It’s no secret that Gen Y are struggling to afford a house, but US startup Loftium is offering a new kind of mortgage that hopes to solve Gen Y’s ownership woes. Instead of shelling out for the down payment, prospective buyers rent one of their rooms on Airbnb for at least 12 months.

French start-up Misterb&b is an apartment renting site that prioritises the gay community. With $8.5 million in funding, the young company is building a more inclusive travel platform for those who identify as LGBTQ, inviting them to ‘stay like a gay local’.

Airbnb may have transformed the hospitality sector, but as luxury travellers seek out more cultural and historic experiences, many are turning back to traditional hotels. With its $2.7 billion acquisition of the Fairmont Raffles group, Accor is now looking to tap into a desire for old, upscale retreats.

“Sharing is caring,” states a TV spot from holiday home rental company HomeAway. “Or at least that’s what they told us.” Actually, the spot highlights the uglier side of sharing holiday amenities like pools or bathrooms. But can HomeAway dethrone Airbnb by undermining the sharing economy?