Timeshare
Timeshares are a way to buy the right to use a holiday property for a specific amount of time. That means no true property ownership and no gained equity. Because dozens of parties own the same timeshares, a single unit could have up to 52 owners.In most cases, buying a timeshare means paying for week-long access to an apartment or resort room, plus yearly maintenance fees, which often increase over time. The value of timeshares has long been debated. While upfront costs are relatively low when compared to owning a whole second home, depreciation is high and resale opportunities are uncertain.Timeshare pros:
- Lower price tag than a traditional home
- Apartment accommodation
- Easy booking
Timeshare cons:
- Hefty, increasing annual maintenance fees
- Value depreciation over time
- Difficulty with resale
Fractional ownership
Fractional real estate ownership is a method of purchasing an ownership interest in a property with others so costs can be shared. Fractional ownership is most often seen in holiday apartment and resort areas, and while a traditional timeshare limits access to the property to one to two weeks per year, fractional ownership can allow access to the property for five weeks or more per year, depending on the number of owners per unit.Most fractional ownership properties limit ownership to 6–14 parties per unit. Each fractional owner holds an equal part of the property title while reducing liability toward maintenance and taxes. Because these units have fewer owners, fractional owners often have more of a say in decisions regarding property maintenance and upkeep, and many fractional properties also offer onsite storage for owners.Fractional ownership pros:
- Deeded ownership
- Value that matches market trends
- Fewer owners
- Onsite storage
Fractional ownership cons:
- Higher price tag than timeshares
- Hefty annual fees
- Challenges when it comes to resale
Private residence club
Private residence clubs are similar to fractional properties, in that both offer ownership interest in shares of a holiday property. However, private residence clubs, frequently operated by luxury hospitality chains, add amenities typically found in high-end hotels. These clubs often sell apartments or villas with access to the club’s golf courses or ski resorts, along with maid-cleaned rooms and turndown service. Owners also gain access to other properties in the chain’s portfolio. Like fractional ownership, club properties can gain equity, but these upscale residences tend to be much more expensive than a typical fractional and require higher annual fees.Residence club pros:
- Access to luxury amenities
- Deeded ownership
- Gained equity
Residence club cons:
- Expensive price tag
- Resale challenges
- High annual fees
Destination club
A destination club grants members proprietary access to its services, which in this case means high-end holiday homes on a non-equity basis in various locations around the world. Basically, your membership fees pay for you to rent a wide variety of luxury properties. Prioritising flexibility and choice, members eschew a traditional mortgage payment in favor of membership tiers that offer levels of reservation priority, personalised services, and amenities like beach clubs, private chefs and high-end spas.Prices are similar to private residence clubs, though residences are usually luxury detached properties. Availability is first come, first served and can sell out quickly during peak times in popular areas.Destination club pros:
- Detached properties in varied locales
- Pay-as-you go model
- Luxury amenities
Destination club cons:
- Pricey membership fees
- Limited availability
- Rental format; no gained equity
The Pacaso difference
So that’s fractional ownership vs. timeshares vs. clubs. Then there’s Pacaso.Pacaso’s professionally managed limited company co-ownership model offers a better, smarter, more modern way to own a second home. It's as if a few families came together to purchase a home, but without any of the risk and hassle associated with the DIY co-ownership process.Pacaso offers:
- True property ownership that moves in value with the local market. As a true owner, any equity gained is yours.
- Ownership of a detached property, not just the right to use an apartment or hotel room.
- A smaller ownership group. Instead of up to 52 owners with timeshares, a Pacaso has a maximum of eight.
- Exclusive use by vetted owners and their guests through an equitable scheduling system, with no third-party rentals allowed.
- Dramatically lower operating costs with zero markup on items such as property management and repairs.
- A streamlined and standardised approach to resale — just like any other property.
