Pakistan is facing a huge problem with student housing, especially as the number of students in higher education continues to rise. With 22.6 million students in universities, the country is in desperate need of modern, safe, and affordable places to live. The current housing situation for students is far from ideal, and there are no Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) options available. This market gap, which is estimated to be worth over $30 billion, presents a big opportunity for developers to make a real difference.
One Homes, a British real estate company, is stepping in to fill this gap. The company has secured a prime location in Lahore, a city with many universities and around 100,000 students. The site is in an area that’s surrounded by more than a dozen universities, making it a perfect place for student housing. This new development will be the first of its kind in Pakistan, offering a purpose-built community specifically designed for students.
The first phase of the project will focus on creating housing for female students. This is important because many women in Pakistan face challenges like safety concerns and limited access to accommodation that are suitable for their needs. By focusing on women, One Homes hopes to address these issues and make education more accessible for them. The plan is to expand this housing to include all students in the future, making it a more inclusive and scalable solution.
Aqib Hassan, the Chief Commercial Officer of One Homes, believes that this project is about more than just building homes. “It’s about building opportunities,” he says. He emphasizes that investing in student housing, especially for women, is a way to empower the youth of Pakistan and create long-term positive change. He sees it as an investment in the future leaders of the country.
The demand for student housing is growing rapidly in Pakistan. The urban population is increasing by 3% every year, and more students are enrolling in universities, which is driving up the need for accommodation. At the moment, 64% of people aged 18 to 30 in urban areas don’t have access to modern, independent living spaces. This makes it difficult for them to live on their own and access the opportunities that come with it.
One Homes’ development aims to address these challenges by offering safe, affordable, and accessible housing for students. The company is focused not only on solving the housing crisis but also on unlocking the potential of students, particularly women. Hassan points out that providing the right environment for students to live and study will help them succeed in their education and careers, and that this is a key part of the company’s mission.
The global market for Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) has been growing steadily, especially in the UK, where the market is valued at $110 billion. The success of PBSA projects in other countries shows that there is a stable demand for such housing, with occupancy rates often above 90%. One Homes believes that Pakistan’s student housing market offers a similar opportunity for stable returns, combined with significant social impact.
By creating institutional-grade developments in key locations, One Homes hopes to redefine the student housing market in Pakistan. Their goal is not just to build homes but to lay a foundation for growth and progress in the country. Through this project, they aim to offer both financial sustainability and meaningful social benefits.
One Homes is part of One Group, a leading foreign investor in Pakistan’s real estate market. The company has several other projects in the works, including One Canal Road in Lahore and Amaya Residences in Islamabad. Known for its partnerships with global experts, One Homes continues to innovate and drive impact in the real estate sector.
The company was founded by Zeeshaan Shah, a serial entrepreneur, who is committed to projects that bring both economic and social value to Pakistan. With the student housing project in Lahore, One Homes is setting an example of how real estate development can be a force for good in society.
Through this innovative project, One Homes is not just addressing the housing crisis but also creating opportunities for the youth of Pakistan to thrive. This is just the beginning of what could be a transformative change in how student accommodation is viewed and built in the country.
