One Homes, a British real estate group with over $435 Million worth of projects under development across Pakistan, has turned its eye to the country’s student housing crisis.
Pakistan has over 22.6 Million higher education students and young professionals, yet lacks any Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), making the sector ripe for investment. Experts estimate the sector is currently worth upwards of $30 Billion per annum and growing.
To mark their entry into the asset class the group have acquired a prime parcel of land at the heart of Lahore’s higher education district to develop Pakistan’s first purpose-built student and co-living community. The land is strategically located at the heart of Lahore’s university hub, with over a dozen universities and 100,000 students in close range.
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The first phase of the impact investment will prioritise female students and professionals, a group disproportionately affected by housing shortages, while future phases aim to expand accessibility to other demographics.
“This investment goes beyond homes for us,” said Aqib Hassan, Chief Commercial Officer of One Homes. “Everything we do stems from a commitment to uplifting our motherland, and there’s no better way to do that than to invest in tomorrow’s leaders. Empowering young people, especially young women today is how we ensure a tomorrow that lives up to its immense potential.”
Pakistan’s urban population is growing by 3% annually, intensifying demand for quality housing solutions as university enrollments and migration patterns continue to rise. With 64% of residents aged 18–30 lacking access to modern, secure accommodation, the development introduces a scalable model to support independence and growth.
Women now account for over 50% of university enrollments in urban centres, yet many face limited mobility and safety concerns, preventing them from accessing top universities or pursuing career opportunities in major cities.
When asked about timelines, Hassan emphasised the company’s focus on execution, stating, “We’re currently working around the clock to identify the right consultants and partners to bring this vision to life. We will bring in the world’s best experts who have a proven track record in delivering within this asset class.”
Globally, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) has proven both profitable and resilient. The UK’s $110 Billion student accommodation market maintains occupancy rates above 90 percent, demonstrating the model’s success. Pakistan’s $30 billion market offers similar demand but remains largely untapped, presenting a rare opportunity to combine impact with sustainability.
Hassan concluded, “Student accommodation is the preferred asset class of astute institutional investors across the world looking for stable, long-term, income-yielding assets. We will be looking to develop a nationwide institutional grade portfolio in key student areas”.
One Homes, part of One Group, is a leading foreign investor in Pakistan’s real estate sector, with $435 million worth of projects under development. With recent developments including One Canal Road, Lahore’s most prestigious residential address and branded hotel apartments, Amaya Residences and Panoramas in Islamabad, the group has established a reputation for exclusive partnerships with international experts.
One Homes was founded by serial entrepreneur Zeeshaan Shah.
