How to Transfer a Timeshare to a Family Member (Without Getting Scammed)
Published August 27, 2026 • By Timeshare Consulting & Services Inc. • How-To
Transferring a timeshare to a family member is legally possible in most cases, but the process is more complicated than simply handing over the deed. You must comply with any Right of First Refusal clause in your contract, pay resort transfer fees, record the new deed with the county, and ensure the receiving family member understands they are assuming a perpetuity obligation with rising annual costs.
Step-by-Step Transfer Process
- Review your contract for transfer restrictions, ROFR clauses, and required developer consent
- Contact the resort to request transfer paperwork and understand their requirements
- Hire a title company or real estate attorney to prepare the transfer deed (quitclaim or warranty deed)
- Submit to the resort for ROFR review (if applicable; typically 30-60 day review period)
- Pay transfer fees (resort fee + closing costs + recording fees)
- Record the deed with the county recorder's office where the timeshare is located
- Confirm with the resort that the new owner's name is on the account
Transfer Costs
| Fee Type | Typical Range | Paid By |
|---|---|---|
| Resort Transfer Fee | $100-$500 | Seller or buyer |
| Title Company/Attorney | $200-$500 | Seller |
| Deed Recording Fee | $25-$100 | Buyer |
| Transfer Taxes (varies by state) | $0-$300 | Varies |
| Total | $325-$1,400 |
Before You Transfer: Important Considerations
- The receiving family member inherits all obligations: Rising maintenance fees, special assessments, and a perpetuity contract they cannot easily exit
- Gift tax implications: Transferring a timeshare as a gift may trigger federal gift tax reporting requirements if the fair market value exceeds $18,000 (2026 annual exclusion)
- Consider exit instead: If neither you nor your family member will actually use the timeshare, legal exit may be a better option than passing the obligation to someone else
Need help evaluating whether transfer or exit is the right choice? Call Timeshare Consulting & Services Inc. at (888) 530-7268 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my timeshare to a family member?
Yes, in most cases. You can transfer timeshare ownership to a family member through a quitclaim deed or warranty deed. However, the transfer must comply with any right of first refusal clause in your contract, and the resort may charge a transfer fee of $100-$500.
Does transferring a timeshare to family cost money?
Yes. Typical costs include: resort transfer fee ($100-$500), title company/attorney closing fee ($200-$500), deed recording fee ($25-$100), and potential transfer taxes depending on your state. Total: $325-$1,100.
Can the resort block a timeshare transfer to family?
Possibly. Many timeshare contracts contain a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) clause that allows the developer to intercept any transfer. If the resort exercises ROFR, they take the timeshare back instead of allowing the transfer. Some contracts restrict transfers entirely without developer consent.
Related Resources
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