Should You Sell Your DVC or Keep Renting Out Your Points?
When life circumstances change and you can't use your DVC points, you face a choice: sell the membership entirely or rent out your points each year. Both options have merits—here's how to decide what's right for your situation in 2026.
| Factor | Sell Your DVC | Rent Out Points |
|---|---|---|
| Income Type | One lump sum | Annual (ongoing) |
| Maintenance Fees | No more payments | Must pay annually |
| Future Use | Cannot use DVC again | Keep option to use |
| Effort Required | One-time process | Annual (find renters) |
| Transaction Costs | Commission + closing | Broker fees (if using) |
| Risk | ROFR may exercise | Points may expire unused |
| Best For | Done with Disney vacations | May use DVC again someday |
The Case for Renting Your Points
Ongoing Income
Renting DVC points typically generates $16-20+ per point annually through established rental brokers. A 200-point contract can yield $3,200-4,000 per year, potentially covering maintenance fees with profit remaining.
Flexibility
Keep your options open. Life might change again—you could want those points next year. Renting preserves your membership while generating income during unused periods.
No Transaction Costs
Selling involves broker commissions (typically 6-10%) and closing costs. Renting avoids these one-time expenses.
Appreciation Potential
DVC resale values have generally increased over time. Holding your membership might mean selling for more later.
The Case for Selling
Immediate Lump Sum
Selling provides immediate cash. A 200-point Bay Lake Tower contract might sell for $30,000+. That lump sum could fund other investments, pay off debt, or cover major expenses.
Freedom from Maintenance Fees
Once you sell, you're done paying annual maintenance fees forever. At $8+ per point, a 200-point contract costs $1,600+ annually. Over 10 years, that's $16,000+ in fees even if you rent successfully.
Rental Isn't Guaranteed
Market conditions affect rental demand. Some years, renting all your points might be easy. Other years, you might struggle. Selling eliminates this uncertainty.
Time and Effort
Renting requires ongoing management—coordinating with renters, handling reservations, tracking points. Selling is one-time effort, then done.
Running the Numbers
Let's compare a 150-point Saratoga Springs contract over 5 years:
Renting Scenario
- Annual rental income: 150 × $17 = $2,550
- Annual maintenance fees: 150 × $8.50 = $1,275
- Net annual profit: $1,275
- 5-year total profit: $6,375
Selling Scenario
- Sale price: 150 × $100 = $15,000
- Less 8% commission: -$1,200
- Less closing costs: -$500
- Net proceeds: $13,300
In this example, selling immediately nets $13,300 versus $6,375 over five years of renting. However, if you keep renting beyond 5 years, the cumulative rental income eventually exceeds sale proceeds.
Decision Framework
Consider selling if:
- You're confident you'll never use DVC again
- You need immediate cash
- Managing rentals doesn't appeal to you
- Your resort has strong resale value now
Consider renting if:
- Your situation might change in 2-3 years
- You enjoy the rental management process
- Maintenance fees are low relative to rental income
- You believe your resort will appreciate
A Middle Ground
Some owners sell part of their contracts, keeping enough points for occasional personal use while reducing maintenance fee burden. If you own 300 points but only need 100, selling 200 might be the perfect balance.
Talk to a DVC resale broker about your options. They can provide current market values and help you think through the decision based on your specific contract and circumstances.
