Timeshares
Author
Discussion

samrr

Original Poster:

2,376 posts

244 months

Friday 28th May 2010
quotequote all
Just after some advice...

My Mum has a timeshare for some years now which has been good value and used well with friends / family etc however the situation has changed and she no longer wants the 'family poolside beach' holidays.

Is there anywhere to sell the timeshare at a discounted rate?

lockhart flawse

2,078 posts

251 months

Friday 28th May 2010
quotequote all
We are in the exact same position. She has just paid the annual maintenance and has no plans to use it this year or in the future. I would also like to know if there is anywhere to sell but, if there isn't, we're just going to hand the keys over and say thanks and goodbye.

L.F.

oldbanger

4,328 posts

254 months

Friday 28th May 2010
quotequote all
My parents are in the same situation so it's something I have looked into.

Firstly, check whether the terms of the contract are finite (e.g. 20 years) or "in perpetuity" (my parents' 2 week timeshare is).

Timeshares are very difficult to sell, particularly as there are some agencies who will ask for upfront fees and not actually do anything.

You see them sell on ebay. There used to be charities who would take them as well. However, it can be quite difficult to even give them away for nothing. If you do find a taker, the timeshare company will want a fee to transfer the deeds (plus you ideally need a solicitor), and the timeshare company may be allowed to refuse the transfer of ownership.

Handing back the keys and running can result in you being pursued in court.

It's worth talking to the timeshare company, though, as some offer schemes where you can buy your way out the contract, but they're not cheap. My parents keep getting asked if they want to pay £3-4k to change their contract to one where you can apparently end the contract at any time. Unfortunately, they've never actually seen any paperwork regarding this (it's always high pressure give me an immediate answer phone calls) and can hardly afford the annual fees as it is.

Currently we exchange the timeshares through interval but it's an extremely expensive way to take a holiday.

Edited by oldbanger on Friday 28th May 20:15

samrr

Original Poster:

2,376 posts

244 months

Saturday 29th May 2010
quotequote all
Thanks - will give them a call...

They sound pretty crap but the one she has is quite good, it isn't for one location it's all over the world in any of 'their' resorts including holiday homes in the UK which we have used.

Even if she gets something I think she would be pleased!