Islamabad: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has highlighted vertical housing as a potential solution to the country’s growing housing shortage, particularly as rapid urbanisation and limited land availability continue to put pressure on major cities.
The approach involves developing apartments and high-rise residential buildings to accommodate more families within smaller areas. By building upward rather than expanding outward, vertical housing can make more efficient use of available land while supporting more organised urban development.
Pakistan has faced a persistent housing shortage due to population growth, urban migration and increasing demand for residential properties. In major cities, the availability of affordable land for conventional housing developments has become increasingly limited, making alternative housing models more important.
Vertical Housing Can Improve Land Use
Well-planned vertical housing projects can provide a greater number of residential units within the same land area compared with conventional low-density developments.
Experts believe this model could also help reduce pressure on cities by limiting uncontrolled outward expansion and making better use of existing infrastructure, including roads, water supply networks and public services.
Modern apartment developments can further support the creation of organised residential communities, where essential facilities and services can be planned and managed more efficiently.
Housing Finance Remains Important
The SBP has supported various housing finance initiatives aimed at improving access to home financing, particularly for low- and middle-income households.
Easier access to affordable housing loans, combined with the development of well-planned vertical housing projects, could help more families move towards homeownership while also generating activity in the construction and allied industries.
However, experts note that the success of vertical housing will depend on effective coordination between government institutions, financial organisations, developers and urban planning authorities.
Clear building regulations, strong construction standards, adequate infrastructure and accessible housing finance will be essential to ensure that high-rise developments are safe, affordable and suitable for Pakistani families.
With urban populations continuing to grow and land becoming increasingly scarce in major cities, vertical housing could play a larger role in Pakistan’s future housing strategy.
