Purch is a campus‑focused sublease platform that lets UNC students verify their identity with an @unc.edu code, browse listings on an interactive map, and communicate directly through in‑app chat. Each listing shows a real address and is tied to a verified student, eliminating bots and scattered messaging while simplifying the search and rental process for university housing.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
UNC students seeking subleases often rely on fragmented channels like social media stories, group chats, and unverified listings, leading to wasted time, uncertainty about legitimacy, and difficulty locating available housing near campus.
Solution
Purch provides a campus‑only sublease marketplace that requires users to verify their @unc.edu email, ensuring every listing and message is tied to a real student identity. The platform presents listings on an interactive map with real addresses, allowing users to filter by price, dates, and amenities and instantly see the location relative to campus. In‑app chat consolidates all communications, enabling prospective renters to discuss details, arrange tours, and finalize agreements without leaving the platform. By eliminating bots, off‑campus noise, and external messaging apps, Purch streamlines the subleasing process into a single trusted source for student housing.
Target Audience
Primary users are current UNC students looking to sublet or find subleases for the academic year or summer term.
Features
- @unc.edu email verification with one‑time OTP, no passwords required
- Interactive map view with real address pins and distance from campus
- List view with filters for price, dates, beds, pets, and furnished status
- In‑app real‑time chat thread for each listing, keeping all conversations centralized
- Free posting for verified students, enabling easy sublease listings
- Save and compare multiple listings within the platform