British investment group One Homes to enter Pakistan’s $30 billion student housing market

Pakistan's first purpose-built student accommodation targets the largely overlooked 22.6 million strong youth market

One Homes, a British real estate developer with a portfolio exceeding $435 million across Pakistan, has announced plans to address the country’s critical student housing shortage.

With over 22.6 million student population, many aspire to move to urban areas to seek higher education. This has created a growing need for Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). Despite its potential, this asset class remains unexplored in the country, leaving a $30 billion market ripe for investment.

To enter this high-growth sector, One Homes has secured a prime parcel of land in Lahore’s education hub. The site is located in close proximity to more than a dozen universities and over 100,000 students within a three-mile radius, creating an ideal foundation for Pakistan’s first purpose-built student.

The project’s initial phase will prioritise secure housing for female students—a demographic particularly affected by the current housing shortage. Later phases will broaden the development’s reach, offering inclusive housing solutions for Pakistan’s youth.

Aqib Hassan, Chief Commercial Officer of One Homes quoted:

This is an opportunity to make a real difference. By empowering young women and creating safe spaces for them to grow, we are investing in a brighter, more equitable future for Pakistan. This is about more than housing; it’s about progress

Pakistan’s urban population is expanding by 3% annually, driving up demand for quality housing solutions as university enrollments and internal migration continue to rise. Currently, 64% of urban residents aged 18–30 lack access to secure, modern accommodation. One Homes’ innovative model aims to fill this gap, providing a scalable solution to meet the country’s needs.

Women account for over half of university enrollments in Pakistan’s urban areas but often face significant challenges in accessing safe and affordable housing, limiting their academic and professional opportunities. This project seeks to address those issues head-on, fostering empowerment through infrastructure.

The company is collaborating with leading global consultants and architects to ensure the project meets the highest international standards.

When asked about timelines, Hassan emphasised the company’s focus on execution, stating:

We are bringing in the world’s best expertise to deliver a project that sets a new benchmark for student living in Pakistan

Globally, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is a well-established and profitable asset class. In the UK, the sector is valued at $110 billion, with occupancy rates consistently above 90%. Pakistan’s student housing market offers similar demand but is largely untapped, providing an unprecedented opportunity to combine impactful investment with financial sustainability.

Hassan concluded:

Student housing is one of the most stable and rewarding asset classes globally, and we aim to replicate that success in Pakistan with a portfolio of institutional-grade developments

One Homes, part of One Group, founded by serial entrepreneur Zeeshaan Shah is a leading foreign investor in Pakistan’s real estate sector, with $435 million worth of projects under development.

With recent developments including One Canal Road, Lahore’s most prestigious residential address and branded hotel apartments, Amaya Residences and Panoramas in Islamabad, the group has established a reputation for exclusive partnerships with international experts.