75% Less Time Finding Housemates: ML-Powered Matching for Urban Renters
Key Metrics
75%
Faster housemate matching — 8 days vs 4–6 weeks.
92%
6-month match satisfaction vs 60% industry average.
INDUSTRY
PropTech
SERVICES
AI/ML
— Custom ML Solution
Application Development
— Mobile App Development
DELIVERABLES
ML Compatibility Matching Engine
Isochrone Location Intelligence System
Safety & Identity Verification Framework
Real-Time Messaging & Property Platform
Cross-Platform Mobile Application
Overview
Built BuddyUp's ML-powered housemate matching platform that reduced average search time from 4–6 weeks to 8 days through collaborative filtering and isochrone-based location intelligence. The platform achieved a 92% post-move satisfaction rate — versus a 60% industry average.
The Challenge
Traditional housemate search platforms require 4–6 weeks of browsing incompatible listings, cold messaging strangers, and manually filtering by location and lifestyle — with no intelligent layer to surface genuinely compatible people.
Unverified profiles expose renters to catfishing and safety risks, whilst LGBTQ+ users face additional barriers from identity verification systems that don't accommodate their identity — making safe, inclusive housemate searching effectively inaccessible.
Solution
Built a sophisticated ML recommendation engine using collaborative filtering and hybrid algorithms — analysing lifestyle preferences, schedules, cleanliness habits, and personality traits to surface highly compatible housemate matches personalised to each user.
Implemented an isochrone-based location intelligence system that calculates commute times to workplaces and universities, automatically identifying optimal neighbourhoods where both parties can live within their desired travel times.
Created a double opt-in messaging system preventing inbox spam — users can only communicate when both parties express mutual interest — combined with inclusive ID verification built to accommodate LGBTQ+ identity without compromise.
Developed real-time messaging with instant chat, property listing sharing, and viewing coordination tools — enabling matched users to move from connection to confirmed arrangement entirely within the platform.
Value Delivered
#01
Compatible housemate matches surfaced in days not weeks — ML algorithms replace hours of manual browsing with a ranked, personalised shortlist from day one.
#02
Commute-optimised neighbourhood recommendations ensuring both parties can live together within their desired travel times — eliminating post-match location incompatibility.
#03
LGBTQ+-inclusive identity verification built into the core safety framework — removing a significant barrier to trusted housemate searching for a historically underserved audience.
#04
Double opt-in communication eliminating unsolicited contact entirely — both parties must express interest before messaging unlocks, reducing harassment and inbox noise.
Key Metrics
75%
Reduction in housemate search time — 8 days average to match vs. 4–6 weeks on traditional platforms.
92%
Match satisfaction rate at 6 months post-move — vs. 60% industry average.
16 Wks
Full platform launched to iOS and Android app stores from discovery to production.
Client Testimonial
"Abdeali and the Siya team have been a great to work with. We came with an early concept and a comprehensive list of requirements. The team were able to build multiple products quickly whilst maintaining high quality in a short timeframe. They also try to be forward thinking with the goal of keeping the project timeline on track. Based on my experience, I'd highly recommend them to any early stage startup."
Nikian
Founder
