British real estate group One Homes, with $435 million in ongoing projects in Pakistan, is tackling the country’s critical student housing shortage through a socially impactful investment.
Pakistan, home to over 22.6 million higher education students, faces a severe lack of modern and secure student accommodation. The market for Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in the country, currently nonexistent, is estimated to be worth over $30 billion annually.
To bridge this gap, One Homes has acquired a prime location in Lahore’s higher education district to develop Pakistan’s first purpose-built student housing community. The site is strategically surrounded by more than a dozen universities catering to 100,000 students, ensuring it meets the growing demand.
The project’s initial phase will prioritize housing for female students, addressing safety and accessibility challenges that disproportionately affect women. Future phases aim to expand access to students from all demographics, creating an inclusive and scalable solution.
“This initiative is about more than just real estate; it’s about creating opportunities,” said Aqib Hassan, Chief Commercial Officer of One Homes. “Investing in education and youth empowerment is one of the most impactful ways to drive long-term change. By focusing on students, particularly women, we’re directly investing in Pakistan’s future leaders.”
With urban populations growing at 3% annually, university enrollment and migration trends have significantly increased demand for housing. Currently, 64% of Pakistan’s young adults (ages 18–30) lack access to modern accommodation, limiting their independence and opportunities.
Women, who now constitute over 50% of university enrollments in urban areas, face additional challenges such as safety and mobility, which often hinder their educational and professional growth.
“Safe, accessible, and affordable student housing is more than just a solution to the housing crisis—it’s a catalyst for unlocking potential,” Hassan added. “Our approach combines financial sustainability with meaningful social impact to ensure this project delivers value on every level.”
Globally, PBSA has emerged as a resilient asset class, with the UK’s $110 billion market achieving occupancy rates above 90%. Pakistan’s student housing sector offers a unique opportunity to deliver stable returns while creating significant social value.
“This project is about redefining student housing in Pakistan,” Hassan concluded. “By building institutional-grade developments in key areas, we’re creating not just homes but a foundation for growth and progress.”
One Homes, a subsidiary of One Group, is a leading foreign investor in Pakistan’s real estate sector. The company’s ongoing developments include One Canal Road in Lahore and Amaya Residences in Islamabad. Under the leadership of serial entrepreneur Zeeshaan Shah, One Homes is committed to projects that combine economic returns with social impact.