The short answer
- Depreciation is not a smooth universal percentage.
- Condition, documentation and market liquidity can change the realised outcome.
- Track comparable asking prices, but allow for negotiation and selling costs.
Separate market movement from yacht-specific value
Age, supply, demand, currency and new-model launches affect the market. Engine hours, specification, refit quality, location, tax status and records affect the individual yacht. Model both layers instead of applying one annual percentage to purchase price.
Protect the future buyer pool
Choose broadly usable layouts and equipment, maintain recognised systems, document every major service and avoid irreversible personal changes. Deferred work can reduce value by more than its invoice because buyers also price downtime and uncertainty.
Plan the net exit
Estimate preparation, survey corrections, brokerage, legal, relocation, berth and holding costs through closing. Asking-price data is a useful trend signal but not a guaranteed sale price, so test more than one exit date and market scenario.
Decision checklist
- 1Comparable model-year price trends reviewed
- 2Refit and service records kept in a sale-ready file
- 3Major personal modifications assessed for resale impact
- 4Selling and holding costs included in exit model
- 5Value reviewed periodically rather than only at sale
What buyers ask next
Which yacht brands hold value best?
Results vary by model, age band, region, specification and sample. Use brand data as a screening signal, then analyse comparable yachts and the specific condition.
Are asking prices the same as sold prices?
No. Asking prices reveal market positioning and trends but may differ from negotiated outcomes. Allow for that limitation and use professional valuation where the decision is material.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax, financial, insurance or survey advice. Requirements vary by yacht, provider and jurisdiction; use qualified independent professionals for the transaction. Read our editorial policy.
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