Holiday Bonds

Mammamonkey

Hi,

Anyone tried one of those holiday bond things? The blurb says you "buy" a bond for a couple of thousand quid and you can use any of the holiday homes in the bond's portfolio for free. Normally have to stay in the system for a couple of years and then you can buy out.

Anyone got any thoughts/experiences to share on this - positive or negative?!

McKneff

be ready to be bombarded by people who hve bought into these things
and cant get booked anywhere of their choice at a time of their choice.
As of buying out, you have to pay them, just another scam

dzug1

Which particular one is this? There is certainly one that is not a scam ('Holiday Property Bond') but others may be.

You still need to read the small print though - I'd think you need to spend a bit more than mentioned to get a reasonable choice. It's certainly easier to get (most of) your money back than most schemes of this sort though.

dacouch

Be very careful

ManAtHome

If it involves scratch-cards, it's a scam.

Mammamonkey

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

It was the holiday property bond that I've heard about. Is it any good, or is it just a different type of timeshare?

Thanks for the point about spending more than suggested (it does say "minimum investment"!) dzug1.

Any more to add re why I should be careful dacouch? It would be good to know your reasons.

far2812

Hi there - my parents both worked for HPB until my mum died 2 years ago. They also invested their own money in the bond - no special deals for employees so that should say something. Myself and my partner have had a few holidays with it and love it. Yes it costs to invest and yes you have to pay a user charge, but it is a lot less than paying rent for a holiday elsewhere. The standard of the properties and sites is lovely.

People on any chat room will appear both negative and positive so if you want me to answer any specific questions - I will do be best to answer.

And for those cynical ones out there, no I am not on commission - I truly think the bond is a great investment.

far2812

There is no point investing if you intend pulling out after a couple of years. Less than 0.1 % of bondholders cash in and that is generally because they need the money back! The whole point is that it is a life assured scheme and it will pass from you to your children/grandchildren!