What Is Co-Ownership?

The smarter way to own a luxury second home — for a fraction of the price.

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Why Co-Ownership?

Dreaming of a holiday home in the French Alps, on the Costa del Sol, or in another sought-after destination? For many buyers, the idea of owning a second home remains just that — a dream — often held back by the high upfront cost, ongoing maintenance, and the fact that it may only be used a few weeks a year.

But there’s a smarter way.

Co-ownership allows you to buy a true share in a freehold property — typically 1/4 or 1/8 — giving you several weeks of exclusive use each year, while sharing costs and responsibilities with like-minded co-owners. It’s not timeshare. It’s not renting. It’s real property ownership — made flexible, accessible, and efficient.

Whether you’re looking for a ski-in ski-out chalet or a designer apartment by the beach, co-ownership gives you the lifestyle you want, without paying for time you don’t use.

Why Choose Co-Ownership?

Owning a second home shouldn’t mean paying 100% of the cost for just a few weeks of use each year. Furthermore, many of our foreign clients (UK, USA, Dutch, etc) are limited to six months a year as non-Spanish tax residents. With co-ownership, you share the purchase, maintenance, and enjoyment, and gain access to premium villas, chalets, and apartments in top locations across Europe and the U.S.

  • Own a real share in a premium freehold property

  • Use the home for 1.5-6-months/year, depending on your share (1/8-1/2)

  • Sell anytime at market value — it’s a real asset

  • Divide the running costs and annual property tax

  • Transfer your part(s) of the property to your children to avoid expensive inheritance costs 

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What is co-ownership?

Pay a Fraction of the Price for a Premium Property

Why pay 100% of the price for a second home you’ll only use part-time? The average use of holiday homes in Europe is just 30-40 days per year — barely over five weeks. For your main residence, full ownership makes sense. But when it comes to a holiday home, the logic is completely different.

With co-ownership, you buy only the portion you need — typically 1/4 or 1/8 of the property — giving you several weeks of personal use each year. The upfront cost is dramatically reduced, and in some countries, you also avoid paying full VAT and stamp duty, as these are shared proportionally between owners or already absorbed by the company structure.

In short: you can afford a much more premium property for far less money — without paying for unused time.

From Private Jets to Property

Fractional ownership isn’t new. It began with private jets and yachts — assets so expensive and underused that co-ownership made far more sense than buying outright.

It later extended to supercars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Owners could enjoy the experience without absorbing the high insurance and depreciation alone.

Today, the same model applies to luxury second homes — offering more flexibility, access to better locations, and more innovative financial planning.

Co-Ownership vs Timeshare: What’s the Difference?

Let’s clear this up: co-ownership is not timeshare.

  • In co-ownership, you hold real, deeded freehold interest in the property — just like any property investor.

  • In timeshare, you only own the right to use the property for a specific time period. You don’t actually own the asset.

Timeshares can have up to 52 owners per property (yes, one per week). That makes scheduling complicated and resale nearly impossible. Values don’t appreciate meaningfully — in fact, most timeshares depreciate over time.

By contrast, co-ownership structures typically involve just 4 to 8 owners per property. Some may own multiple shares, giving even more flexibility. And because you own a real share of the freehold, you can resell your part on the open market. If the property gains value, so does your share.

Use What You Pay For — No More, No Less

Did you know that even as a full owner, you may not be allowed to use your second home all year round?

If you own a holiday property in France or Spain — or almost anywhere abroad — there’s a catch: non-residents can typically only stay up to six months per year unless they become a tax resident in that country.

And for British citizens, the situation is even more restricted since Brexit: you’re limited to 90 days in any 180-day period in the EU.

Why Co-Ownership Makes Sense

  • 1/8 share = 1.5 months/year
  • 1/4 share = 3 months/year
  • 1/2 shares = 6 months/year

This aligns with most legal residency limits, so you’re not overpaying for time you can’t 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 = Financial Ease

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.

Use What You Pay For — No More, No Less

Did you know that even as a full owner, you may not be allowed to use your second home all year round?

If you own a holiday property in France or Spain — or almost anywhere abroad — there’s a catch:
You can typically only stay up to six months per year unless you become a tax resident in that country. This applies to most foreign homeowners, regardless of nationality.

And for British citizens, the situation has become even more restrictive since Brexit.
Under the current rules, non-EU passport holders can only stay in the EU for 90 days within any 180-day period. That’s not just for your second home — it includes any trip across the EU, whether it’s a long weekend in Paris or a beach week in Portugal.

City Properties

3 Listings

Country & Seaside Properties

21 Listings

Ski Properties

7 Listings
Why 1/4 and 1/8 Co-Ownership Just Makes Sense
Typical premium property in Andalucia which co-ownership makes affordable

The Benefits of Owning a Holiday Home — Without Breaking the Bank

Co-ownership offers a smarter way to enjoy premium real estate in Europe — from ski chalets in the French Alps to beachfront villas in Ibiza or stylish apartments in Paris.Rather than paying the full price for a property you’ll only use part-time, co-ownership lets you invest in the portion you’ll actually enjoy — typically 1/4 or 1/8 shares. This significantly reduces upfront cost while opening the door to high-end properties in top destinations.

Why it makes sense:

  • Lower entry cost — only pay for the time you’ll use
  • Stylish furnishings & renovations often included in the share price
  • Shared running costs — taxes, maintenance, and utilities are divided
  • Fully managed homes — no coordination or hassle
Unlike full ownership, you won’t be responsible for a home that sits empty most of the year. With co-ownership, your second home is turn-key ready, professionally managed, and financially efficient.

Make the Dream a Reality

If you’ve dreamed of owning a second home but the cost always felt out of reach — this is your moment. Co-ownership gives you access to luxury properties in Europe’s most desirable locations without overextending your budget.Discover the smarter way to own a holiday home.

City Properties

3 Listings

Country & Seaside Properties

21 Listings

Ski Properties

7 Listings

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