Guide to memorable hosting in co-ownership vacation homes

Alternatives to buying a vacation home reimagined Buyers today want more flexibility and less hassle from their second home. That is why many are exploring alternatives to buying a vacation home outright. Co-ownership offers access to premium homes, professional management, and scheduling that matches real usage — while traditional paths like sole ownership and vacation rentals come with trade-offs. Below, we compare these models across top destinations and share real examples to help you decide what fits your lifestyle. What a co-ownership home looks like in top markets In mountain destinations like Vail, co-ownership is gaining momentum as buyers seek turnkey access near the lifts without year-round oversight. In coastal hubs like Miami, city recognition of co-ownership models has created clarity for owners exploring alternatives to buying a vacation home. And in global capitals like Paris, evolving short-term rental rules are prompting second-home buyers to consider ownership structures designed for personal use. Browse our collections in In Vail, interest in fractional and shared ownership has risen alongside demand for premium, slope-accessible homes. Buyers who want consistent access during peak ski weeks are turning to professionally managed co-ownership for predictable stays and high-quality upkeep without personal oversight. After a day on the slopes, visitors often enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the For easy ski access and a private base in Vail, Miami Beach has formally recognized co-ownership, signaling that shared ownership of single-family homes can be an accepted path for second-home use in the city. At the same time, national second-home demand has cooled, pushing many buyers to rethink traditional models and consider options that align with how often they actually use a home. In Paris, regulators have tightened rules on short stays, and the city continues to scrutinize conversions that remove residences from the traditional housing stock. For second-home buyers who prefer predictable personal use, these shifts highlight the value of ownership structures designed for owner stays rather than short-term rental activity. Why a co-ownership home often fits real usage Most second homes are used for a limited number of weeks each year. A co-ownership home aligns ownership with actual use, supported by equitable scheduling and professional care so the home is guest-ready each stay. Independent research shows co-owned homes see substantially higher owner use than traditional second homes, reflecting an efficient model that matches modern travel patterns. Where sole ownership still fits Whole ownership remains the right choice for some buyers, especially if you plan extended stays, desire full control over design decisions, or want year-round access without sharing. The trade-offs include higher capital commitment, carrying costs during periods of low use, and the need to coordinate vendors and logistics when you are away. Pros and cons by ownership model How to choose your best path Use your expected weeks per year and destination preferences as your guide. If you value predictable access to a top-tier home without year-round oversight, co-ownership is a strong fit among alternatives to buying a vacation home. If you want extended stays with total control, sole ownership may be right. If you enjoy variety and spontaneity, short-term rentals can work when local rules are clear. Start your search for shared luxury living Explore co-ownership options in your favorite markets and see how the model fits your calendar. Tour our collections in

Sometimes, you just need to get away.  But how often, and for how long? And where do you like to stay? The answers are different for everyone. Maybe you think of time away from home as an opportunity to explore new and unknown destinations. Or perhaps nothing feels more comfortable than returning to a familiar place where you know what to expect, and you don’t have to search for the things you need. Examining your travel preferences and budget can help you choose accommodations that meet your needs. Three housing options to consider are Here are five questions to ask yourself when comparing your second home options. 1. What’s my budget? Money will likely be an important factor in your decision. The upfront costs associated with a home purchase are much higher than Am I willing to spend time on homeowner tasks? Do you get excited about home improvement projects and bill-payment spreadsheets? Or, when you’re away from home, are utilities and lawn care the last things you want to think about? Below, you'll see how the estimated operating costs of a Pacaso compare to a whole second home, along with the cost of renting a similar rental. Co-ownership can provide a significant cost advantage long-term over both options. *This estimate is based on the typical operating costs of a Pacaso and a similar whole home and is intended for comparison purposes only. How much will I use the home? Do you typically take one vacation a year? Or maybe you’re a Do I plan ahead? Do you sometimes wake up on a Saturday morning, hop in the car and figure you’ll find a place to stay once you reach your destination? Or are you most comfortable making plans weeks or months in advance? When you co-own a Pacaso, a maximum of seven other owners enjoy the home, meaning far less competition for dates. Plus, the SmartStay™ Am I looking for a ‘home away from home’? Are you just looking for a comfortable place to sleep? Do you think of a second home as a blank slate, ready for your artistic vision? Or do you want an always-ready gathering place where you make memories with family and friends? There’s no one right choice for everyone. But if you plan to use your second home several weeks a year, you don’t want the hassles and responsibilities of whole home ownership, and you want your second home budget to go further,

Interested in splitting the cost and responsibilities of vacation home ownership? Buying a house with a friend offers a more affordable path to owning a second home. It may also put more luxurious properties within your reach.  But 1. Understand the benefits and risks  Buying a house with friends involves more than just shared costs. You're also sharing responsibilities and potential risks. Before you move forward, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Co-owning a vacation home can make ownership more affordable and give you access to better properties. It also offers the chance to enjoy the space with people you care about. But it adds complexity, especially if co-owners differ on finances, usage or future plans.  If you and your friend decide the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, co-owning a vacation home could be smart. If not, Pacaso can help you find vetted co-owners who may be a better fit.  2. Align on goals  When buying a vacation home with friends, ensure all would-be owners have the same goals. Everyone should agree on Some questions to discuss include: Make sure to iron out these big decisions before you begin your home search. It’s important to go into home shopping with a clear set of criteria. And remember: Everyone will need to make compromises to keep the process moving forward.  During this process, consider whether you’re interested in buying internationally. Pacaso offers 3. Evaluate finances  Many people are uncomfortable discussing money with those outside their immediate family, but it’s an absolute must if you’re considering You’ll also want to ensure that everyone can afford a second home, not only for the initial purchase but also to cover ongoing costs and monthly mortgage payments for years to come.   4. Discuss expectations  Take the time to discuss the hard questions about home usage and how you'll handle tricky situations if they arise. Clear expectations up front can prevent misunderstandings later. Here are a few questions to get you started: 5. Divide responsibilities  Buying a holiday home — especially in another city, state or country from your primary residence — is a lot of work. Luckily, owning a home with friends means you can share the responsibilities. Before purchasing, make plans for who will take care of specific tasks. You might assign one person to take care of paying the bills, like the mortgage, utility bills and insurance. In contrast, someone else might oversee vendors like house cleaners, landscapers or 6. Create a co-ownership agreement Protecting yourself legally is essential before buying an investment property with a friend. Hiring a real estate attorney may require time and money, but it’s worth the investment. A lawyer can draft a co-ownership agreement to ensure all parties are legally protected. Beyond ownership shares, your agreement can also cover the 7. Find the right home  Now comes the fun part: house shopping! Hire a real estate agent with experience in your target market and vacation home co-ownership. Provide your agent with your predetermined wish list and find a time when all parties can travel to the destination to tour homes in person.  After each showing, have an open conversation about pros and cons to narrow the options. Remember to pack your patience. Finding a property that fits everyone’s wants and needs may take some time.  8. Keep lines of communication open Communication among owners shouldn’t end as soon as you receive the keys. Shared vacation home ownership is an ongoing responsibility. Stay in contact with your co-owners so you can decide on things like vacation dates, maintenance needs and home improvements.  And don’t forget the fun stuff. Be sure to share tips and tricks with your co-owners, whether that’s the great new restaurant they won’t want to miss or a local hiking trail you discovered on your last visit.  9. Consider managed co-ownership Owning a vacation home with friends comes with responsibilities like Pacaso simplifies co-ownership with full-service management. A dedicated home manager handles everything from routine upkeep to billing and vendor coordination. This hands-on support removes many of the hassles of shared ownership, so you and your co-owners can focus on enjoying your time at home. Skip the stress with fully managed co-ownership Buying a house with a friend isn't always simple. That's where Pacaso comes in. Pacaso makes it easy to co-own a luxury second home—without the hassle. We match you with vetted co-owners, create a co-ownership agreement and LLC, and handle everything from property management to home design and maintenance. All you have to do is arrive, unpack and enjoy your professionally furnished vacation home. You’ll find Pacaso homes in

Owning a second home doesn’t have to mean taking on the full cost, responsibility, or time commitment alone. Understanding how co-ownership works can help you decide whether it’s the right path for your lifestyle and financial goals. How does co-ownership of a home work? Choosing co-ownership means entering into a shared legal and financial arrangement where each party has In a typical co-ownership agreement, each person purchases a percentage of the home, often ranging from one-eighth to one-half. Ownership shares not only determine your equity in the property but also your access to the home. Scheduling is agreed upon in advance to ensure fair use among all co-owners. Some co-owners manage the property themselves, while others rely on professional services. Regardless of the approach, all shared costs—mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance—are divided proportionally according to each owner’s share. Clear agreements are essential to outline responsibilities, decision-making processes, and procedures for selling ownership stakes. What are different types of co-ownership? There are several ways to structure shared ownership: Each structure has its nuances, but all types of co-ownership share the common goal of making luxury homeownership more accessible and manageable Why is co-ownership growing in popularity? The concept of co-owning a home has become increasingly popular as buyers seek more affordable ways to access luxury real estate. By sharing expenses, you can enjoy Professional management companies or fully managed models like Pacaso, also make the process easier by handling maintenance, scheduling, and day-to-day operations, allowing owners to focus on making memories rather than managing logistics What are the pros and cons of co-ownership? Co-owning a home offers several benefits: However, co-ownership can also present challenges, especially in DIY arrangements: Clear agreements, defined processes, and strong communication are essential to minimizing these challenges and ensuring a successful co-ownership experience. What’s needed to start a co-ownership agreement? To start a co-ownership agreement, it’s essential to establish: Having these elements in place from the beginning helps prevent conflicts and ensures a smoother experience for all parties involved. Who should I co-own a home with? Co-ownership works best with people you trust and have compatible schedules and financial goals. Family members, close friends, or even professional co-ownership programs like Pacaso can be ideal partners. The key is choosing co-owners who value transparency, communication, and shared responsibility. How does a co-ownership mortgage work? Co-ownership  mortgage arrangements vary depending on the lender and the co-ownership structure. Some buyers share a single loan, while others may finance their portion individually. Mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance are divided according to ownership shares, ensuring that each owner contributes fairly. Having a clear understanding of financing options and responsibilities upfront is essential to successfully co-own a home. How do you sell a co-owned property? Selling a co-owned property depends on the agreement in place. Often, an owner can sell their share individually, with existing co-owners given the first opportunity to buy it. Fully managed models like Pacaso can facilitate the How to co-own a home successfully What are tips for co-buying a house? Successful co-ownership starts with choosing the right partners and establishing clear agreements. Other helpful tips include: How do I get started with co-buying a house? How does Pacaso co-ownership work? With Pacaso, co-ownership means less time managing your home and more time making memories with those you cherish most.

Second homes: Effortless travel and ownership For those who move between continents as easily as they move between meetings, the traditional model of owning second homes can feel restrictive. The constant demands of maintenance, security, and general upkeep often detract from the very reason for owning a second home: relaxation and escape. The lock-and-leave lifestyle changes this dynamic, offering the freedom to travel on a whim, confident that your home is secure and cared for. Pacaso's co-ownership model perfects this experience, providing a seamless way to own a piece of the world's most desirable destinations without the associated burdens. Coastal sophistication in Palm Beach Palm Beach represents a unique blend of classic glamour and coastal ease. Its pristine beaches, upscale boutiques, and vibrant arts scene make it a sought-after destination for those seeking a refined retreat. Owning one of the area's exquisite Palm Beach luxury homes allows you to immerse yourself in this lifestyle. With a managed co-ownership model, the responsibilities that typically accompany such a home disappear, leaving only the enjoyment. You can spend your time on the water or exploring Imagine arriving at a home designed for effortless indoor-outdoor living, like Uncorking convenience in Napa Valley Napa Valley offers a sensory journey through rolling vineyards and world-class Set on more than 30 private acres, Seamless escapes to Cabo San Lucas With its dramatic coastline where the desert meets the sea, Cabo San Lucas is a destination built for A home like A cosmopolitan key to London As a global center for finance, art, and history, London is a city that never ceases to inspire. For the international traveler, having a pied-à-terre provides a consistent and comfortable home base. London vacation homes within a managed framework offer the ultimate convenience. You can attend Located on Mayfair's only gated street, Benefits of lock-and-leave second homes Embracing a lock-and-leave approach to owning second homes through co-ownership provides several key advantages that cater directly to a mobile lifestyle: Find your turnkey second home The lock-and-leave lifestyle is the future for the modern global citizen. Pacaso's fully managed co-ownership model makes it a present-day reality. Instead of being tied down by logistics, you are free to explore the world. Ready to find your key to effortless ownership? Explore our listings in destinations like

Luxury vacation destinations to co own in 2025 Ready to spend more time in the places you love and less time planning logistics? These luxury vacation destinations for 2025 pair world-class culture, dining, and outdoor access with the ease of Pacaso co-ownership. From Paris fashion weeks to Cabo sunsets, consider how a consistent home base elevates the things to do on vacation you already enjoy. Co-ownership gives you turnkey time in the world’s best markets, with professional management so you simply arrive and enjoy. If you are new to the model, start here: Paris for art, fashion and riverside evenings Paris continues to headline luxury travel in 2025. Make the city your base for world-class museums, shopping along Rue Saint-Honoré and private Seine moments, and browse Pacaso listings in London for design, dining and West End culture Settle in for gallery previews, reservations in Mayfair and curtain calls in Soho. A Pacaso base simplifies repeated London trips so you can focus on exhibitions and friends, not check-in times. Explore our homes in Los Cabos for sea life, golf and sunset cruises From December to April, Cabo’s private charters spot migrating humpbacks and gray whales. Iconic El Arco at Land’s End is a must by boat, and San José del Cabo’s Breckenridge in the Rockies for four season adventure Charleston and nearby islands for easy coastal living Just outside Charleston, Kiawah offers a 10-mile beach, five championship golf courses including the This stretch of coast is ideal for short, high-quality trips. Morning surf checks, long lunches downtown and sunset porch hours become second nature with a consistent address. San Diego and La Jolla for culture, surf and dining A 1,200-acre Signature experiences to line up each season Keep a short list of favorite activities in each market across these luxury vacation destinations and repeat your top picks without the usual trip planning. Find your 2025 home base Own your time in the world’s top luxury vacation destinations and let the routine work in your favor. Ready to compare mountain and coast, or line up peak weeks around your favorite things to do on vacation? Explore our homes in