British Developer Takes on Pakistan’s Growing Student Housing Needs

LAHORE: One Homes, a leading British real estate firm with over $435 million worth of projects in Pakistan, is stepping forward to address the country’s growing student housing crisis.

Pakistan has a population of over 22.6 million higher education students, yet the country lacks Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) to meet their needs. Experts estimate this untapped sector to be worth $30 billion annually, with substantial growth potential.

To establish a foothold in this promising market, One Homes has acquired a strategically located site in Lahore’s higher education district. This central location is surrounded by more than a dozen universities and over 100,000 students within a three-mile radius, making it the perfect environment to pioneer Pakistan’s first student community.

In its first phase, the project will focus on providing safe, high-quality housing for female students, a group disproportionately affected by housing challenges. Future phases will aim to expand accommodation to additional demographics, creating a long-term solution for Pakistan’s youth.

“This is more than just another development for us—it’s an investment in the future of Pakistan,” said Aqib Hassan, Chief Commercial Officer of One Homes. “Empowering young people, especially young women, to access education and opportunities is key to building a prosperous tomorrow.”

Pakistan’s urban population is growing by 3% annually, increasing demand for housing solutions as university enrollments and migration patterns rise. With 64% of urban residents aged 18–30 unable to find secure, modern accommodation, this project offers a scalable model designed to meet these critical needs.

Women, who now account for more than 50% of university enrollments in urban areas, often face mobility and safety challenges that prevent them from pursuing education and career opportunities. This development will address those barriers by creating a safe, empowering environment.

Hassan added, “Our commitment to excellence means collaborating with leading international architects and consultants to bring this vision to life, delivering a world-class development to Pakistan.”

Globally, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) has emerged as a resilient and profitable asset class. The UK’s $110 billion student housing market maintains occupancy rates above 90%, underscoring the sector’s potential. Pakistan’s $30 billion market offers similar demand but remains largely untapped, presenting a unique opportunity to combine strong financial returns with meaningful social impact.

Hassan concluded, “This is just the beginning. Our vision is to build a nationwide portfolio of institutional-grade student housing projects, helping to address this pressing need on a broader scale.”

One Homes, part of One Group, has built a reputation as a pioneer in Pakistan’s real estate sector, with $435 million worth of projects under development. The company’s recent ventures include One Canal Road in Lahore and Amaya Residences in Islamabad, both of which reflect its commitment to world-class standards and exclusive partnerships with international experts.

Founded by entrepreneur Zeeshaan Shah, One Homes continues to raise the bar for innovation and impact in Pakistan’s property market.