When you buy a timeshare, a shared vacation property ownership model where you pay for the right to use a unit for a set period each year. Also known as vacation ownership, it’s often sold as a way to lock in future holidays—but what happens when you die? That’s where timeshare estate planning, the process of legally managing your timeshare ownership after death comes in. Most people don’t realize their timeshare doesn’t vanish when they do. It becomes part of their estate, and that can mean headaches, fees, or even debt for their family.
Think of a timeshare cost, the annual expenses tied to owning a vacation share, including maintenance fees, taxes, and special assessments. These aren’t one-time payments. They keep coming every year, whether you use the unit or not. If you don’t plan ahead, your heirs might inherit not just a vacation spot, but a financial obligation they didn’t ask for. Some resorts even require heirs to pay back dues or face legal action. And if they don’t want it? Getting out of a timeshare contract is harder than getting into one. Resale markets are flooded, and scams targeting people trying to exit are everywhere.
That’s why timeshare ownership, the legal structure that defines your rights and responsibilities as a shared property holder needs to be part of your will or trust. You can’t just assume your kids will take it over—or that they’ll even want to. Clear instructions can save them from surprise bills, paperwork nightmares, or being stuck with a property they can’t sell. Some people choose to gift their timeshare while alive, others set up a trust to handle it. A few even pay to have it legally canceled. The point? You have options—but only if you act before it’s too late.
And let’s be real: timeshare alternatives, options like vacation rentals, points-based systems, or travel clubs that offer flexibility without long-term ownership are growing fast. Why lock yourself into a fixed week and rising fees when you can book a beach house on Airbnb for less? Many people who bought timeshares years ago now regret it—not because they didn’t enjoy the trips, but because they didn’t think about what came after. Estate planning isn’t just for houses and bank accounts. It’s for every asset you own, even the ones that feel like fun.
Below, you’ll find real guides on how much timeshares actually cost each year, whether people still buy them in 2025, and what smarter options exist. No fluff. No sales pitches. Just what you need to know before you sign anything—or before you help someone else deal with the mess left behind.
