From Pacaso’s ultra-luxury Parisian shares priced at nearly $900,000 to IPS’s character-filled European homes starting under $60,000, the price tags… and the experience, vary dramatically. So, how do you choose?
A Side-by-Side Look at Three Leading Fractional Ownership Companies
Whether you’re looking for a high-end portfolio of homes, a fully managed second-home experience, or an affordable slice of European charm, these three fractional ownership companies—August Collection, Pacaso, and International Property Shares (IPS)—offer distinct approaches. Let’s break down the differences to help you find the right fit.
The August Collection
A Luxury Fractional Ownership Company Offering Access to Multiple Homes
August Collection, founded in 2018 by Marie-Amélie Dunod and Nicolai Watzenig, offers a co-ownership model for luxury holiday homes across Europe. Their approach allows clients to co-own a curated selection of properties in destinations like Tuscany, the South of France, and Barcelona Spain. This model offers ownership and management of multiple high-end homes
Key Features:
- Shared Ownership Portfolio: Instead of one property, owners co-own 4-5 high-end homes in destinations like Tuscany, the South of France, and Barcelona.
- Usage & Scheduling: Owners typically enjoy 8-12 weeks per year across multiple homes, with bookings managed through a point-based system.
- Decision-Making: Co-owners may participate in decisions or appoint a managing partner.
- Target Audience: Wealthy investors or families seeking co-ownership in a shared vacation home for long-term investment or person use
- Legal Structure: Co-ownership arrangements are often formalized through legal contracts to specify rights, obligations, and dispute resolution methods among co-owners.
- Financial Structure: Buyers share in potential profits from rental income or property appreciation. Designed for those looking to balance personal use with financial returns over time.
- Annual Operating Costs: Around €10,700/year for the Pied-à-Terre Collection.
Price Per Share: ~€400,000+ for 5 homes
Pacaso:
An Ultra Luxury Fractional Ownership Company
Founded in 2020 by Austin Allison and Spencer Rascoff, Pacaso offers top tier fractional ownership homes in popular tourist destinations. In 2024 the company started expansion into Europe with properties in Paris and London. The higher entry prices cater to fractional ownership home buyers who prioritize exclusivity and convenience over cost.
Key Features:
- Single-Property Ownership: Owners purchase a fraction (e.g., 1/8) of a high-end home and get 4 or 5 visits and about 45 days per year.
- Fully Managed Experience: Pacaso handles property management, maintenance, and concierge services, allowing for a hands-off experience.
- Target Audience: Affluent buyers looking for luxury vacation homes without the responsibilities of full ownership.
- Financial Structure: Buyers purchase shares of high-end homes through an LLC. Resales are handled through Pacaso, with market demand and company fees shaping the process. Resales are handled through Pacaso, with fees and market factors influencing the process.
- Annual Operating Costs: Estimated $15,000/share depending on the specific fractional ownership property and your co-ownership agreement.
- Other Considerations: Stamp Duties (Droit de Mutation) may apply in certain situations. Depending on the location and purchase price, fees could be as high as $45,000+ per share.
Price Per Share: ~€600,000+
International Property Shares: A Fractional Ownership Company for Affordable European Homes
Founded by Ginny Blackwell, IPS is built on her expertise in fractional ownership homes, which dates back to 1988. This makes it one of the most experienced names in the industry. IPS specializes in affordable, authentic European homes.
Their model allows clients to co-own affordable luxury vacation homes, sharing both the costs and responsibilities associated with property ownership. It offers the benefits of owning a luxury property without the full financial and maintenance commitments of sole ownership.
Key Features:
- Single-Property Ownership: Owners purchase a fraction (1/8, 1/6, etc.) of a single home and receive a set number of weeks per year. The specific usage schedule is often rotated to ensure fairness. IPS structures property co-ownership like shares of stock, ensuring a simple and easy transfer of ownership process.
- Cost-Effective Property Management: Managed by an elected co-owner, keeping fees low while ensuring quality maintenance. Fractional home owners don’t have to worry about day-to-day management while keeping the ongoing running costs very reasonable.
- Target Audience: Individuals or families looking for an affordable lifestyle investment in a European village setting.
- Annual Operating Costs: Average $1,200/year per 1/8th ownership share.
Price Per Share: Starting at $59,900 for a 1/6th ownership
Comparison Summary: Which Model Fits You Best?
| Feature | August Collection | Pacaso | IPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Ownership | Multi-property portfolio | Single luxury home | Single village home |
| Structure | Real Estate Company co-ownership in multiple homes | LLC co-ownership in a single home. Potential to swap use with other locations | LLC co-ownership in a single home. Potential to swap use with other locations |
| Cost per Share | ~€400,000+ (1/21st) | ~€600,000+ (1/8th) | ~€58,000+ (1/6th) |
| Annual Fees | ~€10,700 | ~$15,000 | ~$1,200 |
| Target Audience | High-net-worth buyers | Luxury vacationers | Buyers seeking an affordable yet authentic European home |
| Booking System | Point-based across 4-5 homes | Fixed schedule | Fixed schedule |
| Property Management | Managed by company | Fully managed | Co-owner managed |
| Setting | Urban, Village, Countryside | Vacation Hot Spots, Trending Destinations | European villages and towns close to urban centers, countryside |
Choosing a Fractional Ownership Company that matches your goals
A message from Ginny Blackwell at International Property Shares
When I first saw a Paris fractional share listed for co-ownership, I had to do a double take. Then a third. Zut alors! Nearly $900,000 for a 1/8th share in Paris in the heart of St. Germain-des Pres. The price of high-end co-ownership can be staggering, but there’s clearly a market for it.
Recently, we also spoke with an August Collection owner looking to resell their share—a stake in a portfolio of luxury vacation homes across Paris, Rome, Barcelona, London, and Cannes. It was a reminder that fractional ownership isn’t just about buying—it’s also about what happens when you sell.
Each of these fractional ownership companies attract and serve different segments of the same market. Knowing that, a quick recap to understand the main differences could be summarized as:
- Pacaso: For those seeking ultra-luxury, exclusivitiy and a hands-off experience,
- August Collection: Offers access to multiple high-end homes throughout Europe
- IPS: Co-ownership in elegant European homes in charming village settings.
While these companies share a common structure, and all address the concern of alleviating the burdens of full time ownership, the experience—and the type of property you’ll own—varies dramatically. Whether you’re drawn to high-end exclusivity, a curated mix of homes, or a cost-effective escape to immerse in local culture, knowing what you want out of a fractional ownership home is the first step in finding the best fit.
