Peer-to-Peer Living Solutions & The Sharing Economy

The sharing economy, led by such companies as Airbnb, Uber, Ebay, and even to a large extent Amazon, is an economic model that uses a peer-to-peer (P2P) method of acquiring, providing, or sharing access to goods and services by and between individuals. Transactions between users are facilitated by a community-based on-line platform. The key to success in the sharing economy is all about connecting “those who need the thing” to “those who have the thing” in an easy and convenient manner.

The concept peer-to-peer home rentals, where people rent homes or spaces directly from others on a temporary basis through a centralized platform, was popularized in 2008 with the launch of Airbnb.

Through Airbnb’s online platform, millions of hosts and travelers can create free accounts, then list and book spaces and unique accommodations anywhere in the world. Additional companies such as Home Away and VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) pioneered this concept in the 90’s and early 2000’s with vacation homes and condos exclusively, but Airbnb took it to the next level adding individual or shared rooms as well as unique home experiences to their platform.