Choosing The Ideal Co-ownership Provider
A good first step is to begin by looking into well-established platforms
that facilitate fractional ownership of high-end second homes
Your Shortcut to Smart Luxury Ownership
However, with the emergence of numerous platforms, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. That’s where Luxe Connection comes in.
Save time, skip the research and get straight to the short list of first-rate providers
Our list features only the top, trusted names in the industry, giving you a head start with confidence.
Whether you're looking for beachfront elegance, a mountain retreat, or a cosmopolitan escape, we’ll connect you to the right options faster.
Best for: Affluent individuals seeking luxury vacation home ownership in established residential communities through fractional ownership with professional management.
Key Features:
- Co-ownership model where you own 1/8 to 1/4 share of a luxury vacation home.
- Professional interior design by teams featured in Architectural Digest and House Beautiful.
- SmartStay™ technology for seamless booking and scheduling.
- Properties located in residential communities without vacation infrastructure, unlike traditional fractional developments at resorts.
- Commands the home co-ownership industry. The company leads this market segment through its significant scale and proven track record.
- Founded by former Zillow executives Austin Allison and Spencer Rascoff.
What makes it stand out: Unique approach of fractionalizing single-family homes in established residential communities rather than resort-based developments, combined with tech-enabled booking systems, and professional property management. Achieved unicorn status with $1.5 billion valuation by 2021.
Vacation communities benefit from invested owners who support local businesses.
Financing options available. Strong resale structure.
Best for: Families seeking luxury vacation home ownership in popular U.S. destinations with financing options and rental income potential.
Key Features:
- Fractional ownership model with eight equal ownership shares (1/8th) per property, providing 6+ weeks (up to 45 nights) of exclusive use annually
- “Ember Flex” program allowing owners to rent out their unused time for additional income
- SmartDraft™ technology ensures fair distribution of desirable nights among co-owners.
- 24-hour property concierge service and comprehensive property management including cleaning, maintenance, and landscaping.
- True ownership through LLC structure (not timeshare) with potential for property appreciation and ability to set resale price.
- Focus on high-end, professionally designed vacation homes in destination locations.
What makes it stand out: Ember combines affordable entry points with luxury amenities and comprehensive property management. The company’s innovative approach strips away traditional second home burdens while providing “white-glove property management and thoughtfully designed” experiences.
Unlike competitors, Ember emphasizes the financial benefits of building equity while offsetting costs through co-ownership and rental income.
Best for: Real estate investors seeking passive ownership of luxury vacation homes.
Key Features:
- Utah based company.
Curated portfolio of luxury vacation homes, with vetted investment opportunities.
Ownership shares typically start at 1/8 with equity appreciation potential.
Focus on high-demand vacation destinations in the U.S. and abroad.
Offers both passive investment and personal use benefits.
Legal structure includes LLC co-ownership and full management services.
What makes it stand out: Blends real estate investing with luxury living through a data-driven platform targeting ROI-focused buyers.
Best for: European second home seekers
Key Features:
- Fractional ownership with shares starting at 1/8 ownership
- Focus on high-end homes in Mallorca, Tuscany, and the French Riviera.
- Includes property management, maintenance, and concierge service.
- Members can book stays up to a year in advance.
What makes it stand out: Ideal for European buyers wanting flexibility and elegance.
Best for: Individuals or families seeking luxury vacation home ownership at a fraction of the cost through shared ownership with three other parties.
Key Features:
- Equity-based co-ownership model where four individuals or families collectively own a vacation home through an LLC structure
- Up to 12 weeks (84 nights) of annual usage per owner
- Access to exchange nights in other homes managed by GoForth for variety in vacation locations
- Locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe
- Full-service management including property acquisition, furnishing, legal setup, accounting, and ongoing property management
- Ability to rent unused nights with proceeds offsetting annual shared costs
What makes it stand out: GoForth’s “Three Pillars” of Affordability (1/4 ownership cost), Availability (proprietary matching process for co-owners with different travel preferences), and Access (diverse portfolio of luxury destinations). The company also offers guarantees including Peak Date Guarantee for preferred weeks, Exit Guarantee for resales after 12 months, and Transparency Guarantee with 24/7 access to all financial documents.
Best for: Travelers who want to own a piece of their favorite European getaway.
Key Features:
Specializes in co-ownership of luxury residences in iconic European cities (Paris, Florence, London).
Offers 1/13 or 1/12 ownership with 4–6 weeks of annual use.
Fully furnished, beautifully restored historic properties.
Experienced hospitality team handles all property and guest management.
Transparent scheduling, budgeting, and ownership structure.
What makes it stand out: Deep local expertise and hospitality-driven model designed for those who return to the same destinations year after year.
Best for: European luxury property enthusiasts seeking co-ownership access to multiple high-end vacation homes across premier European destinations.
Key Features:
- Co-ownership platform offering equity in portfolios of European holiday homes. Why own one holiday home when you can own five?
- Multiple collection tiers including Premium, Signature, and Pied à Terre Collections with 1/21 ownership, plus single-family homes with 1/8 ownership
- 21 different families sharing five stunning homes through co-ownership model
- Focus on quintessentially European destinations including Tuscany, South of France, French Alps, and Mallorca
- Design-driven properties in carefully selected and coveted holiday destinations
What makes it stand out: Revolutionary approach allowing ownership of four to five luxury homes across Europe, tailored to multiple lifestyles with access to collections for a fraction of the cost of traditional second home ownership. Focus exclusively on premium European markets with culturally rich destinations.
CoBuy
Best for: Friends, family members, and groups looking to buy a home together with ease and legal protection.
Key Features:
Digital platform that simplifies co-purchasing of real estate.
Offers structured co-ownership agreements, tailored to each group’s needs.
Facilitates group formation, property search, financing, and closing.
Legal documentation and ownership structure (including LLC options).
CoBuy Concierge supports buyers throughout the journey.
Education and tools to help buyers align on goals, usage, and responsibilities.
What makes it stand out: Do-it-yourself (DIY) tech and educational platform that enables everyday buyers to co-own homes securely and confidently through a transparent, tech-enabled process.
These platforms enable second homeowners to trade time in their properties for stays in others; broadening travel options without giving up ownership.
ThirdHome
Best for: Luxury second homeowners who want upscale travel without giving up equity.
Key Features:
Home exchange network for owners of high-end second homes.
Deposit unused weeks to earn credits (“Keys”) to book stays at other homes.
15,000+ properties in over 100 countries.
No renting, only members can access properties.
Concierge and experience booking services available.
What makes it stand out: Makes second home ownership more dynamic by opening doors to a vast network of global stays.
Elite Alliance
Best for: Fractional owners who want to maximize value through vacation exchange.
Key Features:
Exchange network for luxury fractional homeowners.
Access to 120+ properties worldwide through a credit-based system.
Members must own in a partner resort or residence club.
High standard of property quality and service.
Flexible booking windows and tailored travel assistance.
What makes it stand out: Transforms second home ownership into a global vacation portfolio through trusted reciprocity.
The Registry Collection
Best for: Timeshare and luxury fractional owners seeking global exchange options.
Key Features:
One of the largest luxury exchange programs in the world.
Access to 240+ affiliated properties, plus hotel and experience partners.
Exchange credits based on property tier and seasonality.
Partnered with Wyndham and affiliated brands.
Members enjoy travel concierge services.
What makes it stand out: Delivers upscale travel flexibility within a robust global exchange network.
Trade to Travel
Best for: Affluent second homeowners interested in bartering travel experiences.
Key Features:
Global luxury vacation exchange network for property owners.
Trade unused time at your second home for stays at other elite properties.
Includes private villas, yachts, jets, and boutique hotels.
Membership includes personal concierge support.
No points—direct trade or deposit-based reservations.
What makes it stand out: Boutique-style bartering network that prioritizes flexibility and mutual value over strict scheduling.
These platforms are structured like private equity or real estate investment funds, offering shared ownership of a property portfolio with potential for capital appreciation and usage rights.
Equity Estates Funds
Best for: Investors who want real estate appreciation + luxury travel use.
Key Features:
Private equity real estate investment fund with a luxury twist.
Portfolio of multi-million-dollar homes in top destinations.
Passive ownership with 10-year fund term and projected appreciation returns.
Investors enjoy annual usage based on investment level.
Full-service management and exit distribution.
What makes it stand out: Structured like an investment fund but with exclusive lifestyle utility.
Equity Residences
Best for: Savvy investors seeking cost-efficient luxury travel and property appreciation.
Key Features:
Equity-based private real estate funds with diversified vacation properties.
Offers both Elite Fund and Signature Fund options.
Access to homes in North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond.
Investors pay no annual fees—homes are rented to offset costs.
Use based on ownership level and availability.
What makes it stand out: Delivers a rare mix of investment potential and luxury lifestyle—with minimal ongoing expenses.
The Hideaways Club
Best for: Global-minded individuals seeking access to a luxury property portfolio with hassle-free use. *Currently unavailable to U.S. residents.
Key Features:
Equity-based shared ownership in a managed property fund.
Access to a collection of luxury residences and city apartments.
Locations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Concierge services, local experiences, and seamless travel planning.
Annual usage allotment based on share class.
What makes it stand out: Combines the financial benefits of ownership with the lifestyle perks of a high-end private club.
A Destination Club is a membership-based luxury travel service that gives members access to a curated portfolio of high-end vacation homes, resorts, and experiences, without owning any property.
Key Elements:
Membership Model: You pay a one-time initiation fee plus annual dues. In return, you get access to a collection of luxury residences and services.
No Equity Ownership: Unlike fractional ownership, you don’t own a share of the real estate; you’re paying for access and experience.
Exclusive Access: Homes are often located in desirable vacation destinations worldwide (beach, ski, countryside, urban).
Concierge Services: Personalized trip planning, housekeeping, and local experiences are typically included.
Flexible Use: Members can travel to different properties within the club, often with priority booking or points systems.
In Simple Terms:
A destination club is like a private luxury travel club, offering you the benefits of staying in stunning homes around the world, with five-star service, but without the costs or responsibilities of ownership.
Destination Clubs to Explore
- Solstice – Direct Link
- Quintess Collection: Direct Link
- Inspirato: Direct Link
- Exclusive Resorts – Direct Link
Key Questions for Fractional Buyers
Fractional ownership (modern co-ownership) opens doors to luxury vacation experiences most people only dream of; but success depends on asking the right questions upfront.
Timeshares typically offer usage rights, not actual ownership.
When you co-own a vacation home, you’re not just buying time, you’re investing in real estate. Co-ownership gives you a true equity stake in the property, meaning you benefit from any appreciation in the home’s value over time. In contrast, a timeshare only grants you the right to use the property for a set period each year, with no ownership of the underlying asset.
Selling a co-ownership share is typically straightforward: you can list it on your provider’s resale marketplace, similar to how you would sell traditional real estate. On the other hand, reselling a timeshare often requires going back to the resort operator, and usually at a financial loss.
Another key difference lies in the properties themselves. Timeshares are usually resort-style hotel rooms or condo units. Co-ownership homes, however, are fully furnished standalone residences located in highly desirable destinations; selected for their natural beauty, cultural charm, and proximity to outdoor recreation.
Co-owned vacation homes typically have between 2 and 8 owners, with 8 being the most common arrangement.
Each co-owner is entitled to use the home based on the number of shares they hold. For example, one share usually provides about six weeks of annual use.
In some cases, a single buyer can purchase multiple shares – up to four- allowing them to own as much as 50% of the home and enjoy proportionally more time there.
Most co-ownership models use a digital scheduling system to ensure fair and flexible access throughout the year. Some allow advanced planning, others offer rotating priority.
Co-owners share expenses like property taxes, maintenance, insurance, and management fees. All costs are disclosed upfront and divided proportionally.
Some platforms (like Pacaso) partner with lenders to offer fractional financing. This can make co-ownership even more accessible depending on your financial goals.
Yes. Just like with any other real estate asset you might own, you can sell your co-ownership share at any time. The only restriction with most providers is that you have to own it for at least one year.
With most modern platforms, you can sell your ownership interest when you are ready, often with appreciation if the market rises.
Co-ownership platforms handle all aspects of managing the home on behalf of the owners. This includes overseeing legal and financial responsibilities such as utility payments, property taxes, and maintaining the LLC structure that holds the property title. They also represent the ownership group in dealings with local authorities.
For day-to-day care, providers work with trusted, local property managers in each market. These professionals handle everything from landscaping and pool care to cleaning, maintenance, and repairs, ensuring the home is always in top condition for every visit.
Sure, you can definitely buy more than one co-ownership stake. Typically, co-owned homes are divided into equal stakes, so if you purchase multiple stakes, you’ll own a larger percentage of the property. For example, if you buy four stakes, you’ll own 50% of the home. It’s a great way to have more control and enjoy more benefits of co-ownership.
Featured Co-ownership Platforms
Explore reputable platforms that focus on luxury vacation homes:
One of the largest and most recognized platforms, offering luxury homes across the U.S. and Europe with smart scheduling and resale options.
Pacaso offers curated luxury homes in top national and international markets, with a seamless tech-enabled scheduling app and full-service property management. Financing options are also available.
Pacaso consistently emerges as the gold standard for luxury vacation home co-ownership.
Lazazu
A Europe-based co-ownership platform offering access to luxury homes in top Mediterranean destinations like Spain, France, and Italy. Lazazu combines sustainability with seamless management and a tech-driven co-ownership experience.
Ember buys or builds luxury vacation homes valued between $1.5 and $5 million in sought-after U.S. destinations. With certain properties, owners can choose to rent out unused time.
Locations: Currently in 5 states (Utah, Oregon, New Mexico, Texas, California), expanding to 20 markets in 10 states.
