How Much Does It Cost to Get Out of a Timeshare?
Owning a timeshare can be a dream, but trying to get rid of one, a nightmare. Owners find it hard to believe the timeshare costs involved with the ownership and that the timeshare they paid so much for when it was new is now worth so little on the resale market, often just pennies on the dollar, if that.
Even more shocking? The dream of vacation ownership becomes a further financial burden when faced with the reality of selling or canceling it. The cost to get out of a timeshare can be unexpectedly high, with fees for transfer services, legal assistance, or even penalties imposed by the resort.
The good news is that cost isn’t fixed, and it isn’t always high. Some owners qualify for a free or low-cost way out; others need a more involved solution that costs more. Below, we break down what drives the price up or down, what each exit method typically costs, and where a company like Timeshare Specialists can help.
Quick Answer
The cost to get out of a timeshare can range from very little to several thousand dollars, depending on the resort, ownership type, loan balance, maintenance fee status, and exit method. Some owners may qualify for a low-cost or no-cost resort takeback program, while others may need to pay transfer fees, closing costs, legal fees, unpaid maintenance fees, or professional service fees. In general, the cheapest options are usually rescission, if you are still within the legal cancellation period, or a resort deed-back program if your ownership qualifies. More complex situations, such as unpaid loans, delinquent maintenance fees, foreclosure risk, or legal disputes, can cost more to resolve.
What’s The Average Cost To Get Out Of A Timeshare?
If you’re wondering how much it costs to get out of a timeshare, the truth is that it depends. The average cost to get out of a timeshare can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $15,000, depending on your situation.
The final price is affected by factors such as the resort brand, whether you still owe on a mortgage, and the exit method you choose – be it selling, deeding back, or working with a professional timeshare exit company. For example, legal services or attorney-backed exit solutions tend to be on the higher end, while some deedback programs may offer low-cost or even free cancellation if your ownership is paid in full.
Average Cost To Get Out Of A Timeshare By Exit Method
There’s no one-size-fits-all price tag when it comes to timeshare cancellation. Your final cost depends heavily on the route you choose. Here’s a breakdown of common exit methods and what you can expect to pay:
Rescission period (Almost Free)
If you’re still within your state’s legal rescission window, typically 3 to 14 days after signing the contract, you’re in luck. Canceling during this period is often almost free, as it simply involves sending the seller a letter to inform them of your decision. Just make sure to act fast, as the window closes quickly. Here’s our guide on writing a timeshare cancellation letter and the other steps to take during this window.
Timeshare transfer companies or timeshare real estate brokers (You Might Get Paid)
In the rare case that a developer wants to reclaim inventory, they may pay up to $2,000 to take the timeshare back. This isn’t something to count on, but when it happens, it’s usually handled discreetly through third-party transfer companies or brokers with industry connections.
Deedback to the developer (Up to $2,000)
If your developer offers a deed-back program, this can be a straightforward way out, provided your account is current and the timeshare is paid off. Expect to pay up to $2,000 in processing or administrative fees.
Timeshare broker (Around 50% Commission)
If your timeshare still holds value, a licensed broker may be able to sell it for you. They’ll take a commission of around 50% of the sale price. Just note: if your timeshare has little to no market value, a broker likely won’t take it on.
Working with a lawyer (Up to $15,000)
Hiring a timeshare attorney may be the best route when a mortgage is still owed or legal issues are involved. Legal exits often involve proving misrepresentation or high-pressure sales tactics and can cost up to $15,000.
Timeshare exit companies (Up to $10,000)
In some cases, timeshare exit companies can help you exit your timeshare without having to use the services of an attorney. In this case, the cost of divesting can vary between $2,000 and $10,000.
Selling the timeshare yourself (Advertising Fees + Ongoing Costs)
This DIY option may seem cost-effective at first. While listing fees aren’t that expensive, the real cost comes in time, effort, and ongoing maintenance fees – especially if the property takes years to sell (which is common). Here are some tips on how to sell successfully.
Cosy By Exit Method At A Glance
Exit Method | Typical Cost Range | Best For | What To Watch For |
Rescission period | Usually low-cost or nearly free | Owners who recently purchased | Deadlines are short and vary by state |
Resort deed-back or takeback | Free to around $2,000 | Paid-off owners with current fees | Not every resort accepts takebacks |
Selling through a broker | Commission-based | Timeshares with resale value | Avoid upfront-fee “buyer waiting” claims |
Selling it yourself | Listing fees plus ongoing costs | Owners willing to do the work | It may take months or years to find a buyer |
Transfer company | Varies by ownership | Low-demand timeshares that need transfer help | Make sure the transfer is documented |
Timeshare exit company | Often several thousand dollars | Complex divestment situations | Avoid large upfront fees and vague promises |
Timeshare attorney | Can reach $10,000–$15,000+ | Legal disputes, foreclosure, collections, fraud, probate, divorce | Legal help may be unnecessary for a straightforward transfer |
Why Timeshare Exit Costs Vary
There is no single cost to get out of a timeshare because each ownership is different. Two owners at the same resort may face very different costs depending on whether the account is paid off, whether maintenance fees are current, and whether the resort will accept the ownership back.
The biggest factors that affect timeshare exit cost include:
- Whether the timeshare is paid off
- Whether maintenance fees are current
- Whether there are unpaid special assessments or taxes
- Whether the resort offers a deed-back program
- Whether the timeshare has resale value
- Whether a buyer or transferee can be found
- Whether closing, recording, escrow, or transfer fees apply
- Whether legal help is needed
- Whether the owner is facing collections or foreclosure
A paid-off ownership with current maintenance fees is usually easier and less expensive to resolve than an ownership with a loan balance, delinquent fees, or legal complications.
Can You Get Out Of A Timeshare For Free?
Sometimes, but not always. Some owners may be able to get out of a timeshare for free or at a low cost if they are still within the rescission period or if the resort offers a deed-back, surrender, or takeback program. However, free exit options usually have requirements and may also charge administrative, transfer, or recording fees.
Why Waiting To Get Out Can Cost More
Even if you are no longer using the ownership, annual maintenance fees, special assessments, taxes, loan payments, and late fees will continue. For many owners, the real question is not only “What does it cost to get out of a timeshare?” It is also “What will it cost if I keep paying for something I no longer use?”
If you stop paying altogether instead of pursuing a proper exit, the costs can escalate fast through late fees, collections, and possible foreclosure. Our free Timeshare Cost Calculator can help you see what staying in your ownership is likely to cost over the next several years, so you can weigh that against the cost of exiting now.
Timeshare Exit Cost For The Andersons
Barbara and Roy Anderson asked us this exact question: what would it actually cost them to get rid of their timeshare, and what was the best way to do it? Their situation reflects a predicament a lot of owners eventually face.
The Andersons live in New Hampshire and own a timeshare in Orlando. Barbara and Roy originally bought their vacation property so that their young kids could enjoy Disneyland while they were growing up. With a kitchen and extra bedroom, the timeshare acted like a second home, right next to their fantasy getaway. But now their kids are in high school and not so interested in Mickey Mouse. Furthermore, Barbara and Roy want to explore new places, like the Caribbean.
To help Barbara and Roy understand what selling a timeshare themselves would involve, we walked them through the exact process we use here at Timeshare Specialists. You can find more timeshare selling tips here.
The Cost of Waiting
After weighing the time and effort it would take to sell the timeshare themselves, the Andersons decided to have us handle the transfer instead. It’s not an easy market to sell in – resale demand is low across most of the industry, and a lot of owners spend months or years trying before they get an offer worth taking.
In our experience, the longer owners wait to address a timeshare they no longer want, the more it tends to cost them in ongoing fees.
That’s also one of the most common things we hear most from our customers “I wish I had done this sooner.”
Is Paying To Exit Worth It?
While the average cost to get out of a timeshare may seem steep, it often pales compared to the long-term financial burden of staying locked in. Annual maintenance fees, which average over $1,000 and typically increase yearly, add up quickly, especially for owners who no longer use the property. In that context, paying to exit is often the most financially responsible decision. We’ve seen too many owners regret not acting sooner, only to face higher costs and more stress down the road.
Before You Pay Anyone To Exit
Because so much of the cost of getting out of a timeshare involves paying a third party, this is also where scams are most common. Before you pay anyone, a broker, a transfer company, an exit company, or an attorney, a few checks can save you thousands.
Never pay an upfront fee for a promised sale or exit. Legitimate companies get paid when the transfer or sale actually closes, not before. Be wary of anyone who claims to have a ‘buyer waiting’ if you just cover a deposit or tax payment first – that’s one of the most common timeshare scams.
Verify the company before signing anything: check its BBB rating, look for verified reviews, and confirm it isn’t listed on our Timeshare Scam Hotline & Database. This is not legal advice – if you suspect fraud or you’re facing a contract dispute, a licensed attorney is the right next step, not a resale or transfer company.
Timeshare Expert Advice
Not sure which exit option fits your situation? Cost is only one part of the decision. The right path depends on whether your timeshare has resale value, whether your resort accepts deed-backs, whether your ownership is paid off, and whether a transfer or guaranteed divestment option is more realistic.
If your timeshare still holds resale value, our Owner’s Advantage Plan and Timeshare Brokerage Services can help you list or sell it without paying anything upfront. If it has little or no resale value, our Guaranteed Transfer Program is built for exactly that situation — we find a new owner and handle the transfer, so you’re not stuck waiting for a buyer who may never show up.
For a full comparison of resale, resort takeback, transfer, broker, and exit company options, read our guide on how to get out of a timeshare or call us anytime at 1-800-965-6565 for free expert advice.
Explore This Guide With An AI Assistant
Explore this guide with your favorite AI assistant to better understand what it may cost to get out of a timeshare, which exit methods are usually lower or higher cost, and what questions to ask before paying any company.
FAQs:
The cost to exit a timeshare varies by your resort, loan balance, maintenance fee status, and exit method. Some owners may qualify for low-cost resort takeback programs, while others may incur transfer fees, closing costs, legal fees, unpaid maintenance fees, or professional service fees.
There is no fixed average because timeshare exit costs vary widely. A simple resort takeback may cost little or nothing, whereas legal or complex exit services can cost several thousand dollars. The best estimate depends on whether the timeshare is paid off, current, transferable, or marketable.
Sometimes owners may be able to get out for free or at low cost through rescission or a resort deed-back program. However, these options usually have strict requirements, and some resorts may charge administrative, recording, or transfer fees.
It can cost money because a timeshare is a legal ownership interest or a contractual obligation. Ending it may require closing work, title transfer, resort paperwork, recording fees, escrow handling, loan resolution, or professional help.
If you still owe on your timeshare mortgage, it may limit your exit options. Many resorts, buyers, and transfer companies will not accept a transfer unless the loan is paid off or otherwise resolved. Owners with outstanding loans should confirm the payoff amount and ask the resort what options are available.
Paying to exit may be worth it if the cost is less than the long-term maintenance fees, assessments, and other ownership expenses you would otherwise continue paying. The key is ensuring the service is legitimate, documented, and actually removes your name from the ownership records.
Start by contacting your resort directly to confirm whether the timeshare has resale value, compare transfer and deed-back options, and avoid companies that demand large upfront fees. A legitimate company should clearly explain the process, costs, and timeline.
The cheapest options are usually rescission, if you recently purchased and are still within the cancellation period, or a resort deed-back program, if your ownership qualifies. If neither option is available, a documented transfer or guaranteed transfer may be more practical.
About the Author
Brent Maggio
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