A practical guide to your rights, your money and your peace of mind

If you are thinking about buying timeshare, you have come to the right place. For
many families, timeshare becomes one of the most rewarding holiday decisions they
ever make, and this guide is here to help you understand it clearly, safely and with
confidence.
When it is set up and sold correctly, timeshare can be a valuable way for families to
enjoy regular, affordable holidays. It offers certainty: certainty about where you will
holiday, the standard of accommodation you can expect, and that your time away is
secured for the years ahead.
At its simplest, timeshare allows you to share the cost of owning and running quality
holiday accommodation with others, instead of carrying those costs on your own.
This shared use model can make resort style holidays more accessible and
predictable than booking accommodation year by year.
Many owners value the ability to plan ahead, manage holiday costs over time, and
enjoy facilities such as pools, restaurants and onsite activities without worrying about
fluctuating prices or availability.
Like any market that offers real value, timeshare also attracts opportunists. Where
there is demand, there will always be people trying to take shortcuts or mislead
consumers, and timeshare is no exception!
The good news is that the risk does not come from timeshare itself, but from how
and by whom it is sold. Problems usually arise when consumers deal with
unregistered agents, are asked to pay money without proper protection, or feel
pressured to commit before receiving full documentation. Knowing what to look for,
and what you are entitled to ask for, puts you firmly in control.
Timeshare sales in South Africa are regulated. This means you are entitled to
safeguards similar to those that apply to other property related transactions. Agents
and agencies must be properly registered, agreements must be transparent and
documented and payments must be protected. You also have rights under consumer
protection laws and access to dispute resolution mechanisms where applicable.
A legitimate agent will allow time for questions, encourage verification and provide
information upfront. Pressure to “act now”, requests for payment before paperwork,
or reluctance to explain where your money will be held should be treated with
caution. You are entitled to pause, seek advice and confirm every step.
If no agent is involved, or if you are unsure about the transaction, you can ask the
resort’s managing agent to assist with the transfer process. In many cases, it is
possible to pay the purchase price into the managing agent’s trust account, with the
funds only released once the timeshare is properly registered in your name. This
provides an added layer of protection and peace of mind.

VOASA represents responsible participants in the vacation ownership sector and
works to promote ethical conduct, transparency and consumer confidence. If
something does not feel right, or if you are unsure about a transaction, you do not
have to navigate it alone. Asking questions is not a problem, it is a sign of an
informed consumer.
When bought through a lawful and transparent process, timeshare can offer many
years of dependable holidays and real value for families. At the end of the day,
timeshare is not about pressure or quick decisions. It is about securing time — time
away, time to rest, and time together.

✔ Agent Registration
Ask for a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate for both the individual agent and the agency,
issued by the PPRA.
No valid FFC = do not transact.
�� Trust Account Compliance
Before paying any money, request a bank confirmation letter confirming that funds
will be paid into a statutory trust account in terms of section 54(1) of the Property
Practitioners Act.
If it is not a trust account = do not pay.
�� Verify the business
Confirm that the company legally exists and has a verifiable trading history.
Use online searches, company records and consumer reviews.
�� Paperwork first!
Ensure a written agreement is provided and signed before any payment is made.
No agreement = no payment.
��Independent checks
If unsure, check whether the seller is a VOASA member or contact the Resort or
Managing Agent to confirm whether the agent is recognised.
�� Protected payment option
If uncomfortable, consider using an escrow or protected payment arrangement, such
as payment into a recognised trust account, with funds released only once the
timeshare is properly registered in your name.