Latest Headlines

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 - 14:06
Applicability of the New Timeshare Directive to Fractional Ownership

The new ‘Timeshare Directive’ is to be implemented into national law across the European Union by 23 February 2011. Some countries have implemented the Directive already, notably France, others such as the UK and Finland, have recently issued draft proposals for new laws and several are consulting interested parties.

Monday, June 14, 2010 - 08:15
Celebrity Golf Comes To Ireland This Summer

Stars from the world of entertainment and sport teed off for a 27-hole match at the world famous K Club in County Kildare recently during the Firstlight Challenge Cup.

Hosted by fractional ownership specialists Firstlight International the tournament marked the sales launch of Firstlight’s luxury homes set in the grounds of the five star K Club Hotel. The resort is one of Ireland’s most prestigious golf and spa venues and lies in a spectacular 550-acre setting.

Monday, June 14, 2010 - 08:59
Fractional Properties Feature in the Financial Times

Fractional property is making headlines again, this time in the House and Garden section of the Financial Times. In Saturday’s feature, property journalist Graham Norwood features some of the top British and American fractional property and luxury vacation club developers, including Marriott Vacation Club, Barrasford & Bird and the very exclusive fractional lifestyle specialists, the Hideaways Club.

Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 09:56
Fractional Properties: Try Before You Buy

Increasingly, developers are offering prospective buyers “Try before you buy” deals which are are a useful sales tool, allowing customers to get the feel of a resort in a way which presentations and visuals just can't deliver.

At Frontenac Shores on Lake Mississagagon in Ontario's Land O'Lakes region, developer Pat Storm offers his buyers Discovery Stays.

"They become reacquainted with nature, and I think it's important to experience it rather than just coming up to look. And being right on the water, just the views - when you're sitting over dinner, cooking breakfast or having breakfast on the porch, you can experience that so much more when you're here doing it rather than just imagining it," says Storm.

Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 10:09
Fractional Property Developers Team With Partners to Offer Unique Membership Benefits

One the key benefits of a fractional vacation home is it offers buyers great experiences, without the hassle of maintenance. It is an aspirational purchase, and as such it makes sense to form mutually beneficial partnerships with other compatible brands and services who can enhance the experience of your customers while they are staying in-resort.

For example, New Mexico private residence club The Residence Club at El Corazon de Santa Fe has recently added to its partnership programme, offering its fractional ownership customers the benefits of tie-ups with some of Santa Fe’s best restaurants, wine merchants, golf courses, art galleries, and spas.

Monday, June 7, 2010 - 11:21
Fractional Properties Tempt Timeshare Owners

Interval International’s latest survey of its US members reveals almost a third of timeshare owners are thinking about upgrading or increasing their vacation ownership in the future.

Fractional properties appeal to different buyers for different reasons. From entry level shares for a few weeks’ ownership a year for under £10,000, to quarter shares in five star converted-castle- in-Tuscany style residences, there’s a fractional to suit most pockets.

Before a buyer commits, understanding fractional ownership can be a new lesson for even the fairly seasoned overseas property buyer – it’s a sophisticated product, quite a simple concept, and ultimately a very unique model of home ownership -- so familiarity with this model is important.

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Feature Articles

Monday, June 7, 2010 - 11:27
Looking Ahead: Fractional Trends in 2010

New trends for fractional ownership are on the horizon, according to one latest report.

As the world economy fluctuates, so do trends. Consumers may buy because they need, rather than want, or look for comfort and value rather than high end luxury.

A recent report on the fractional industry by leading leisure real estate solutions specialists Northcourse shows certain trends are gaining momentum as consumer desires change. The report, which focuses on the US and Caribbean markets, highlights important factors that can contribute to the success of a fractional development.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 - 21:31
Seasons Holidays Fractional Ownership Offering at Forest Hills Completely Sells Out

Seasons Holidays has been celebrating a "first" on the fractional sales front. Every one of the 43 freehold fractional properties at its Forest Hills resort – set in a spectacular location overlooking the Estepona coastline just west of Marbella - has sold out in record time, and reportedly the first European fractional offering to sell out 100%. Split into 1/8th fractions, the one and two bed apartment shares were priced between £26,000 to £40,000. Fiona Klonarides reports.

Monday, January 25, 2010 - 10:20
Fractional Summit USA Launched

Fractional Summit USA has been launched and will take place at the InterContinental Hotel, Miami, from August 31st to September 1st this year.

Organisers, Fractional Life, said that the event will hope to attract some of the sharpest minds in the fractional real estate market and will discuss the future of the industry.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 11:29
Fractional Ownership at Irish Golf Resort Highlighted

If a star of Dragon's Den says they are in, then fractional ownership has got to be a worthwhile investment.

Businesswoman Sarah Newman, who features in the Irish version of the show for budding entrepreneurs, lives part-time at what she describes as the five-star K Club in County Kildare.

Monday, October 19, 2009 - 20:27
Fractional Ownership in the City

Appealing to the business travel market as much as the vacation buyer, urban fractional ownership and membership have recently sprung onto the fractional scene, creating a buzz on both sides of the Atlantic.

In New York, Hilton Grand Vacations’ first foray into fractional is just about to launch on West 57th Street, offering 161 luxury studios, one-bedroom and penthouse suites over 28 storeys between the Avenue of the Americas and Seventh Avenue. The property is due to open on July 3 this year, just in time for the US Independence Day celebrations the following day.

Thursday, July 2, 2009 - 13:22
Fractional Property Resales

As the fractional property market attracts more interest in the UK, the issue of potential resales is one which affects both lenders and buyers. So what are the prospects for an established fractional resale market?

Fractional Life's Aaron Weddell gives an overview of fractional property resales in Europe, America and South Africa, and talks to some of the specialists in this growing and exciting area of Vacation Ownership . . .

Saturday, June 6, 2009 - 17:20
Fractional City

Fractional properties offering sun kissed beaches in idyllic locations are easy to come by, offering you the opportunity to unwind in your own personal pocket of tranquillity in an exotic locale but without sacrificing your wi-fi connection or perfectly chilled glass of white. For those looking for a bit more activity from their fractional there are obviously plenty of golfing opportunities out there but what about the folks who crave the bustle of a major city? Fractional Life's Aaron Weddell hits the pavements . . .


FSOTA (The Fractional & Shared Ownership Trade Association) actively promotes the development of the fractional and shared ownership industry in Europe and has created a business environment based on fair trading, professionalism and quality of products and services.

Consistent with these goals, all members commit to a code of conduct that promotes the growth of the industry in a responsible, honest, and transparent manner. FSOTA is committed to raising consumer awareness about fractional ownership which, although relatively new to Europe, is already proving extremely popular.

Visit FSOTA at www.fsota.org.