Who is legally considered the owner of a timeshare?

The legal ownership of a timeshare typically refers to the person or entity that holds the title to the timeshare property. This includes both equitable and legal interests in the property, meaning the owner can exercise rights associated with the property, such as using it during their designated time slots.

The terms "equitable owner" and "legal owner" are significant because they outline who has the right to benefit from the property. In the case of a timeshare, a person might have legal title but also an equitable interest, which means they have rights that extend beyond just possession, such as the right to sell or transfer the timeshare.

In contrast, while the buyer of the timeshare does indeed acquire ownership rights through their purchase, their title and rights come into play only once the transaction is fully completed and acknowledged legally. The developer of the timeshare retains some rights until these shares have been truly sold and transferred to the buyers. Additionally, the person holding the lease may have rights to use the timeshare but does not own the property outright. Thus, identifying the owner as the equitable or legal owner captures all these nuances of ownership in the context of timeshares.