UK group launches Pakistan’s first purpose-built student housing for women in Lahore

Celina Ali

Islamabad: A British real estate developer with a portfolio exceeding $435 million across Pakistan has announced plans to launch Pakistan’s first purpose-built student accommodation for women.

Luna, in Lahore, will be developed by One Homes, part of One Group, to meet the growing demand for secure, structured, and professionally managed student housing. The announcement was made by Aqib Hassan, Chief Commercial Officer of One Homes at a press conference in London. He was accompanied by Giovanni Vonfanti, Walters & Cohen Architects, Cindy Walters and Eren Kilic.

Aqib Hassan said: “Luna, Lahore will be Pakistan’s first purpose-built student accommodation for women, developed by One Homes to meet the growing demand for secure, structured, and professionally managed student housing. There are approximately 2.5 university students across Pakistan and the purpose-built student accommodation sector in Pakistan is estimated to be valued at $30 billion, with zero institutional competition. Luna, Lahore is a first-mover investment opportunity.

“Luna, Lahore will deliver both strong commercial returns and measurable social progress — empowering women through access to education and safe, purpose-built living. It’s designed by Walters & Cohen Architects (UK), renowned for their award-winning work at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The project is located in Lahore’s higher education district, the residence is within a 3.5-mile radius of 12 major universities and over 100,000 students. An estimated 1.5 million students across Pakistan lack access to formal housing, highlighting a national shortfall in structured student residences. The project is part of One Homes’ long-term strategy to develop purpose-built student accommodation across Pakistan, aiming to create a new institutional asset class.”

Aqib Hassan added: “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.”

Giovanni Vonfanti said the project’s design and architecture will be the first of it’s kind, based on modern design and long-term suitability. He said the project’s initial phase is prioritising secure housing for female students because it’s a demographic particularly affected by the current housing shortage.

Cindy Walters said the project has been launched after a lot of research. She said: “I have two daughters who go to the university. Women account for over half of university enrollments in Pakistan’s urban areas but face challenges in accessing safe and affordable housing, limiting their academic and professional opportunities. Luna project seeks to address those issues head-on, fostering empowerment through infrastructure.”