Through impact-driven investment, One Homes, a British real estate company with $435 million worth of projects now under development in Pakistan, is taking the initiative to close the nation’s severe student housing shortage.
With almost 22.6 million students engaged in postsecondary education, Pakistan desperately needs modern, safe housing. Experts estimate that purpose-built student housing, or PBSA, is worth over $30 billion annually, yet it is currently nonexistent in the market.
In response, One Homes has acquired a prime site in Lahore’s higher education district to construct the nation’s first purpose-built student community. With over a dozen institutions close by and 100,000 students living there, the location is ideal for meeting the growing demand.
The project’s initial phase will focus on housing female students, addressing concerns like safety and accessibility that disproportionately affect this group. Future stages will aim to expand access for all populations in order to develop a scalable and inclusive housing choice.
Creating possibilities is more important than just real estate, said Aqib Hassan, Chief Commercial Officer at One Homes. Making educational and empowerment investments for young people is one of the most important ways to produce long-lasting results. We are directly investing in the future leaders of Pakistan by supporting students, especially women.
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Pakistan’s urban population is growing at a rate of 3% annually due to university enrolment and migration trends. 64% of those between the ages of 18 and 30 do not currently have access to modern housing, which limits their opportunities and independence. This invention introduces a model that prioritises social effect while meeting a sizable market need.
Although women currently make up over half of college students in cities, many of them face barriers including mobility and safety concerns that keep them from pursuing further education and finding work.
We’re tackling more than simply a housing issue by providing students with safe, affordable, and accessible housing—we’re also assisting in the unlocking of potential,” Hassan continued. “Our objective is to ensure that this initiative provides value on all fronts by fusing financial sustainability with significant social impact.
Across the globe, purpose-built student housing has emerged as a robust asset class, with occupancy rates over 90% in the $110 billion UK market. The Pakistani market for student accommodation presents a special opportunity to combine stable revenue with significant social advantages.
“This is an opportunity to redefine student housing in Pakistan,” Hassan concluded. By constructing institutional-caliber buildings in strategic areas, we’re laying the groundwork for future expansion and advancement in addition to housing.
One of the leading foreign real estate investors in Pakistan is One Homes, a part of One Group. The company’s current projects include Amaya Residences in Islamabad and One Canal Road in Lahore. One Homes, which is renowned for collaborating with experts worldwide, continues to drive innovation and impact through its innovations.
One Homes was established by serial entrepreneur Zeeshaan Shah and is committed to projects that have both social and financial benefits.