Timeshare Resale Market Faces Valuation Challenges

Timeshare Help Center warns consumers against rising tide of timeshare resale scams

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:05am

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A new industry analysis has found that the secondary market for timeshares is practically non-existent, with thousands of timeshares listed for sale for as little as $1 that still fail to sell. This lack of a legitimate resale market has given rise to a massive industry of timeshare resale scams, with the Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission reporting these as among the most frequently reported forms of consumer fraud in the travel sector.

Why it matters

Timeshares are often pitched as real estate investments that will appreciate over time, but the reality is that a timeshare is simply a 'right to use' a property, accompanied by a lifetime obligation to pay ever-increasing maintenance fees. With timeshare owners struggling to sell their properties, many are falling victim to predatory resale scams that target desperate owners looking to get out of their timeshare contracts.

The details

According to Timeshare Help Center, scammers will often call timeshare owners claiming they have a 'guaranteed buyer' ready to purchase the timeshare immediately, but then ask for upfront fees disguised as 'appraisal fees,' 'closing costs,' or 'foreign taxes.' Once the money is paid, the scammer disappears. Timeshare Help Center warns owners to watch out for these common red flags and to never pay any upfront fees to resell a timeshare, as legitimate real estate brokers take their commission from the final sale price, not upfront.

  • In 2026, thousands of timeshare owners are looking to sell their properties as maintenance fees soar.

The players

Timeshare Help Center

A consumer advocacy group based in Phoenix, Arizona that specializes in timeshare cancellation and protecting consumers from industry fraud and rising fees.

Dr. David Thompson

An expert from Timeshare Help Center who explains that the secondary market for timeshares is practically non-existent, with thousands of timeshares listed for sale for as little as $1 that still fail to sell.

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

An organization that reports timeshare resale scams as among the most frequently reported forms of consumer fraud in the travel sector.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

A government agency that also reports timeshare resale scams as among the most frequently reported forms of consumer fraud in the travel sector.

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What they’re saying

“The secondary market for timeshares is practically non-existent. If someone is asking for money upfront to sell your timeshare, it is a scam. Call us instead.”

— Dr. David Thompson, Timeshare Help Center

What’s next

Timeshare owners who are struggling to sell their property or who have been targeted by resale scams are encouraged to contact Timeshare Help Center for a free consultation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the significant challenges facing the timeshare resale market, with thousands of timeshare owners unable to sell their properties and falling victim to predatory resale scams. It underscores the importance for consumers to be wary of any upfront fees or 'guaranteed buyer' claims when trying to sell a timeshare, and to instead seek out reputable and transparent assistance from organizations like Timeshare Help Center.