According to research by Ragatz Associates, total fractional sales volumes increased from nearly $90 million to almost $2.5 billion between 1999 and 2007; and fractional sales dollars grew 7.8 percent in 2006 and 8.3 percent in 2007. Because of the underlying demographics this trend will continue - even after a few correction years.

There are 50,000 households in the United States that own a fractional property. Ragatz estimates that given an income threshold for most fractional buyers of around $200,000, the market size is over 5 million households, with a current penetration level of 1% - expected to reach 5 percent in five years and 10 percent within a decade. Baby boomers will form a large segment of this growth as they reach retirement age and want a second home within their means - possibly abroad.

If in 4 years just 1% of US customers choose to buy a fractional property in France, the addressable market will be 1,500 shares in 2013 - worth approximately $300 million.