Lahore — One Homes, a prominent British real estate developer with over $435 million in active projects across Pakistan, has announced its entry into the country’s student housing sector.
Pakistan has a rapidly growing population of urban students —22.6 million of whom currently lack access to modern, purpose-built accommodation. With the market valued at over $30 billion annually, experts agree that this sector presents a tremendous opportunity for innovation and growth.
In response, One Homes has acquired prime land in Lahore’s higher education district to develop Pakistan’s first purpose-built student community. Strategically located within a three-mile radius of more than 100,000 students and over a dozen universities, the development promises to fill a critical gap in Pakistan’s housing landscape.
The first phase of this groundbreaking initiative will focus on providing secure, high-quality housing for female students, addressing long-standing barriers to mobility and safety. Future expansions will include housing solutions tailored for other demographics.
“Our mission has always been about more than building homes—it’s about creating meaningful impact,” said Aqib Hassan, Chief Commercial Officer of One Homes. “This project is our way of empowering the youth of Pakistan, particularly young women, to pursue their dreams in a safe, supportive environment.”
The demand for housing solutions is driven by Pakistan’s 3% annual urban population growth and rising university enrollments. Despite being a rapidly urbanising nation, 64% of young people aged 18–30 remain without access to secure, purpose-built housing, relying instead on private rentals that often lack basic amenities.
While women now represent over half of university enrollments in urban areas, safety concerns and inadequate accommodation limit their access to educational and professional opportunities. One Homes’ project aims to redefine student housing by introducing international standards and scalable solutions to Pakistan’s real estate sector.
Globally, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) has proven highly successful, with the UK’s $110 billion PBSA market maintaining occupancy rates above 90%. By bringing this model to Pakistan’s $30 billion market, One Homes combines social impact with sustainable investment opportunities.
“Our vision is to set a new standard for student living in Pakistan,” added Hassan. “We’re collaborating with the world’s leading experts to ensure this project delivers the highest level of quality and functionality.”
One Homes, part of One Group, has built a reputation for innovation and excellence through projects like One Canal Road in Lahore and Amaya Residences in Islamabad. This latest initiative continues their legacy of delivering transformative real estate developments that prioritise community impact and investor value.
