Timeshare and Ill Health

skintsue

Last year I suffered from a serious stroke, which I am slowly recovering from, bit by bit, even though I still have major health problems.

I have had a time share in the Algarve for over 12 years - and not had a problem - until this time.

Because of the layout of the site, and my physical limitations, it was dreadful to get around, and very unsafe. It was very spread out, on a steep sloping plot, uneven steps to access the facilities, slippery shiny paving and floors, or cobbles, steep marble stairs etc. I had to be escorted around everywhere, even the flooring in the apartment was slippery.

When we were 'invited' to go for the annual review (their way of trying to get us to pay extra to upgrade to bigger/better/more holidays that we couldn't use) we explained that we had come out to see how I could manage, but I couldn't - and wanted to hand it back as we had been assured we could do when we signed up.

Well that was when the fun really started. NO WAY could we just hand it back. It had to be paid for even if we could never use it again. They quoted £16k to buy out of it if we went through a solicitor, OR as a favour they would let us pay just under £5k to get out and have a free week next year.
I don't need a free week for something I can't go to, and pay £5k for it.
If I could still go I'd be keeping the 1 week and maintenance fee, and use the £5k to pay for the next however long.
That is beside the fact that we can't raise that kind of cash, or cover the '12 month interest free loan' they suggest we take out.

I've tried to explain that the only reason we want out is due to the health issues - risky to fly after the stroke (even though I did manage it the once), unsafe environment for my mobility problems etc, and the danger I am in just getting from A to B on the resort,but they don't want to know. How can I go somewhere and risk my health even further?

Part of me is wanting to be bl%%dy minded and tell them that I have given them due warning that the site is unsafe for me. I will explain that if they insist in refusing to allow us to return the week without extortionate penalties we cannot afford that we have no option but to continue to visit to get our moneys worth - BUT, if I do have any tumbles while over there I will sue them for any and every personal injury incurred.

Has anyone any advice on how to get this sorted? We can't be the first people this has happened to.
Should we try contacting the new owners of the complex to see if they would be more reasonable than their sales staff, who are commission based, or are they all the same.

dannny_2

skintsue wrote: »

Has anyone any advice on how to get this sorted?

What does your contract say?

budgetflyer

http://www.timeshare-hypermarket.com will sell it for you completely fee free.
If you just want shot of it, there are buyers who will take it off your hands for £1
I bought and sold mine through them.

Archergirl

Did you have to pay upfront fees to sell your timeshare?

budgetflyer

Not a penny. I bought it via them 4 years previous. £350 per week x 2 (+ 250 legal costs) went to it 1st year, then banked it with dial an exchange for further 3 years. Had very successfull exchanges. Due to change of priorities, decided to sell. Sold for same as I paid within 4 weeks. Worldwide timeshare hypermarket may have uplifted the price, I dont know, but money was in bank 4 weeks after sold.
BTW
They do offer an enhanced package for a fee, ie front page web and newspaper advertising. You do not need this and there is no obligation or pressure to take it.
Their sales team are very active,contacting potential buyers and as long as it is priced realistically, they will shift it.
If its just to get rid of it, simply ask for £100 per week.