The promise of a timeshare often feels like an invitation to a lifetime of luxurious vacations. But before you commit to that dream, it’s crucial to understand the financial reality. A timeshare isn’t a single purchase; it’s a long-term financial commitment with multiple layers of cost that continue to grow over time. Here, we break down the average timeshare costs in 2025 from the upfront price to the perpetual fees and explore your options if the burden becomes too heavy.
Average Timeshare Cost in 2025
For many prospective buyers, the initial sticker price is a major factor. The timeshare industry’s average purchase price in recent years has hovered around $24,000. However, this is just a starting point. The true cost of timeshare ownership is a combination of the upfront fee, annual maintenance costs, and potential surprise assessments. Understanding all these components is key to avoiding buyer’s remorse.
Upfront Purchase Price by Brand
The price you pay for a timeshare varies dramatically depending on the brand, location, and type of ownership (e.g., deeded week vs. points-based). While developers often sell timeshares for tens of thousands of dollars, the secondary market tells a very different story.
- Marriott Vacations Worldwide: New ownership can range from $25,000 to over $100,000, with prices varying significantly by resort and points package.
- Wyndham Destinations: A new ownership package can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $75,000, with options for different tiers of points.
- Hilton Grand Vacations: New owners often pay between $25,000 and $80,000 for a points package, depending on the number of points and the home resort.
The Resale Reality: It’s vital to recognize that these are not investments. The resale market for timeshares is extremely poor, with properties often selling for as little as $1. This stark depreciation highlights the fact that a timeshare is a lifestyle purchase, not a financial asset.
Annual Maintenance Fees & Special Assessments
The most significant financial burden for most timeshare owners is the ongoing fee. In 2022, the industry average annual maintenance fee was approximately $1,200. These fees are used to cover the resort’s operational expenses, including:
- Property taxes
- Utilities and landscaping
- Staff salaries
- Insurance and administrative costs
- Scheduled renovations and upkeep
How They’re Set and How They Increase: These fees are determined by the resort’s Homeowners Association (HOA) and are almost never fixed. They typically increase by 3% to 5% annually, a rate that often outpaces inflation. This means a fee that seems manageable today could become a major financial strain in a decade.
Special Assessments: On top of the regular maintenance fees, owners can be hit with “special assessments.” These are one-time fees levied by the HOA to cover unexpected or major repairs, such as hurricane damage or roof replacements. These assessments can run into the thousands of dollars and are mandatory for all owners.
Long-Term Cost of Ownership vs. Exit Options
When you consider the long-term costs, the timeshare becomes a much heavier financial burden. Let’s do some break-even math on an average timeshare:
- Initial Cost: $24,000
- Annual Maintenance Fee: $1,200 (increasing by 4% per year)
After just 10 years, you will have spent approximately $14,400 in maintenance fees alone. By the 20-year mark, that number balloons to over $36,000, and that’s not counting any special assessments. Over the lifetime of the contract, which is often perpetual, the fees can easily eclipse the initial purchase price, turning your timeshare into an endless money pit.
A professional timeshare exit company, in comparison, offers a one-time cost to permanently end this perpetual expense. For many, the cost of an exit service is far less than what they would pay in maintenance fees over the next 5 to 10 years, making it a financially sound decision in the long run.
What If You Still Have a Mortgage?
If you are one of the many owners who financed their timeshare purchase, exiting can be more complicated. Your timeshare mortgage is a legal loan, and you cannot simply walk away from it.
- Options: You may be able to negotiate with your developer or lender for a “deed-in-lieu” option, or a reputable timeshare exit company can work with the resort to achieve a full release that also addresses the outstanding mortgage.
- Risks: Simply stopping payments is extremely risky. It will almost certainly result in a foreclosure on your timeshare, which can severely damage your credit score for years. You may also be liable for a “deficiency judgment,” where the lender sues you for the remaining balance.
- Timelines: Working with a professional to handle a timeshare with a mortgage is a process that requires a strategic approach and can take longer than exiting a timeshare that is fully paid off.
FAQs
Q: How much does a timeshare cost on average? A: The average purchase price for a new timeshare is about $24,000, but prices can range significantly. Annual maintenance fees average around $1,200 and are a recurring, perpetual cost.
Q: Do timeshare maintenance fees increase every year? A: Yes, maintenance fees typically increase annually. The increases are usually between 3% and 5%, often outpacing the rate of inflation and adding a significant financial burden over time.
Q: Is it possible to sell a timeshare to get my money back? A: It is highly unlikely. The timeshare resale market is very weak, and most timeshares sell for far less than their initial purchase price—or not at all. A timeshare is not a real estate investment.
Q: What is a special assessment for a timeshare? A: A special assessment is a one-time fee that a timeshare HOA can charge owners to cover unexpected or large-scale expenses, such as major renovations or repairs from natural disasters.
Q: Can I just stop paying my timeshare mortgage or maintenance fees? A: No, this is not recommended. Stopping payments can lead to foreclosure, collections, and significant damage to your credit score. It’s crucial to seek a legal and legitimate exit strategy.
Q: How can I get out of my timeshare if the costs are too high? A: Your options include contacting the resort directly to see if they have a deed-back program or, for the most effective and credit-safe solution, hiring a reputable timeshare exit company to negotiate a permanent release on your behalf.
