One Homes Takes on Pakistan’s Student Housing Gap with First-Ever Purpose-Built Community

LAHORE: One Homes, a British real estate developer with a $435 million portfolio in Pakistan, has announced its latest venture to tackle the nation’s student housing crisis.

With 22.6 million urban students in need of proper accommodation, Pakistan faces a significant shortfall of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). Experts estimate the market value of this untapped sector exceeds $30 billion annually.

To address this pressing need, One Homes has secured a prime location in Lahore’s higher education district, surrounded by over 100,000 students and a dozen universities within a three-mile radius. This landmark project will be Pakistan’s first purpose-built student community.

The development’s first phase will focus on creating safe, high-quality housing for female students, a demographic often underserved by existing housing options. Future phases will aim to expand access to additional groups of urban youth.

“This project is about more than just building homes—it’s about shaping the future,” said Aqib Hassan, Chief Commercial Officer of One Homes. “Our mission is to empower young people, particularly women, by providing secure and inspiring environments that enable them to thrive.”

As urbanisation accelerates at 3% annually, coupled with rising university enrollments, Pakistan’s cities face growing pressure to provide modern housing solutions. Currently, 64% of urban residents aged 18–30 live without access to secure, purpose-built accommodation. Many rely on substandard private rentals that fail to meet basic safety and quality standards.

Women now comprise over 50% of university enrollments in urban centres but continue to face mobility challenges and safety concerns that hinder their educational and professional pursuits. By introducing a scalable, impact-driven housing model, One Homes aims to bridge this gap and empower Pakistan’s youth.

The global success of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) highlights the potential of this asset class. In the UK, a $110 billion PBSA market consistently achieves occupancy rates above 90%. With Pakistan’s $30 billion market remaining largely untapped, this project represents a unique opportunity for investors seeking both financial returns and social impact.

“Our team is focused on executing this vision with precision,” added Hassan. “We are partnering with world-class experts who have a proven track record in this sector to ensure the highest international standards are met.”

One Homes, part of One Group, has earned a reputation as a leading foreign investor in Pakistan’s real estate sector. The group’s portfolio includes innovative projects like One Canal Road in Lahore and Amaya Residences in Islamabad, which showcase its commitment to quality and innovation.

Founded by serial entrepreneur Zeeshaan Shah, One Homes continues to redefine Pakistan’s real estate landscape with projects that prioritise both profitability and purpose.