Private Residence Clubs

Owners of luxury fractional property buy a share of a single residence, that provides them with a couple of weeks to thirteen weeks of usage a year. The ownership period varies by development and can be expressed as a fraction (eg 1/10, 1/8, or ¼) or as a number of weeks (eg 5, 6 or 12 weeks).

Private Residence Clubs are the upper tier of the luxury fractional market, providing all the services of a five star hotel together with the ownership.

There are hundreds of fractional and Private Residence Club developments located in city, beach, mountain and resort destinations. Use our home directory to search through these locations.

They are sometimes compared to timeshares, although there are several key differences. For instance luxury fractionals are in better locations, are more luxurious and typically larger, providing 2, 3 or 4+ bedrooms. They also offer true, deeded ownership whereas timeshares usually just offer a "right to use."

This article covers the reasons people buy fractionals and PRCs, and if you're looking to buy read the list of questions to ask before buying your fractional. For easy reference there is a glossary of terms.

The latest news and research on luxury fractionals and Private Residence Clubs is available below.

Details: Written by Fiona Young-Brown; Published: 13 April 2015

For more than 85 years, Sea Island has provided travelers with a luxurious private sanctuary, combining breathtaking nature, outdoor activities, and the highest quality accommodations. The Cloister Ocean Residences, a private residence club on Sea Island, aims to offer the very best in personalized worry-free vacations.

Details: Written by Nick Copley; Published: 31 March 2015

The annual survey by Ragatz Associates of private residence clubs, destination clubs and fractional interests shows total sales of $516m in 2014, which is inline with the overall sales for 2013. The mix of sales within these groups has changed between the two years.

Details: Written by Nick Copley; Published: 14 April 2014

The annual survey from Ragatz Associates shows an increase of 4% in the total sales for various shared ownership properties in 2013.

Details: Published: 23 September 2013

Colorado-based Timbers Resorts, a successful independent developer and operator of private boutique resorts and residence clubs, has just announced the addition of the former Ritz-Carlton Club - Bachelor Gulch to their portfolio. This property will be the thirteenth property managed by Timbers Resorts.

Details: Written by K.C. Dermody; Published: 29 April 2013

The Riviera Maya is known as a fascinating destination for modern luxury combined with spectacular natural beauty and ancient history. It is here that you'll find the new residence club, Fairmont Heritage Place, Mayakoba under construction and expected to open in June of 2014.

Details: Written by Nick Copley; Published: 16 April 2013

The annual survey from Ragatz Associates shows a drop of 10% in the sales for various shared ownership properties in 2012.

Details: Written by K.C. Dermody; Published: 26 November 2012

The Queen Anne Mansion is a museum-like model of 19th-century opulence located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Owners Lata and Steve Lovell have just spent several years meticulously restoring this historic 12,000 square-foot mansion. With a view to preserving it for the next 100 years and beyond, they have formed the Queen Anne Mansion Preservation Trust, as a private residence club.

Details: Written by K.C. Dermody; Published: 13 November 2012

Vail is known internationally known for its superior skiing, brilliant blue skies and an abundance of breathtaking scenery. This private residence club and hotel allows owners to be in the heart of it all while enjoying the ultimate in luxury.

Details: Written by K.C. Dermody; Published: 15 October 2012

Aspen is known worldwide as the Rocky Mountain playground for the rich and famous - it is sophisticated, artistic, and athletic - and it’s here that you’ll find Dancing Bear Aspen a new and luxurious private residence club.

Details: Written by Nick Copley; Published: 06 April 2012

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just reported that sales of vacation homes in the US rose 7.0 percent to 502,000 in 2011 from 469,000 in 2010. This is certainly an encouraging sign after falls in prior years and reinforces the trend seen in fractionals, where overall 2011 sales were up 4%.