The Timeshare Resale Market in 2026: Exiting vs Selling

Consider this for a moment: you’ve had your timeshare for a certain amount of time, and you might be ready to part with it. But how should you do it? There are way too many options and considerations to be had before you make any big financial decision. What if you would like to explore the timeshare resale market?

If you’re not set on getting rid of your timeshare, checking out the timeshare rental market might be a good option. But if you’re set on canceling your contract, you might be wondering if it’s better to outright exit your timeshare or to sell it to someone else.

Don’t worry. Keep reading this blog to explore your full set of options.

What is the difference between timeshare resale and timeshare exit?

Timeshare resale is exactly as it sounds: you sell your timeshare and are done with it. Meanwhile, a timeshare exit is the process of legal cancellation of your contract and full financial relief. There are two big considerations: time and money. Selling can bring some money back, but not that much considering the depreciation and fees and might take months.

If you’re between selling your timeshare or canceling your contract altogether, you might be leaning towards selling. Of course you’d rather get some money back, but selling isn’t as easy, as frauds and scams are common, and then there is the issue of the timeshare resale market depreciation as a whole. 

Timeshare exit can be a cleaner and shorter path to take, but there is still the question of time and money. You can try to exit on your own or using your timeshare company’s deed-back program, or you can use a third party company—this option can be quicker, but there are fees to pay in all exit processes, in addition to the third party fees. 

What is the timeshare resale market?

It’s a term used for the variety of online platforms where owners can sell their timeshare. People sell their timeshares in many ways: using companies such as RedWeek, peer-to-peer, or even advertise them through Facebook and other social media sites. Usually, people advertise using their location or resort to attract potential buyers.

Why are timeshare resales so cheap?

Some platforms cite a 70% discount for timeshare resales. You must understand that timeshares aren’t an investment, despite them being closely tied to real estate, and these depreciate a lot. Besides, in some marketplaces, buyers get to submit an offer which impacts the resale value.

Brand-name exceptions: Disney and Marriott resales

Some big brand names such as Disney, Marriott, Hilton and others hold their value a bit better because of the desirability of their vacation club. This can change from location to location, so even if you have a good membership in the Rockies, it can be worth less than if you have a timeshare in Florida or Hawaii.

The Disney Vacation Club, for example, does not have a resale team. Instead DVC owners must:
  1. List their timeshare through a licensed real estate broker or find a buyer.
  2. Submit a fully executed contract for review, 30 days prior to the closing date.
  3. Pay the $500 fee if DVC waives the right of first refusal.
On the other hand, Westgate Resorts has the Westgate Legacy Program, which can help if the owners are aiming to sell their timeshare. This is a type of deed-back program where owners sell their deed back to the resort.

Are there legitimate timeshare resale companies?

Yes, there are many legitimate timeshare resale companies that you can use. You can find them all around the web, but to fully ensure that whatever company you’re looking to work with is legitimate, check out their BBB profile and reviews as well as the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) directory.

Resale platforms and peer-to-peer sale

As mentioned before, there are several platforms which you can use to sell or buy a timeshare. Some of the best-known brands include RedWeek, Koala, and Timeshare Specialists. These platforms advertise your timeshare and help you find buyers, but you might need to manage your contracts depending on the membership you choose. 

What to look for in a legitimate resale broker?

If you’re choosing to work with a real estate broker, make sure that they comply with this checklist before moving forward:
  • Look for a certified real estate broker who has experience in your timeshare location.
  • Search for reviews of their work.
  • Ensure that they are easily contacted.
  • Ask if you are working with them or their team.

Step-by-step: How to sell your timeshare

  1. Check your contract.
  2. Call your timeshare provider to confirm the details of the transfer.
  3. Decide between peer-to-peer transactions or a third party.
  4. List your timeshare for sale. Look into the potential buyers.
  5. Finish the transfer process according to your timeshare company.

How to avoid timeshare resale or exit scams

  1. Do not accept upfront fees. Especially those from unchecked platforms or buyers.
  2. Beware too-good-to-be-true promises or high-pressure sales tactics.
  3. Check for the company’s BBB profile or ARDA affiliation.
  4. Read all about common scams in the timeshare industry.

What is the transfer process?

The transfer is the process that happens between the original owner and the second owner. This can vary across brands and timeshare providers, so you should check your contract to see if there is any particular benefit lost that you should list whenever you’re trying to sell your timeshare. 

Timeshare resale vs exit: Which option is right for you

Timeshare resale and exit are not the same choice. Timeshare sales mean looking for a buyer and selling it to them, possibly earning some money back, but never 100%. Timeshare exit companies specialize in canceling contracts and ensuring that owners never have to worry about them again. For both options, you need to be careful as scams are pretty common.

What a legitimate timeshare exit company does that resale cannot

A legitimate timeshare exit company can help you exit your timeshare in less time, depending on your contract. During a timeshare sale process you still have to wait for a buyer and accept their offer, which could take months during which you have to pay your fees. 

Frequently asked questions: Timeshare resale and exit

Are timeshare resales cheap?

Timeshare resales are so cheap since a lot of the time owners want to get out of the financial responsibility of the contract. As such, according to some platforms, timeshare resale experience depreciation that benefits second users, as they can be bought for as much as 70% discount.

Are there any legitimate timeshare resale companies?

Yes, there are many legitimate timeshare resale companies which you can look into whether you want to buy or sell your timeshare. Be wary, as fraud and scammers are common in the timeshare industry. Look for companies that:
  • Are listed in ARDA’s directory
  • Have a BBB accredited profile
  • Have online reviews 
  • Will walk you through every step of the contract

Is buying a timeshare resale worth it?

Yes, buying a timeshare resale is worth it, as many companies sell them at a 50% or 70% discount.

How do I sell or resell my timeshare?

The best way to sell or resell your timeshare is approaching a trusted resale company that will help you through the sale process. Beware scammers who approach you telling you that they have a buyer ready, instead either list your timeshare and wait for an offer or use a timeshare exit company for a quicker exit.

Can I sell my timeshare back to the resort?

Yes, if they have a deed-back program. Once you've made up your mind to sell or exit your timeshare, call your resort and ask for the deed-back program to see if selling it back to them is a good option for you.