Lahore — One Homes, a British real estate group managing over $435 million in projects across Pakistan, has taken a significant step to tackle the country’s growing student housing deficit.
Pakistan’s 22.6 million urban students face a severe shortage of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), leaving the sector vastly underserved. Industry experts estimate this untapped market to be worth over $30 billion annually and poised for growth.
To address this critical need, One Homes has acquired a strategically located parcel of land in Lahore’s higher education district. Situated within close proximity to more than 100,000 students and over a dozen universities, this development will establish Pakistan’s first-ever purpose-built student community.
The first phase of this landmark initiative will prioritise female students, aiming to provide them with secure and supportive housing options. Future phases will focus on expanding access to other urban demographics.
“This project is an extension of our commitment to creating meaningful change in Pakistan,” said Aqib Hassan, Chief Commercial Officer of One Homes. “Empowering young women by giving them the infrastructure to succeed is how we contribute to building a brighter tomorrow.”
Pakistan’s urbanisation rate of 3% per year, coupled with increasing university enrollments, has amplified the demand for high-quality housing solutions. Currently, 64% of young urban residents between the ages of 18 and 30 lack access to secure, purpose-built accommodations, leaving many to rely on subpar private housing.
Despite comprising more than 50% of university enrollments in urban areas, women face significant barriers, including safety and mobility challenges, which limit their educational and professional opportunities. One Homes’ project aims to address these systemic issues while introducing a scalable, impact-driven model to meet the needs of Pakistan’s rapidly growing urban youth.
Globally, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) has proven to be a reliable and lucrative asset class. The UK, with a $110 billion PBSA market, boasts occupancy rates exceeding 90%, underscoring the viability of this approach. Pakistan’s $30 billion student housing market represents an equally compelling opportunity for investors seeking long-term returns aligned with social impact.
“We’re working tirelessly to bring in the best consultants and global experts to ensure this project sets a new benchmark for student living in Pakistan,” Hassan added.
One Homes, part of One Group, is a leading name in Pakistan’s real estate landscape, known for launching world-class projects such as One Canal Road in Lahore and Amaya Residences in Islamabad. With its latest venture, the group continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and impact-driven investments.
