By Anwar Faisal, Boston, MA

My name is Anwar Faisal, and my work in real estate began with recognizing an unmet need for student housing and the willingness to meet it, despite public resistance. From the outset, my goal has been to create stability through housing. Over time, I have come to understand that housing is not simply about buildings, but about supporting people, expanding opportunity, and contributing to the long-term strength of a community. 

When I purchased my first small apartment in 1984, I did not imagine that one decision would lead me to owning thousands of units across the Greater Boston area. Many of those properties are near major universities. That was not an accident and it has not been easy, but it was a decision based on long-term thinking and a belief that students and academic communities need stable and affordable rental housing to succeed.

Today, I want to share why creating affordable rental housing near universities is one of the most important strategies for sustainable urban growth.

Why Housing Near Universities Matters

Growing student demand

Cities with major universities continue to grow year after year. Students come from across the country and around the world. Many of them need housing that is safe, affordable, and close to campus.

In my experience, demand near universities never stays the same. It increases over time. This creates pressure on the housing market, especially in neighborhoods close to schools. If there is not enough supply, prices rise quickly and students feel the impact first.

I have always believed that when demand is predictable and long term, the responsibility to plan ahead becomes even more important.

Challenges in university areas

The demand for student housing in Greater Boston keeps growing, largely because of the region’s many colleges and rising enrollment. At the same time, fewer private landlords are willing to rent to students. Many see student tenancies as higher risk due to turnover, property wear, and management challenges. As a result, the supply of available units has tightened, putting more strain on both campus housing and the broader rental market. This has real consequences for affordability, displacement, and access to education.

Neighborhoods around universities have their own character. They are active, diverse, and always evolving, but they also face real pressures. Housing costs can climb beyond what students and working families can afford, and older buildings do not always meet current needs. At the same time, local residents are looking for stability and balance.

That is where thoughtful planning comes in. It is not just about building more housing, but about building the right kind of housing, housing that works for both students and long-term residents.

Challenges to Student Rentals

There simply is not enough dormitory housing across the Greater Boston area to meet current demand. Without access to private rental units, the City would be facing a significant housing crisis for students, with ripple effects across the entire housing market. Given those constraints, I was willing to take a measured risk in supporting solutions that help bridge that gap, recognizing that doing nothing would only worsen the strain on students, institutions, and the community as a whole. Keeping buildings as rental units, rather than converting it into condominiums, helps preserve affordability for students. Affordability has always been a central priority in my work. Students already face significant financial burdens from tuition, books, and living expenses; housing should not compound that pressure. and not converting into condos allows the units to stay affordable for students 

Renting to students also comes with a distinct set of challenges, particularly when many are living on their own for the first time and staying only for a short term. High turnover can make it difficult to maintain consistency in how units are cared for, and landlords often face concerns about noise, parties, and general oversight. When tenants move out, it is not uncommon for units to be left with significant trash, abandoned furniture, and food waste, all of which can lead to added cleaning, maintenance, and even pest control costs. Over time, these patterns can contribute to greater wear and tear on the property and increase the overall burden of management. 

My Approach to University Housing

Starting with long-term ownership

When I expanded my real estate portfolio, I focused on long-term ownership rather than short-term returns. This allowed me to think differently about maintenance, tenant needs, and neighborhood stability.

Through Alpha Management Corporation, I built a system that prioritizes consistent service and long-term relationships. This approach has helped me better understand what students need when they arrive in a new city, often far from home.

Focusing on affordability and access

Focusing on affordability and access requires recognizing that housing is not simply a commodity, but a critical foundation for academic and personal success. In this context, the continued use of the building as rental housing is itself what makes it affordable. By remaining in the rental market, the property avoids the pricing pressures and barriers to entry associated with ownership, thereby preserving access for a broader range of students.

I have consistently aimed to keep housing options accessible while maintaining quality, understanding that these goals can at times be in tension. Providing well-maintained, safe, and supportive living environments at reasonable cost requires deliberate management, ongoing investment, and a commitment to long-term stability over short-term gain. Maintaining the property as rental housing is central to that approach.

This balance is not easy, but it is essential. When students have access to stable, reasonably priced housing, free from excessive financial strain or uncertainty, they are better able to focus on their studies, participate in their communities, and plan for the future. Preserving affordability through continued rental use does not only benefit individual tenants; it supports a more stable, consistent, and productive academic environment overall.

Sustainability in Urban Housing Growth

Efficient use of space

Sustainable urban growth is fundamentally about using limited space in a thoughtful and efficient way. In areas near universities, this often translates to designing or maintaining housing that makes the most of available square footage without compromising comfort or functionality.

Well-designed smaller units can, in many cases, better meet the needs of students than larger, poorly configured spaces. Efficient layouts, smart storage, and intentional common areas can create a more livable and adaptable environment. The goal is not simply to increase density for its own sake, but to ensure that each unit provides real utility and quality of life for its occupants.

In that sense, sustainable development is less about building more and more about building better prioritizing design, usability, and long-term livability.

Reducing housing pressure on surrounding neighborhoods

When universities grow but housing does not keep pace, nearby neighborhoods feel the pressure. Rent increases, overcrowding happens, and local residents may be pushed out.

By focusing on purpose-built student housing, we can reduce this pressure. This creates a healthier balance between academic institutions and the communities around them.

Community Impact and Responsibility

Giving back to the community

For me, real estate has always been connected to service. I believe that success comes with responsibility. That is why I donate a portion of my income to charitable causes and support organizations that strengthen communities.

I have supported a range of community institutions, including schools, hospitals, and cultural organizations. For example, I have contributed to groups like the Allston Civic Association, the Boston Islamic Seminary, and the Palestinian Cultural Center for Peace. These efforts reflect my belief that building housing is not just about creating places to live, it is also about strengthening the surrounding community. When we invest in both housing and local organizations at the same time, we help create neighborhoods that are more stable, connected, and supportive for the people who live there. 

Supporting students beyond housing

Providing housing is only one part of the picture. Many students, especially those coming from other countries, also need support systems. They need guidance, understanding, and a sense of belonging.

Over the years, I have seen how much of a difference it makes when housing providers take time to understand their residents. A simple conversation or small act of support can change a student’s entire experience in a new city.

My Long-Term Vision

I believe the future of urban growth depends on thoughtful planning near educational institutions. Universities will continue to expand, and cities will continue to attract students from around the world.

My vision is to continue building and maintaining housing that is stable, affordable, and close to opportunity. I want to see communities where students can live comfortably, local residents can remain stable, and neighborhoods can grow without losing their identity.

Real estate is not just about property ownership. It is about shaping environments where people can succeed. When done correctly, it supports education, strengthens communities, and creates long-term value for everyone involved.

Conclusion

Looking back at my journey, I see a clear pattern. Each step has been tied to education, community, and long-term thinking. From my early days in Gaza to building a real estate portfolio in Boston, that focus has stayed consistent. Housing near universities is not just a business consideration; it carries broader responsibility. With thoughtful planning and a long-term perspective, we can help shape communities that support both academic life and the stability of the neighborhoods around them.