We have all heard the phrase “Sharing is caring,” but what does that mean in our current realities, especially when it comes to sharing something beyond a sandbox or a toy? How can sharing be beneficial to people in different roles within a community?
In this article, we’ll revisit the key business trends in the sharing economy, reflect on recent data, and explore in more detail how this concept benefits the Real Estate industry—for developers, property managers, and tenants alike.
What is the Sharing Economy?
The sharing economy is an economic system where assets or services are shared between individuals, often facilitated through a digital platform. There are several ways it functions:
- Goods and services shared for free
- Goods and services offered for a fee
- Goods and services exchanged through barter
- Goods and services jointly purchased with shared usage
For example: two neighbors buy one car together because neither needs it daily. They use a shared calendar to manage usage. This is more cost-efficient, space-saving, and environmentally friendly.
Benefits for different target audience
Tenants
Tenants often purchase goods that they rarely use. Think of power tools, grills, or gym equipment. Through sharing platforms integrated into residential properties, they can:
- Save money by avoiding duplicate purchases
- Access higher-quality shared goods and services
- Strengthen neighborhood connections
- Lower their environmental footprint
This shift toward mindful ownership helps reduce waste and fosters a greater sense of belonging.
Property Managers
For property managers, sharing economy tools bring multiple operational and experiential advantages:
- Simplified booking and access to shared amenities (e.g., co-working spaces, community rooms, storage units)
- Streamlined communication with residents
- Ticketing systems for maintenance and issue tracking
- Data analytics on resident behavior and space usage
This improves service quality while reducing administrative burden.
Real Estate Developers
Developers increasingly see community-driven features as a market differentiator. Integrating sharing economy features into new developments helps them:
- Attract buyers who value sustainability and social cohesion
- Increase sales by offering added value
- Enhance resident satisfaction and retention
Incorporating a sharing ecosystem at the design stage—with supporting software—makes the properties more desirable and future-proof.
Sharing Economy in 2025: Where Are We Now?
Back in 2022, Statista projected that U.S. sharing economy users would grow to 68.2 million by 2023. As of early 2025, that milestone has been surpassed. Moreover, a recent PwC Europe report reveals that annual participation across EU member states has risen sharply—cost savings remain the main motivator, with over 50 % participation now common in Western Europe. Eurostat further notes that 155 million short-stay guest nights were booked via online platforms in Q4 2024—a 17.4 % increase year-over-year.
Real estate markets, in particular, have embraced this transformation. From shared laundry rooms to smart parcel lockers, from communal gardens to shared office hubs—the shared economy has become a value-adding layer for developers and residents alike.
Sharing Economy Statistics 2025
PwC predicts that global sharing economy revenues—across sectors like home- and car-sharing, tool rentals, services, and content—will reach US $335 billion by 2025.
In Europe, these five key sectors are estimated to generate €570 billion in transaction volume by 2025, compared to just €28 billion in 2015.
The short-stay (Airbnb-style) market continues its rebound: guest nights across the EU hit 854 million in 2024, rising 18.8 % from 2023, with 155 million in Q4 alone.
Eurostat reports a 28% surge in Q1 2024 bookings—123.7 million nights—though it notes the boom has sparked local regulations in destinations like Barcelona, Lisbon, and Berlin.
Choosing the Right Tech Platform
Generic property management tools may fall short in delivering community-centric sharing features. A custom or customizable platform allows developers and property managers to:
- Tailor functionality to specific types of properties (e.g., apartment towers, eco-villages)
- Ensure compliance with regional regulations (e.g., GDPR, local housing codes)
- Integrate with existing building systems and services
Final Thoughts
The sharing economy is no longer an emerging trend—it’s a foundational layer in how we design, build, and live in modern spaces. Especially in real estate, where physical infrastructure meets human needs, creating systems that foster connection, reduce waste, and optimize resources is not just desirable—it’s necessary.
Want to explore how your real estate project can leverage the power of the sharing economy? Let’s talk.
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