Glossary of Timeshare Terms

"The request window for your floating studio in Duluth isn't maximizing your trading power..."

The Language of Timeshares

Need a quick refresher in Timeshare terms? It's often difficult to navigate through the timeshare industry's vocabulary! So here's a helpful guide that you can use to understand some of the more frequently used terms in the business of timeshares. For your convenience these terms are listed alphabetically below.

Deeded Property:

A deeded property is one in which the property title does not expire. Once you own the timeshare, it's yours until you decide to sell it, much like home ownership. Deeded timeshares may also be passed on to your heirs. Back to the top

Deposit Window:

The 24 month time frame within which timeshare owners are eligible to deposit their vacation week in the exchange pool. Back to the top

Exchange Confirmation:

Notification that owners of timeshares and the host resorts receive regarding the unit they receive in exchange and the dates of occupancy. Back to the top

Floating Week:

A floating week is one where you contact the resort to book a reservation within the time frame of the season you own. This timeshare booking is done on the basis of availability so, to ensure the best possible choices, it is a good idea to reserve your time as far in advance as possible. A High Season Week is designated by the resort as the time that they have the greatest demand for use of their timeshares. Back to the top

Instant Exchange:

A vacation exchange conveniently made by telephone for travel dates within the next 2 to 45 days. Back to the top

Leased or Certificate Property:

The right to use your timeshare for a specified number of years. Certain resorts may allow for accelerated usage, which means that you'll have a specified number of weeks that you may use, but you may use more than one week per year. Most timeshares in Mexico are of this type, since the Mexican government tries to prevent long-term foreign ownership in their vacation cities. Back to the top

Life Property:

A membership that allows usage each year for the owner's lifetime. Back to the top

Maximum Occupancy:

The Maximum number of guests that a timeshare unit will accommodate. Back to the top

Private Occupancy:

The number of guests that a resort unit will accommodate, based on two adults per separate sleeping area, with private access to a bathroom. Back to the top

Request Window:

The 24 month time frame within which owners of timeshares may submit their vacation exchange requests. Back to the top

Standard Exchange:

A vacation exchange request made by telephone or mail for travel dates between 24 months and 45 days prior to the week of travel. Back to the top

Stock Company:

Resorts issue shares of ownership in the property or properties they sell. Instead of owning a deed to a property, you own shares in the company, which entitles you to vacation time each year. Back to the top

Trading Power:

The value assigned to a member's deposited vacation time. Trading power is the basis upon which the system searches for available space in the exchange company. Back to the top

If you do not find the term you are searching for, or if you know of additional language particular to the timeshare industry that would benefit prospective owners, please feel free to contact us. We can add these items to our list. Back to the top

Additional information: Types of Timeshares | Timeshare Basics | Timeshare Exchanges