Timeshares: Real Costs, Ownership Rules, and How to Stay Safe

If you’re eyeing a vacation spot that promises a slice of your favorite resort every year, a timeshare might sound like a sweet deal. But before you sign anything, you need to know what you’re really paying for and what happens if the ownership changes hands.

What You Actually Pay Each Year

The headline price of a timeshare—say £20,000 for a two‑week slot—only tells part of the story. Most owners face an annual maintenance charge that can range from a few hundred pounds to over a thousand, depending on the resort’s upkeep standards. Those fees cover things like landscaping, staff wages, and building repairs, and they tend to rise each year with inflation.

Beyond the maintenance bill, there are hidden expenses that catch many people off guard. Property taxes, special assessment fees for major renovations, and even reserve fund contributions can appear out of nowhere. A 2025 buyer guide found that the average total yearly cost sits around £1,200, but it can jump to £2,500 in high‑end locations.

To keep costs in check, ask the developer for a detailed breakdown of all recurring fees before you commit. Compare that figure with the cost of renting the same resort week‑by‑week. In many cases, renting ends up cheaper if you only use the slot occasionally.

Can You Inherit a Timeshare? Ownership Rules Explained

Many people wonder whether a timeshare can be passed down to family members. The short answer: yes, but it’s not always straightforward. Timeshare contracts are legal agreements, and the ownership type—whether it’s a deeded title or a lease‑back arrangement—determines how inheritance works.

If you have a deeded timeshare, it’s treated like any other piece of real estate. You can leave it to a spouse, child, or anyone you name in your will. The new owner will inherit both the rights to use the property and the responsibility for the annual fees.

Lease‑back or points‑based systems are trickier. Those contracts often have clauses that limit transferability or require the new owner to meet certain financial criteria. Some developers charge a transfer fee that can be several hundred pounds, adding another cost to the inheritance process.

Before you count on a timeshare as a family legacy, check the fine print and talk to the resort’s management. If the fees are high or the contract restricts transfers, you might end up with an unwanted financial burden for your heirs.

In short, a timeshare can be a handy vacation tool, but you need to crunch the numbers and understand the legal details before you dive in. Ask for a full fee schedule, compare rental costs, and read the ownership agreement carefully. Doing the homework now saves you from surprise bills and headaches later on.