Our Story

Two people posing in a modern living room with large windows overlooking a scenic lake and mountains. Co-ownership holiday homes Luxury co-ownership properties Fractional ownership real estate Shared ownership holiday homes

Pioneers in Co-Ownership and boutique lifestyle opportunities​

The owners and driving force behind Second Home are, John and Sharon Russell. They have both been at the forefront of the Co-Ownership industry since 1999, specialising in creating boutique lifestyle opportunities for their clients in Australia, New Zealand and Italy. With their extensive knowledge, John and Sharon will ensure that you receive the best possible experience when it comes to a very important aspect of your life: your family holidays.

They launched co-ownership in a new luxury 3 bedroom apartment in the prestigious Jack’s Point Golf community in Queenstown New Zealand and sold all 8 shares. 

Three luxury motor yachts on a waterway with two people standing on the deck of the foremost yacht. How does co-ownership work? Shared ownership holiday home benefits Luxury holiday homes Queenstown Co-own a vacation home Affordable second home

How it started

In 1999, they founded Boatshare Australia, a company that provided clients with the opportunity to own a luxury boat at a fraction of the cost of full ownership. As pioneers of the commercial boat sharing concept, they developed the business into Australia's most successful boat syndication service.

Following the success of Boatshare, they partnered with Australia’s premium luxury motor yacht builder establishing Riviera Syndication that provided luxury Riviera yachts and a comprehensive support service to clients in Australia and New Zealand.

 In 2013 they purchased a share in a villa in a small town in central Italy. Here they share a villa that provides 13 families the perfect base from which to enjoy and explore the real Italy.

Lakefront in Queenstown, New Zealand during twilight, with water reflections and mountain backdrop. Co-ownership holiday homes Luxury co-ownership properties Fractional ownership real estate Shared ownership holiday homes Vacation home co-ownership

How we have evolved

John and Sharon completed their own Co-Ownership holiday home in Queenstown in 2023, which was featured on the Grand Designs NZ television program for its sustainable Co-Ownership model.

In an era of sustainable living and responsible resource utilisation, sharing a holiday home with family and friends is an enjoyable and eco-friendly way to own and use a holiday home while reducing our carbon footprint.

The very successful and enjoyable experience with owners and their families in Italy and New Zealand, combined with their extensive knowledge of luxury motor yacht syndication has all contributed to shape the structure of Second Home.

Grand Designs

Enjoy Episode 7 from Series 8 of Grand Designs New Zealand featuring
John and Sharon’s Co-Ownership magnificent home in Queenstown

Snow-capped mountains with clouds during sunset over a lake with a boat. Luxury holiday homes in New Zealand Co-ownership properties Gold Coast Fractional ownership in Italy Buy a second home in Australia
Suspension bridge over turquoise river surrounded by lush green hills and rocky cliffs. Co-ownership holiday homes Luxury co-ownership properties Fractional ownership real estate Shared ownership holiday homes Vacation home co-ownership
Woman picking grapes in a vineyard. Carrick Winery Co-ownership holiday homes Luxury co-ownership properties Fractional ownership real estate Shared ownership holiday homes Vacation home co-ownership
Cyclists on wooden boardwalk along rocky cliff beside a calm river with mountainous landscape and clear blue sky. Co-ownership holiday homes Luxury co-ownership properties Fractional ownership real estate Shared ownership holiday homes Vacation home
People enjoying wine in a cozy bar setting with stone walls and dim lighting. Bottles line the walls and a staff member is serving guests.
Outdoor festival with live music in a park, people sitting and standing under trees, food truck in background, autumn scenery.
Illuminated spheres on a pond with colorful lights in a park at night.