Above a coworking space in Syracuse, New York, 21 ‘microunits’ – small scale quarters complete with kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms – are tucked into a two-floor, 300-square foot space. This is Commonspace – a cohabiting vision that’s been termed ‘the dorm for grown-ups’.

A fifth of US renters spend more than half of their salary on housing. And with many others pushed towards long-term renting by student loans, an unstable job market or negative financial factors, Gen X and Y are finally stepping on to the property market. How are they going about their house hunt?

Gen Yers attempting to fly the nest are finding themselves spending more than half of their income on rent. Rising house prices and the recession have forced the 'boomerang generation' to either stay with their parents or cut their budgets for shopping and social experiences.

In 2013, property prices in the UK increased by over 11%. Living spaces may be getting more expensive (and smaller) but new schemes aim to make houses better connected and personally serviced too. How are people and brands reacting to the changing nature of our homes?