What Happened to Homelike? The Best Rental Alternatives

The End of an Era for Corporate Housing Platforms

Homelike’s Exit Shakes the Market for Furnished Apartments

If you’ve been in the real estate sector or relied on furnished apartments for mid to long term stays, you probably felt the shock. Homelike — once a significant player across European countries for serviced apartments and extended stays — officially shut down in March 2025.

What Happened Next

The company’s brand was later absorbed by Roomless and Spacest.com, but the original site and local expertise that made it beloved by guests disappeared. Think of it as losing that one café where the barista knew your name — and your Wi-Fi password.

Where Travelers Are Turning

Now, professionals are exploring other platforms with more flexible options and real connections to local hosts.
Here’s what’s catching attention:

• RentRemote: work-ready furnished apartments curated for digital nomads

• Spacest.com: business traveler focus, especially in Germany

• HousingAnywhere: popular for students and relocations

Looking for a new base? Discover furnished apartments worldwide.

What Actually Happened to Homelike, and Why People Are Now Searching for Homelike Alternatives

Back in 2014, Homelike started in Germany with a simple idea: make fully furnished apartments easy to find for professionals booking extended stays across seven European countries. It quickly grew into a network of thousands of individual properties, helping users avoid hotel fatigue and find real homes for real work-life balance. By 2023, the online platform was processing over 100,000 monthly bookings — proof that business travelers were trading hotels for comfort and flexibility.

But competition in the rental market got fierce. As hybrid work reshaped travel, sites like RentRemote and HousingAnywhere leaned into flexibility, design, and community. When Homelike ceased operations in March 2025, its partners and support network were left hanging — a reminder that the market moves fast.

Platform Guide: The Best Homelike Alternatives for Extended Stays in 2025

The post-Homelike landscape is full of opportunity — if you know where to look. Whether you’re after furnished apartments, vacation rentals, or full serviced apartments, this platform guide compares the top Homelike competitors redefining extended stays for digital nomads and professionals. With global demand for flexible living up 32% since 2023 (Statista), renters now expect high speed internet, fully equipped kitchens, and a seamless booking experience — not just a bed and key.

1. RentRemote: The Work-Ready Upgrade

Forget hotels; this platform was built for productivity. RentRemote offers furnished apartments with ergonomic setups (dual monitors, standing desks, strong Wi-Fi) in major European cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, and Berlin — plus hotspots like Tokyo and Medellín.
Key features:

• Verified property owners and hosts

• Transparent price and flexible rent terms for mid to long term stays

• Global accommodations with premium design and strong support

• Work-ready spaces, perfect for remote workers and digital nomads

2. Anyplace: Reliable for U.S. Extended Stays

If you’re heading stateside, Anyplace remains one of the best sites like Homelike. Its website features serviced apartments with high speed internet and fully equipped rooms in cities like Austin, Miami, and New York. Most property managers offer monthly benefits such as cleaning and flexible check-ins.

3. Blueground: Premium, Polished, and Pricey

Blueground caters to executives and relocations seeking upscale vacation rentals or extended stays. Its company model focuses on comfort — think designer furniture, fully equipped kitchens, and 24/7 support.
Benefits:

• Consistent quality across listings

• Reliable entire booking process with verified partners

• Properties in major European cities and U.S. metros

Extra tip: Expect rental rates 20–30% above mid-tier alternatives, but the rooms and service justify the premium.

4. Flatio: Budget Option Across Europe

Flatio appeals to students and freelancers seeking affordable Homelike alternatives. While its accommodations vary in quality, it offers decent coverage across central and eastern Europe.
Key features:

• Short- and mid-term rental options

• Other sites integration for visibility

• Flexible booking for nomads testing new cities

Check reviews carefully; property owners are independent, and rooms can differ significantly between listings.

5. Spacest.com: The Brand Successor to Homelike

When Homelike offers ceased, Roomless Srl took over and launched Spacest.com — now focusing on urban extended stays. While the platform gives users access to similar accommodations, its key features lean more toward relocation than remote work.
Benefits:

• Coverage in major European cities

• Partnered property managers for smooth onboarding

• Emphasis on verified properties, less on ergonomic workspaces

Our recommendation: For hybrid workers, balance it with coworking options like Impact Hub Lisbon (€220/month).

Homelike vs. RentRemote: What’s Really Different

The Rise of Work-Ready Living

The end of Homelike wasn’t just about one platform disappearing — it marked a shift in how people choose to live and rent. Traditional business travel is shrinking, while remote work is rewriting the real estate playbook. Instead of temporary accommodations built for meetings, customers now seek homes designed for focus, comfort, and connection.

Across today’s airbnb competitors, you’ll notice a shared formula: better service, flexible contract signing, and a stronger link between lifestyle and productivity. The key features that matter most now? Smart layouts, ergonomic desks, and reliable customer support when the Wi-Fi drops mid-call.

According to a 2024 Global Workplace Analytics report, 72% of professionals said they’d rather book a work-ready apartment than a traditional corporate rental — even if the price is slightly higher.

Key Features Driving the Shift

Remote professionals aren’t chasing luxury; they’re chasing balance. They want properties that work as hard as they do, without hidden costs or clunky systems.

Here’s what modern guests now expect:

• Seamless online search and contract signing

• Transparent costs and quality standards across listings

• 24/7 customer support and responsive property owners

• Local perks and loyalty program rewards for repeat stays

How Airbnb Competitors Are Adapting

Airbnb competitors and newer alternatives like RentRemote are reshaping what it means to “book a place.” They’re blending the comfort of home with the structure of an office — minus the office politics.

Take Lisbon, for example. Remote pros are swapping hotels for fully equipped flats near Avenida da Liberdade, where a furnished one-bedroom with high-speed internet rents for around €1,600/month. Local cafés like Fauna & Flora (€3.50 flat white, unbeatable Wi-Fi) double as social hubs, making it easier for travelers to plug in — literally and culturally.

Today’s competitors aren’t just filling gaps in the market; they’re designing lifestyles around work, freedom, and genuine connection. It’s not about booking nights anymore — it’s about building routines that travel well.

Why Work-Ready Homes Are the Future: Function Over Furniture

The most successful Airbnb alternative platforms in 2025 aren’t just selling vacation homes — they’re offering living, working, and lifestyle balance in one rental. The pandemic may have started the remote work trend, but now it’s permanent, and guests expect more from online booking sites than pretty pictures. They’re comparing specific features, support, and price across competitors, choosing spaces that actually help them live better — not just sleep better.

A recent FlexJobs survey found that 93% of remote workers plan to stay remote at least part-time for the foreseeable future. That means companies and individuals are booking properties that feel as intentional as their careers — with greater flexibility, faster Wi-Fi, and actual daylight (a rare luxury in some hotels).

Specific Features Modern Renters Now Expect

Whether you’re staying for a week or six months, alternatives like RentRemote are winning over travelers because they focus on what people really need to stay productive and sane.

Here’s what’s non-negotiable in 2025:

• Reliable Wi-Fi, ergonomic chairs, and noise-free zones — the specific features that separate “vacation” from “workspace.”

• Proximity to coworking hubs and cafés (think Outsite Lisbon at €220/month).

• Transparent price and responsive support through every stage of booking.

• Verified listings and curated highly recommended accommodations on a trustworthy website.

Airbnb Alternative Platforms Are Rewriting the Rules

Today’s top competitors — from RentRemote to niche vacation homes startups — know that great service is the new luxury. Instead of cookie-cutter properties, they’re building spaces designed for comfort, concentration, and community.

Forget calling customer support for missing pillows. These companies focus on fast response times, intuitive online systems, and flexible rental options that adapt to a traveler’s rhythm.

The future of remote living? It’s not about more listings — it’s about smarter ones. Homes where work feels easy, rest feels natural, and travelers can even request a free demo of what life might look like before they arrive.

The Next Chapter in Flexible Living and Furnished Apartments

Homelike’s shutdown marked a turning point for how professionals choose to live and work. Travelers today aren’t looking for temporary stays: they’re looking for homes that make remote life seamless, productive, and genuinely comfortable.

Platforms like RentRemote are setting the new standard. Their apartments go beyond aesthetics, offering reliable Wi-Fi, ergonomic setups, and locations surrounded by cafés and coworking spaces — the essentials for modern remote living.

Flexible housing has grown far from a niche trend; it’s now the new baseline for how people move, work, and stay connected.

Explore work-ready homes built for focus and flexibility at RentRemote.

FAQs

What happened to Homelike in 2025?

In March 2025, Homelike announced it would cease operations after nearly a decade as one of Europe’s leading furnished rental platforms. The decision came amid rising competition and major shifts in how people rent and work.

Is Homelike still active?

No, the original Homelike website and service have been discontinued. Existing customers completed their final bookings before the shutdown, and the brand no longer operates as an independent platform.

Who owns Homelike now?

Homelike’s brand assets were acquired by Roomless Srl, the company behind Spacest.com. They continue to manage parts of Homelike’s former listings under a new structure, but with a different focus on urban accommodations.

What are the best Homelike alternatives?

Top alternatives for mid- to long-term stays include:

• RentRemote – work-ready properties with ergonomic setups and community perks.

• Blueground – premium accommodations for relocations and business stays.

• Flatio – affordable options for students and freelancers.

• Anyplace – flexible vacation rentals in major U.S. cities.

Is RentRemote similar to Homelike?

Yes, but smarter. RentRemote offers the same fully furnished reliability that Homelike offers once promised, with modern touches remote workers actually need. Think adjustable desks, blackout curtains, fiber internet, and coffee within walking distance.

Why choose RentRemote over other Homelike competitors?

RentRemote is built for the way people live and work now. Every listing is handpicked for productivity and comfort, with transparent pricing, responsive support, and locations close to coworking spaces or local cafés. Plus, it’s available in global hubs like Lisbon, Tokyo, and Medellín — not just major European cities.

Does RentRemote handle the entire booking process online?

Yes. The booking experience is fully online, from virtual tours and contract signing to customer support and flexible check-in. You can even filter for specific features like dual monitors or quiet neighborhoods.

What makes RentRemote different from Airbnb competitors?

Unlike most Airbnb alternatives, RentRemote focuses on long-term comfort and professional functionality — not tourist stays. Each home is a curated workspace, making it a true airbnb alternative for people who actually work remotely.