🏡 8 in 10 Americans Want a Second Home—But They Want It the Smart Way

Hi there -

The dream of a vacation home isn’t going anywhere—but how people get there is changing fast. A fresh survey commissioned by Pacaso found that professionally managed co-ownership now holds broad appeal and that splitting costs meaningfully increases intent to buy—clear momentum toward modern, structured vacation ownership models.

What the new co-ownership survey signals:

• 80% of U.S. adults find professionally managed co-ownership appealing.

• 64% say they’d be more likely to buy a second home if they could split the cost.

• 68% are open to structured co-ownership models that handle operations.

• Interest is strongest among millennials and retirees—two groups rarely aligned on real estate decisions.

That’s not a fad—that’s a wave. People want the beach house, ski lodge, or lake retreat—without paying for 52 unused weeks or juggling maintenance from afar.

Why Plum fits the moment

Co-ownership works best when it’s flexible, transparent, and owner-first. Plum is built around those principles so ownership can match real life—seasons, travel patterns, finances, and portfolio goals.

• PlumMarketplace: Co-own the home that fits a lifestyle and budget—join an active group, form a new one, or resell a share when life changes. No being boxed into a fixed catalog.

• PlumConnect: Scheduling, banking, documents, e-signatures, communications—centralized and calm. Goodbye spreadsheet drama and group-text chaos.

• PlumConcierge: Full LLC and property support for owners who prefer to just show up and enjoy.

The difference? With Plum, the model fits the owner—not the other way around.

Example 1: The Vacation Dreamer
Eyeing a $1.2M beach house?

• Buying solo: ~$240K down (20%) plus full monthly carrying costs.

• Co-own with 4 families: ~$300K per share, ~$60K down.

• Split evenly, core carrying costs (taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance) often move from roughly ~$4,000/month solo to around ~$1,000/month per family when shared.
  Layer in optional rental: 12 weeks at ~$4,000/week ≈ ~$48,000 gross. That can materially offset each family’s outlay—while preserving peak personal-use weeks.
  Result: Summer weeks secured, math that makes sense, and professional infrastructure that removes friction.

Example 2: The STR Investor
Same $1.2M home—optimize for income first, lifestyle second.

• Four investors at ~$300K each.

• Rent 30+ weeks/year at ~$3,500/week ≈ ~$105,000 gross.

• After management, cleaning, reserves, and standard ops, a balanced net split can deliver credible yield—without the solo capital burden or single-asset risk.

Flexibility that traditional models can’t match

• Own anywhere: Combine a Florida beach share with a Colorado ski share and an NC lake share—one budget, diversified enjoyment and investment.

• Mix lifestyle and ROI: Use peak weeks, rent shoulder seasons, or run an STR-first play—dynamically, year to year.

• Scale with life: Add shares in hot markets; exit when goals change—without being tethered to a single portfolio.

Not just for the ultra-wealthy
Some models chase only trophy homes. Plum keeps the door open. Shares can start in the ~$100K range, creating real access for families, retirees, and investors who want second-home benefits without over-concentrating capital.

Final thought
The Pacaso-commissioned national survey validates what the market has been signaling: Americans are ready for co-ownership. But they’re not just seeking access—they want flexibility, transparency, and control. That’s exactly where Plum delivers.

—Doug

👉 Explore listings today on PlumMarketplace and see how co-ownership can work for you—whether you’re dreaming of family barbecues or boosting your rental portfolio.

Featured Co-Ownership Listing
"The Keep" - Best spot on Bald Head Island, NC

Meet “The Keep,” a turnkey 4BR/3.5BA hideaway tucked under live oaks and palms on a quiet cul-de-sac—steps to West Beach, creek access, and the ferry. Recently renovated inside and out, it comes stocked with carts, bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, a home gym, and a workshop—everything needed for easy, car-free island life. A 40–50% co-ownership share is now available with flexible scheduling and experienced owner-managers.

Here’s what you’d be looking at:

• 📍 Quiet cul-de-sac, walk to West Beach, the creek, and the ferry (no tram needed)

• 🛏️ 4 BR | 3.5 BA | ~2,300 sf—forest setting with soaring palms and live oaks, renovated inside and out

• 🚲 Turnkey lifestyle—3 carts, 5 bikes, paddle boards, kayaks, beach/fishing gear, gym, storage, workshop, and more included

• 🏡 Usage—2 total shares, 25 weeks per share; owner prefers one partner buying 40–50% with flexible, creative scheduling

• 💵 Target home price: $925,000 | Cost per share: $462,500 | Estimated monthly expenses per share: $1,488 | No short-term rentals

What stands out

• 🌅 Closest and best view of Old Baldy; 7-minute walk to ferry, even less to West Beach and creek access—prime convenience without the tram

• 🛠️ Owner-operators with 40+ years general contracting and insurance expertise; willing to manage maintenance and improvements with partner approval

• 🐦 Nature-forward setting with mature palms, live oaks, junipers, and painted buntings at feeders—private, peaceful, and fully outfitted to “walk in and play”

5 Old Baldy Ct., Bald Head Island, NC 28461
$925,000 target | $462,500/share | $1,488/mo est. expenses/share | 1 of 2 shares