Disney Vacation Club has increased its transfer fee from $150 to $500 — and the change takes effect January 1, 2026.

For buyers, this creates a short-term opportunity that likely disappears after December 31.

If you’ve been considering a DVC resale purchase, the final weeks of the year may be the best time to make an offer and save real money.

What Is the DVC Transfer Fee?

When a Disney Vacation Club ownership transfers from seller to buyer, Disney charges a transfer fee. This fee is paid by the seller at closing.

• Transfer fee through December 31, 2025: $150

• Transfer fee starting January 1, 2026: $500

• Increase: $350 per contract

While sellers officially pay this fee, it directly impacts pricing and negotiation on resale contracts.

Why This Change Matters to Buyers

Between now and the end of the year, sellers are facing a clear financial choice:

• Close before January 1 and pay $150, or

• Close after January 1 and pay $500

That $350 difference often becomes negotiating leverage for buyers.

Many sellers would rather accept a slightly lower offer now than:

• Carry the contract into the new year

• Absorb the higher Disney transfer fee

• Reprice the contract later

As a result, sellers may be $350 (or more) more flexible right now than they will be after the fee increase takes effect.

What Happens After January 1, 2026?

Once the higher transfer fee becomes standard:

• Sellers will price contracts knowing their costs are higher

• Negotiation flexibility may decrease

• Buyers may indirectly absorb the fee through higher prices

Historically, when Disney implements fee increases, the resale market adjusts quickly — and the opportunity to negotiate around the change fades.

Why the End of the Year Favors Buyers

Even without the fee increase, the final weeks of the year tend to favor buyers:

• Sellers want to close before the holidays

• Year-end financial planning encourages quicker decisions

• Buyer competition can be lighter

Combined with the transfer fee increase, this creates a rare window where timing and leverage align.

Who Should Act Now?

This opportunity is especially relevant if you:

• Are already pre-approved or financially ready to buy

• Have been watching a specific resort or use year

• Plan to purchase DVC resale in early 2026 anyway

Making an offer now could save you hundreds — and potentially secure better terms.

How DVC by Resale Can Help

At DVC by Resale, we help buyers:

• Identify fairly priced contracts

• Understand seller motivation

• Structure competitive offers before year-end deadlines

Our team is actively working with sellers who want to close before the new transfer fee takes effect.

Act Before December 31

The increase from $150 to $500 is permanent — but the negotiating advantage it creates is not.

If you’re considering a DVC resale purchase, making an offer before December 31, 2025 could make a meaningful difference in what you pay.

👉 View Available DVC Resale Listings
👉 Speak With a DVC by Resale Specialist Today 1-800-844-4099 Mon-Sat 8am-4pm

Timing matters — and this is one of those moments where acting sooner may pay off.