What Is Co-Ownership?
What Is Fractional Ownership?
Fractional ownership properties offer a revolutionary approach to luxury holiday home investment. Also known as co-ownership, this model allows you to purchase real shares in premium properties across sought-after destinations in Europe and beyond.
Dreaming of a holiday home in the French Alps, Costa del Sol, or another coveted location? Traditional second home ownership often remains just that — a dream — due to high upfront costs, ongoing maintenance, and limited annual usage.
However, fractional ownership provides a more innovative solution.
Why Choose Fractional Ownership Properties?
Co-ownership allows you to buy genuine shares in freehold properties — typically 1/8 shares — providing several weeks of exclusive use annually while sharing costs with like-minded investors. This isn’t a timeshare or rental agreement; it’s authentic deeded property ownership made flexible and accessible.
Whether you seek a ski-in, ski-out chalet or a designer beachfront apartment, fractional ownership delivers the luxury lifestyle you desire without paying for unused time.
Key Benefits Include:
Own deeded shares in premium freehold properties
Use your home 1.5-6 months yearly (depending on share size)
Sell anytime at market value — it’s a genuine asset
Divide running costs and annual property taxes
Transfer shares to children, avoiding expensive inheritance costs
Not sure which home fits you best?
Beach Lifestyle Properties
Mediterranean villas and coastal homes provide the ultimate seaside experience, from Costa del Sol beachfront properties to exclusive island retreats across Europe's most desirable coastlines.
Mountain Lifestyle Properties
Alpine retreats and ski-in, ski-out chalets in premier destinations like the French Alps offer winter sports enthusiasts exclusive access to world-class slopes and mountain luxury.
City Lifestyle Properties
Sophisticated urban apartments in cultural capitals like Paris, London, and Miami deliver metropolitan luxury with easy access to world-class dining, culture, and business centers.
Understanding Co-Ownership vs. Traditional Ownership
Why pay 100% for part-time use?
Pay a Fraction of the Price for a Premium Property
European holiday homes average just 30-40 days of annual use — barely five weeks. While full ownership makes sense for primary residences, holiday homes require a different logic.
Fractional ownership properties let you purchase only what you need. Upfront costs decrease dramatically, and in certain countries, you avoid paying full VAT and stamp duty since these expenses are shared proportionally or absorbed by company structures.
Simply put: you can afford premium properties for significantly less money without paying for unused time.
Fractional ownership, a new trend?
Modern platforms may promise revolutionary property sharing, but the concept has been quietly flourishing in family estates across Europe and America for generations
Whilst technology evangelists herald fractional ownership as a groundbreaking innovation in property investment, the reality is rather more prosaic. For decades—indeed centuries—families have been practising precisely this form of shared ownership, often through necessity rather than choice, as cherished holiday homes passed down through generations become divided amongst increasingly numerous heirs. Read more
Fractional Ownership vs. Timeshare: Critical Differences
Let’s clarify: fractional ownership properties are not timeshares.
In Co-ownership:
You hold a real, deeded freehold share of, in most cases, a freehold property, like any property investor.
Typically 4-8 owners per property
You can resell shares on the open market anytime or transfer for generations
Property appreciation benefits your investment
In Timeshare:
You only own usage rights for specific periods
Up to 52 owners per property (one per week)
Scheduling becomes complicated, resale nearly impossible
Values rarely appreciate and often depreciate
Legal Residency Considerations: Use What You Pay For
Even full property owners face usage restrictions. Non-residents typically can only stay six months minus one day yearly in foreign properties unless they become tax residents.
Post-Brexit restrictions are even tighter: UK citizens are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period across the EU — including all travel, not just holiday home stays.
Fractional ownership aligns perfectly with these limits:
1/8 share = 1.5 months yearly
1/4 share = 3 months yearly
1/2 share = 6 months yearly
You won’t overpay for time you legally cannot use.
Divide the Costs, Enjoy the Comfort
One of the greatest benefits of co-ownership is shared financial responsibility. From the initial purchase to long-term upkeep, you’re not paying alone — costs are divided fairly among all co-owners.
Renovation & Furnishing — Already Included
Many of our properties include professional renovations and stylish furnishings in the share price. That means no fixer-uppers, no shopping stress, no delays. Your second home is move-in ready — beautifull
Shared Running Costs
Co-owners split the ongoing expenses: maintenance, utilities, insurance, local taxes.
- No surprise invoices
- No overwhelming tax bills
- No emergency repair stress
Splitting expenses just makes sense — especially with rising property costs.
Making Luxury Accessible
If second home ownership previously felt financially out of reach, fractional ownership properties provide the solution. Access luxury properties in Europe’s most desirable locations without overextending your budget.
Whether you’re drawn to the slopes with mountain lifestyle properties, the coast with beach lifestyle properties, or urban sophistication with city lifestyle properties, discover the smarter way to own vacation homes through proven fractional ownership models.
Ready to own that dream property?
Get in touch with our team to secure your share today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fractional Ownership Properties
Fractional ownership properties allow you to purchase real shares in luxury holiday homes — typically 1/8 ownership — rather than buying an entire property. You receive a deeded interest in the property, giving you several weeks of exclusive annual usage while sharing costs with other co-owners.
Unlike timeshares where you only purchase usage rights, fractional ownership gives you actual property ownership with a legal deed. Timeshares can have up to 52 users per property (they do not own the deed, unlike fractional ownership) , while fractional ownership typically involves just 4-8 owners, making scheduling easier and resale more valuable.
Usage depends on your ownership share:
1/8 share = approximately 1.5 months per year
1/4 share = approximately 3 months per year
1/2 share = approximately 6 months per year
These timeframes align perfectly with legal residency limits for non-fiscal citizens of the country where the property is located.
Yes, you can sell your fractional ownership share anytime at market value since you own a real asset. If the property appreciates, your share value increases proportionally. This differs significantly from timeshares, which typically depreciate and are difficult to resell. Premium location properties tend to appreciate the most in time (8-9%/year).
Co-owners share all property-related expenses proportionally, including:
Initial purchase price
Annual property taxes
Maintenance and utilities
Insurance premiums
Professional management fees
Any necessary repairs or improvements
Pre- and post-arrival inspections track property conditions. Normal wear and tear is covered by shared maintenance costs, but any damage beyond normal use is charged to the responsible owner. Professional management ensures accountability among all co-owners.
Legal restrictions vary by location and may include national/state real estate laws, local regulations, and private deed restrictions. Your fractional ownership company handles compliance with all applicable rules during the purchase process. The same rules apply to 100% ownership properties.
Yes, fractional ownership shares can typically be transferred to children or family members, often providing inheritance tax advantages compared to full property ownership. Specific transfer procedures depend on the ownership structure and local laws. Certainly one of the strongest points compared to traditional property.
Fractional ownership properties span three main categories:
Mountain Lifestyle: Ski chalets and alpine retreats
Beach Lifestyle: Coastal villas and oceanfront properties
City Lifestyle: Urban apartments in cultural capitals
Most fractional ownership properties use structured scheduling systems with flexible reservation systems. Modern platforms provide apps for easy scheduling coordination among co-owners.