inheriting a Timeshare

At sales presentations, one of the advantages often highlighted is that a timeshare is a piece of property that can be passed on to heirs. And this is indeed true.

A timeshare, like any other asset, can be inherited, meaning heirs receive both the rights and the obligations — including annual fees and legal responsibilities connected with ownership. To formalize the inheritance, the heirs must go through the official inheritance procedure in accordance with either a will or inheritance law. It is important to note that heirs may also refuse such an inheritance by submitting an official renunciation of ownership.

We will examine all situations related to timeshare inheritance. But first, it should be mentioned that no more than four people can be listed as timeshare owners, with one of them formally designated as the “Primary” owner. All club correspondence, including annual fee invoices, will be addressed to this person. However, in practice, all individuals listed on the ownership certificate have equal rights. Family members not listed on the certificate may use the timeshare only with permission and a written notice submitted to the resort for each trip.

Leaving a Timeshare to Heirs

If timeshare owners want to make arrangements for their heirs in advance, there are two main options:

·       Adding heirs as co-owners during their lifetime. In this case, heirs must provide written consent and sign documents confirming that they accept the rights and obligations of club membership when the ownership certificate is reissued. The drawback is that the re-registration fee must be paid upfront.

·       Including the timeshare in a will, specifying up to four heirs.

If the timeshare is included in a will, then the terms of the will determine who inherits it. The owner may leave the timeshare to anyone — not only family members. In this case, the process requires an apostilled translation of the will and the original ownership certificate. On the back of the certificate, the heir(s) must sign to confirm acceptance of the rights and obligations of ownership. These documents are then sent to the resort’s Trustee, who verifies them against the ownership register and initiates the re-registration process. The Trustee’s service fee for issuing a new certificate currently varies widely: about €350 for many clubs, but in some cases as low as €150 or as high as €1200. It is advisable to confirm the exact fee in advance with the club administration or directly with the Trustee. The new certificate will be issued to the address provided on the signed certificate.

If there is no will, inheritance follows the order set by law, usually beginning with children, spouse, and parents. In such cases, heirs must contact a notary within six months of the owner’s death. The notary issues a certificate of inheritance rights. For timeshare inheritance, an apostilled translation of this certificate is required, and as before, heirs must sign the back of the ownership certificate and pay the re-registration fee.

In the event of a dispute among heirs, the matter must be resolved in court. The court’s ruling then forms the basis for re-registering the ownership. This ruling must also be translated (usually into English, though sometimes into the local language of the resort) and apostilled. Once again, heirs sign the back of the certificate and cover the re-registration fee.

What if the Timeshare Was Forgotten in the Inheritance Process?

It is not uncommon for families to overlook a timeshare when handling an estate, since many see it as “vacation time” rather than property. Fortunately, there is no statute of limitations for timeshare inheritance. Even years later, the timeshare can be re-registered to heirs, as long as they agree among themselves. The designated heir must present the notary’s inheritance certificate, and the certificate of ownership can then be reissued in their name(s). If one or more heirs do not wish to inherit the timeshare, a written renunciation from them is sufficient.

What if the Certificate Is Lost?

This too happens often. After the owner’s passing, heirs may not be able to locate the timeshare documents or even remember the exact details of the property. The first step is to establish what the deceased owned. The financial and legal specialists of Timeshare Helpline can assist with this process, using any available records. If the original ownership certificate is lost, the Trustee issues a special form to be signed instead of the back of the certificate. This declaration confirms that the original has been lost, not sold or mortgaged. The rest of the procedure follows the standard process described earlier.

What if There Are Outstanding Debts?

A timeshare that is inherited may come with unpaid fees. Before re-registering the ownership, any outstanding balance must be cleared. The exact debt can be confirmed with the club administration or management company, and at the same time, heirs should inform the club of the owner’s passing. Often, this allows penalties or late fees to be waived or reduced. These negotiations are best handled by the financial-legal department of Timeshare Helpline.

Selling an Inherited Timeshare

Heirs do not need to first re-register the timeshare in their own names before selling it. The sales application can be submitted and paid for by any person — an heir, a family member, a lawyer, or even a representative. However, the sales proceeds may only be received by the legal heirs. What matters most is that all heirs agree to the sale and to the price. All heirs must sign the sales contract with the buyer, specifying where and how the proceeds will be distributed. Payments can be directed to one heir or divided among several, according to their agreement. The Transaction Support Department of Timeshare Helpline can help heirs handle the entire sales process smoothly.

Is Re-Registration Always Necessary?

Not always. If heirs were already listed as co-owners on the original certificate, then the deceased owner’s removal is only a formality. The presence of a deceased owner’s name on the certificate does not prevent use or resale of the timeshare. In this case, re-registration is not necessary unless heirs want to make changes.

Taxes on Timeshare Inheritance

There are no special taxes for inheriting a timeshare. If any registration fee applies, it is typically included in the standard re-issuance cost of the ownership certificate.

Can You Refuse a Timeshare Inheritance?

Yes, heirs may refuse the inheritance, either in favor of another heir or entirely. This requires contacting the club administration (or the Trustee) to request the official renunciation form or procedure. Note that some resorts require all debts and a renunciation fee to be paid. For example, Compass Club has a standard renunciation procedure for heirs, requiring payment of all outstanding dues and a €50 fee. Other clubs may charge more.

Heirs may choose to refuse the timeshare if they never liked the resort or do not wish to use it. However, if they simply dislike the specific resort but are otherwise open to the concept of timeshare, a better option may be to transfer into another club that suits them better. This can be cost-effective, as the inherited timeshare may pay for itself within one or two vacations. In such cases, the timeshare can even become a meaningful legacy of the loved one.

Finally, before refusing and walking away with nothing, heirs should consider selling the timeshare. As noted above, heirs can initiate a sales application without even having the certificate in their name. Only the translated and apostilled inheritance documents are required for the transfer to the buyer and to receive the proceeds.

From time to time, we hear people say:
"We’ve travelled enough with our timeshare. It’s been wonderful — we were very happy, we travelled a lot. But now, we vacation differently."

 

And it’s not always because they’ve bought a second home in Italy, Spain, or Cyprus over the years — something that usually puts a pause on global travel for just a couple of years. Often, after two or three years, these happy owners of a seaside or lakeside property find themselves combining extended stays in their second home with one- or two-week trips to other countries, and suddenly their timeshare becomes relevant again.

 

More often, however, the problem lies elsewhere.
Our vacation needs change over time.

 

The children have grown up, and large apartments are no longer necessary — the maintenance fees for extra unused space can start to feel like a burden.
Or the opposite: grandchildren have arrived, or you now travel with your grown-up children and their families, meaning you need large apartments — or even two units at the same time.
Or perhaps you’ve taken up skiing and now need peak-season weeks to guarantee snowy slopes.
In some cases, due to health or other reasons, people decide to avoid long-haul travel or flights altogether.

 

In such situations, exchanging a timeshare doesn’t always work effectively.
Some families then decide to get rid of their timeshare altogether.

 

Unfortunately, the resale market rarely meets sellers’ expectations. The reasons behind this are a separate topic. Only a lucky few manage to sell their timeshare successfully. Many owners simply abandon theirs after 15–20 years of use, feeling they’ve “gotten their money’s worth.”

 

But what about those whose vacation needs change after just three, five, or ten years?

What Is Timeshare Tuning?

Timeshare tuning is about making a few adjustments here and there — adding, swapping, or upgrading — to shape your membership so it meets your current lifestyle and travel needs.

Every club offers several types of memberships.
The first idea that comes to mind is making changes within the same club.

And we’re not just talking about a simple upgrade to a better season or a larger apartment.

Some clubs, over the years, have transitioned to more modern or flexible membership formats (such as floating weeks or points systems). Because your ownership rights are protected by law and overseen by a trustee or notary, no one can force you to switch to a newer membership type — in fact, you might not even know it exists at your resort.
So how can you find out if another type of membership is available at your resort?
Ask the professionals — ask us!

Switching to a Partner or Affiliated Club

A second path is available to those whose resorts are fully or partly integrated into a larger network of resorts.

Around 10–15 years ago, international resort groups tended to expand their own internal exchange systems so that members would rarely need to use third-party exchange companies. Large resort groups would purchase blocks of dozens or even hundreds of weeks from clubs in prestigious tourist areas where they had no presence — expanding their internal geography.

Most likely, as a member whose resort sold such a block of weeks, you’d never know about it — unless you happened to attend a presentation by the big group and spotted your resort on their list.

Here’s why this matters: if you request to transfer into such a group, your timeshare could be credited at its maximum value, meaning the extra cost for a new membership might be surprisingly low.
But there’s a catch — you should never go through the marketing or sales department, where prices are heavily inflated. Always proceed through the trustee or resort management.

And how do you do that?
Start by talking to us.

Moving to Another Resort

The most common form of timeshare tuning is moving to a resort you like more — or one that’s closer to home.

Here, there are no limits to your preferences or creativity.

The only important point: to avoid financial loss, you need to negotiate maximum credit for your existing timeshare, or arrange a three-way timeshare exchange.

This is the most complex type of tuning, where you’ll need a personal consultant — and we’re happy to take on that role. Our job will be to find a resort that matches your current holiday requirements, secure the best possible trade-in value, and minimise your costs.

Summary: The Main Types of Timeshare Tuning

We’ve talked about several options:

• Changing apartment size — bigger or smaller. Financially, it can even be more profitable to trade one large apartment for two studio weeks.
• Upgrading the season — from low or mid to high, or from high to peak, where available.
• Changing location — a frequent move, such as swapping a beach resort for a ski resort, a wellness spa, or a hot springs destination.
• Switching to a group membership — with extensive free internal exchanges.
• Choosing a non-annual membership — where you visit every other year and only pay fees every other year.
• Moving to a “pay when you go” membership — paying maintenance fees only when you actually use the resort.

Did you know that for the past 20 years, we’ve carried out between 30 and 70 such operations every year?

That’s how many families choose not to abandon or sell their timeshare, but instead make it convenient, cost-effective, and perfectly suited to their current tastes.

The first step?
Find out what’s possible in your case.

Write to us or give us a call.

Timeshare resale agencies are independent entities that aim to profit from facilitating transactions between timeshare owners, typically private individuals, and potential buyers. Their operations closely resemble those of real estate agencies, with one key difference: they do not arrange viewings of the properties for buyers. This is because potential buyers usually have prior experience with the resort in question or already own a week or points there. These resale agencies do not conduct presentations or employ primary sales techniques; instead, they work exclusively with buyers who are already familiar with the timeshare system. After receiving a request from a potential seller and agreeing on the terms of sale, they add the listing to their portfolio and seek to attract buyers through various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, the internet, and television. A contemporary trend involves the creation of Timeshare Online Stores and participation in travel television channels.

A resale agency may offer services for the transfer of timeshare ownership (certificates) with the relevant authorities or simply introduce the seller to the buyer.

Why Are Resale Agencies Necessary?

The need for specialised timeshare resale agencies arises from the unique marketing strategies required to attract potential buyers, their specific knowledge of various types of timeshares, and the intricacies of transferring property rights. Beyond facilitating the sale and ensuring guarantees for both parties, these agencies provide valuable advice on pricing, develop strategic marketing plans, and ensure compliance with legal requirements, thereby ensuring a smooth sales process.

Can Agencies Increase the Value of Your Timeshare?

A timeshare sales consultant possesses the expertise to effectively showcase the value of your timeshare to potential buyers. Drawing on their experience, they set competitive prices that reflect current market trends. They employ targeted marketing strategies to attract the right audience, increasing the likelihood of securing a higher sale price. Their negotiation skills are akin to those of chess players, always planning several moves ahead to maximise the final outcome, as reflected in the value of your timeshare.

Are Down Payments Necessary When Selling a Timeshare?

Quite the opposite. Under no circumstances should you pay a down payment or partial commission to a sales agency. Reputable, long-established agencies that adhere to industry standards do not request any upfront payments or commissions. These agencies operate on commission, which they earn from the buyer upon completion of the sale. This is standard practice, much like in the real estate industry.

Do I Need to Gather Any Documents or Кeferences to Sell Through an Agency?

No specific references are required to list your timeshare for sale. What you need to provide is accurate information about your property (such as the club you own with, the type of timeshare—fixed or floating—details of the property, season or membership category, apartment size, or the number of points). Your timeshare must be active, and at the time of sale, there should be no outstanding debts associated with it, or the terms for their repayment should be agreed upon. These conditions can be negotiated once a serious buyer is found. Additionally, proof of payment for bills is not necessary when listing your timeshare for sale, as any unpaid bills may arise during the sale process. If you have lost the original documents, there are mechanisms in place for verifying and re-registering ownership using a specialised document package available at each club.

What Expenses Does the Timeshare Seller Incur?

The only expense a timeshare seller typically incurs is the cost of advertising. This fee allows the property to be included in the agency’s marketing campaign and promoted alongside other timeshares through all available professional channels. Advertising costs often include the placement of a live online advertisement for your offer on the agency’s website for a set period. Some agencies also allow for personalised ads, where you can share your own engaging story about the resort or the trips you’ve taken using your timeshare, or even include your own photos of the resort or apartment.

How Transparent Is the Transaction Process?

The timeshare sales process should be fully transparent. Specialised agencies offer a straightforward process, guiding you through every step with the precision of an experienced navigator. From the initial listing to the final signature, they provide comprehensive support to sellers. Their meticulous handling of the transaction, adherence to resort requirements, and compliance with government regulations ensure a safe and transparent sale. With complete transparency, you can confidently monitor the sale of your timeshare, knowing that every detail is carefully managed.

How to Choose an Agency for Selling?

Use your intuition and common sense when choosing an agency. Opt for a large, international agency with a strong reputation and high rankings in search engines, as the internet is now one of the most important tools for generating potential buyers. You might also consider a recommendation from your resort. Resorts often know which agencies handle the re-registration of ownership documents efficiently, which is a key indicator of successful sales. If a resort receives complaints from its timeshare owners about a particular agency, it is unlikely to recommend them, as the resort has no commercial interest in doing so and is primarily focused on satisfying the needs of its club members. In the timeshare resale sector, partnering with industry leaders can significantly improve your chances of a successful sale. If your resort has a preferred agency partner, it’s worth considering their services. Listing with an agency that has established relationships with leading resorts and companies offers numerous benefits for both buyers and sellers. These connections enable swift resolution of any queries or details crucial to a potential buyer's decision-making process. Additionally, the well-established relationships between the agency’s administrative and legal teams and the resort are invaluable for conducting the sale and transferring the timeshare ownership securely and legally.

What Benefits Does Buying Through an Agency Offer to the Buyer?

For a buyer looking to purchase a timeshare, navigating the resale market with a professional agent is the safest and most efficient approach. Agencies protect buyers from misrepresentation and hidden fees, and they provide a comprehensive overview of ownership options, from flexible points programs to affordable freehold weeks. Purchasing a timeshare through an agent ensures that buyers have all the necessary information to make an informed decision, leading to greater satisfaction with their timeshare ownership.

Finding the perfect timeshare can sometimes be a lengthy process due to the vast number of listings online that need to be sifted through. However, with a professional agent by your side, you gain access to additional, unpublished listings. Resale agencies maintain extensive databases of sellers with timeshares that are not currently publicly listed. By communicating your requirements to an agent, they can tap into this internal database, using finely-tuned filters to connect you with sellers offering your ideal property.

Timeshare resale agents and consultants have a deep understanding of the various categories of timeshare properties and points systems, as well as different ownership options. Timeshare ownership is more than just acquiring real estate; it’s about fulfilling holiday dreams. Understanding the nuances of using property or points is crucial to maximising the value of your investment. These specialists can explain how to utilise points effectively, offering flexibility in choosing destinations and accommodations. They guide you through the sea of options, from peak season availability to the ability to accumulate weeks and points for future adventures. With their expertise, you can select a timeshare system that best aligns with your travel preferences, providing an inspiring holiday ownership experience.

Buying a timeshare is an investment in future holidays, and making an informed decision is essential. Specialists can help compare the long-term value of timeshare ownership with traditional holiday expenses, ensuring that the purchase aligns with your specific financial and lifestyle goals. With their guidance, you can finalise a deal that not only fits within your budget but also enriches your life with countless holiday memories—this is what characterises a truly successful timeshare purchase.

Lastly, all the transparency and reliability discussed for sellers apply equally to buyers, who also require protection for their financial and legal interests—something that can only be guaranteed by purchasing through a specialised agency

What amount can you expect when selling your timeshare? Typically, the benchmark is the price at which they are currently selling at presentations. Assuming your buyer, including those recently offered at presentations or members of your club who already own a timeshare week, your offer should be lower than the equivalent at the presentation. We recommend setting the price a few thousand lower than the presentation price.

 

But what if sales at the resort have already ceased? Then it's worth looking at timeshare prices in a similar club, with the same level, status, and awards, in the same tourist zone or roughly with a similar list of internal resorts, with similar infrastructure, seasonal frames, and membership fees.

 

There are factors that can objectively affect the price of a timeshare on the secondary market. They are very similar to the factors affecting property prices:

- the condition of the resort and its infrastructure;

- the size of the annual maintenance and resort management fee;

- the popularity of the region;

- the uniqueness of your offer;

- the number of offers competing with yours.

 

It's not worth heavily discounting the price. This often arouses inexplicable caution from buyers. People suspect that something is wrong with the membership: debts, deteriorating quality. Even if you write in the comments that you are in dire circumstances and urgently need money, many will feel uncomfortable and will not take advantage of your sad circumstances. It's better to make some special offer in the comments. Write that you are willing to consider counter offers.

 

Our specialists will help you:

·       evaluate your property,

·       formulate an offer and determine the price,

·       select and edit photos,

·       supplement with description and impressions,

·       translate accurately into English,

·       submit an application,

·       register the offer with an agency,

·       conduct negotiations up to the signing of the contract,

·       track the transfer until you receive the money from the sale.