One Homes to Address the $30 Billion Student Housing Crisis in Pakistan
One Homes, a British real estate company with $435 million worth of projects in Pakistan, is taking the initiative to use impact-driven investment to alleviate the nation’s severe student housing need.
With more than 22.6 million students enrolled in higher education, Pakistan urgently needs safe, contemporary housing. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), which experts say is worth over $30 billion yearly, is now nonexistent in the market.
One Homes has responded by securing a premium location in the higher education district of Lahore to build the country’s first purpose-built student community. With 100,000 students living there and more than a dozen universities nearby, the site is well-positioned to satisfy the rising demand.
The first phase of the project will concentrate on housing female students, tackling issues like accessibility and safety that disproportionately impact this demographic. In order to create an inclusive and scalable housing option, future phases will seek to increase access for all demographics.
“This is about creating opportunities, not just properties,” stated One Homes’ Chief Commercial Officer Aqib Hassan. One of the most significant methods to create long-lasting effects is to invest in youth empowerment and education. We are directly investing in Pakistan’s future leaders by helping students, particularly women.
The urban population of Pakistan is expanding at a rate of 3% per year, driven by migration patterns and university enrolments. Presently, 64% of people between the ages of 18 and 30 do not have access to contemporary housing, which restricts their freedom and prospects. This innovation fills a significant market need while introducing a model that puts social impact first.
Although women currently make up more than half of university students in urban areas, many of them experience obstacles that prevent them from accessing education and employment, such as mobility and safety concerns.
“We’re tackling more than just a housing crisis—we’re helping unlock potential by creating safe, accessible, and affordable housing for students,” Hassan continued. “Our objective is to ensure that this project delivers value on all levels by combining financial sustainability with significant social impact.”
With occupancy rates above 90% in the $110 billion UK market, purpose-built student housing has become a resilient asset class on a global scale. The student housing market in Pakistan offers a unique chance to combine substantial social benefits with steady income.
“This is an opportunity to redefine student housing in Pakistan,” Hassan said in closing. In addition to building residences, we are laying the groundwork for future growth and advancement by constructing institutional-grade complexes in strategic areas.
One of the top international investors in Pakistan’s real estate market is One Homes, a division of One Group. Amaya Residences in Islamabad and One Canal Road in Lahore are two of the company’s ongoing projects. One Homes is well-known for working with professionals from around the world, and its innovations continue to spur innovation and influence.
Zeeshaan Shah, a serial entrepreneur, founded One Homes, which is dedicated to initiatives that provide social and economic benefit.
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