The Rise and Fall of Inhabit and LiveRez

The property technology (proptech) sector is valued at over USD 40 billion in 2025 and projected to grow to USD 88 billion by 2032. The industry has seen sustained, impressive growth over the past decade — and based on projections by Fortune Business Insights, this growth will continue into the next decade and beyond. 

Ambitious companies like Inhabit have looked to capitalize on this massive growth. They patched together a sprawling portfolio of software solutions for property managers through acquisitions — including LiveRez and Streamline. But as the dust settles, cracks are beginning to show and users are voicing their disappointment. 

The meteoric rise

Founded in 2016, Inhabit quickly made a name for itself by acquiring platforms across the property management spectrum. One of its most notable acquisitions was Streamline, an all-in-one vacation rental management software, Inhabit’s strategy was clear: buy, integrate, and dominate.

The company’s portfolio soon included other major names like LiveRez, ResMan, and Bluetent, positioning Inhabit as a one-stop shop for property management technology.

The rumblings of change

But in the world of technology, rapid expansion often comes with growing pains. Over the past year, rumors have swirled that Inhabit is sunsetting LiveRez, one of its flagship vacation rental platforms, and folding its features and customers into Streamline. 

“LiveRez is going away and all LiveRez customers are going to Streamline - LiveRez Ignite is going away too” - Current LiveRez customer 

For many loyal LiveRez users, this news has been met with anxiety and frustration. LiveRez, with its unique workflows and community-driven approach, has long been a favorite among independent vacation rental managers. The prospect of migrating to Streamline — a platform with a different philosophy and user experience — has left many questioning their future with Inhabit.

Ignite: a spark that didn’t catch

In an attempt to innovate and unify its offerings, Inhabit launched Ignite last year, touting it as the next-generation solution for property managers. The promise was bold: a modern, integrated platform that would combine the best of Inhabit’s technologies. 

This initiative, however, has fallen flat. Adoption has lagged, with users citing bugs, missing features, and a lack of clear differentiation from existing products. For a company that built its reputation on delivering reliable, purpose-built solutions, Ignite’s lukewarm reception is a worrying sign.

Lessons from the fall

The story of Inhabit and Streamline is a cautionary tale for the proptech industry. Growth through acquisition can create powerful synergies, but it also risks alienating loyal users and diluting product quality. Sunsetting beloved platforms like LiveRez may make sense on paper, but it comes at the cost of trust and goodwill.

Moreover, the failure of Ignite underscores the challenges of innovation in a crowded, demanding market. Property managers need stability and reliability — qualities that can be lost in the rush to consolidate and rebrand.

Hostaway: A steadier path forward

Amid the uncertainty swirling around Inhabit and Streamline, many property managers are turning their attention to Hostaway — a platform that has quietly built a reputation for reliability and customer-centric innovation. 

Unlike Inhabit’s strategy of rapid-fire acquisitions and platform consolidation, Hostaway has focused on steady, organic growth and continuous improvement of its core product. This approach has allowed Hostaway to maintain a clear vision and consistent user experience, free from the disruptions that often accompany mergers and sunsetting of legacy systems.

Hostaway’s open API, robust integrations, and responsive support team have earned it high marks from users who value stability and transparency. The company’s commitment to regular updates — driven by direct customer feedback — ensures that new features are both relevant and well-tested before release. 

For property managers seeking a dependable, future-proof solution, Hostaway stands out as a platform that puts users first and avoids the pitfalls that have recently challenged Inhabit and Streamline.

What’s next?

As Inhabit navigates this turbulent period, the industry is watching closely. Will Streamline successfully absorb LiveRez’s user base, or will customers seek alternatives? Can Ignite be salvaged, or will it become another cautionary footnote in proptech history?

One thing is clear: Hostaway won’t fall victim to the same mistakes. Hostaway builds their tech instead of acquiring it. They’re backed by a $365 million growth investment by General Atlantic in partnership with PSG Equity. And they’re in it for the long run. 

Book a demo with Hostaway and see for yourself why we’re the largest PMS/Channel manager in the world.