If you’re considering buying into the Marriott Vacation Club, one of the first questions on your mind is likely to be: “How much will it cost me?” The answer, as with many things related to timeshares, is that it depends on several factors.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Buying Into Marriott Vacation Club
- The location of the property you’re interested in
- The size of the unit you want to purchase
- The time of year you plan to travel
- The number of points or weeks you want to buy
- Whether you buy directly from Marriott or on the resale market
Location and Unit Size
Marriott Vacation Club has properties all over the world, from Hawaii to Thailand to France. Unsurprisingly, properties in more desirable locations tend to command higher prices than those in less popular destinations. Additionally, larger units (such as two- or three-bedroom villas) are more expensive than smaller studios or one-bedroom units.
Seasonal Pricing and Points-Based System
Like many timeshare companies, Marriott Vacation Club uses a points-based system to determine how much owners can use their properties each year. The number of points required for a given stay depends on several factors:
- The time of year (known as “seasons”)
- The size of the unit
- The location of the property
- The length of stay
Different seasons have different point values: high season (peak travel times like summer and holidays) typically require more points than low season. Owners can also choose whether they want a fixed week (the same week every year) or a floating week (the ability to choose a different week each year within a certain season).
Direct Purchase vs. Resale
Finally, the method of purchase can also affect the cost of buying into Marriott Vacation Club. Buying directly from Marriott typically involves higher prices, as the company has more overhead costs to cover (such as marketing and sales commissions). On the other hand, purchasing through the resale market (from an existing owner looking to sell their ownership) can often be significantly cheaper.
Conclusion
So, how much does it cost to buy into Marriott Vacation Club? As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
However, as a general rule of thumb, prices for ownership range from around $20,000 for a small studio unit in a less popular location up to $200,000 or more for a larger unit in a prime destination like Hawaii. Keep in mind that there are additional costs beyond the purchase price, such as annual maintenance fees and property taxes. Ultimately, whether it’s worth it for you depends on your travel habits and budget.