As India’s metropolitan cities expand, shared living solutions have emerged as a practical response to rising rental costs and lifestyle mobility. However, the co-living sector often remains fragmented and informally managed. THE HABITAT MUMBAI, founded by Bunny Makhni, was created to bring order, accountability, and sustainability into this evolving housing segment.
Bunny’s entrepreneurial journey began after a period of financial difficulty in an earlier business. With limited resources, he entered real estate as a PG and rental consultant, gaining firsthand exposure to tenant needs and property dynamics. What became evident was a disconnect between demand and professionally managed supply, especially for students and young professionals seeking safe accommodation.
A simple yet bold experiment—turning his own residence into a PG—provided market validation. Within days, occupancy was full, confirming both demand and scalability. Bunny soon transitioned from brokerage to operations, leasing flats and managing them independently. This shift allowed him to control quality, compliance, and resident experience, forming the operational foundation of THE HABITAT MUMBAI.
Over the past 12 years, the organisation has grown into a structured co-living brand managing more than 1,000 beds with close to 90% occupancy. Built without external funding, the business relies on disciplined reinvestment and financial control. This bootstrapped approach has allowed THE HABITAT MUMBAI to grow steadily while maintaining operational resilience.
The organisation plays a critical role in urban housing by offering affordable, well-managed accommodation. Each property is designed for functional living, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and defined operational standards. For property owners, the model provides predictable rental income with professional management, reducing vacancy and operational risk.
Bunny’s leadership philosophy centres on long-term stability rather than aggressive growth. He believes overcrowding and regulatory shortcuts undermine sustainability. Instead, THE HABITAT MUMBAI focuses on maintaining optimal occupancy levels, legal clarity, and consistent service quality.
Entrepreneurship taught Bunny valuable lessons in patience and discipline. Managing manpower, compliance, and financial obligations highlighted the importance of systems that function independently of individuals. These learnings continue to shape organisational processes and decision-making.
Inspired by entrepreneurs who build enduring businesses through cash flow and compliance, Bunny envisions measured expansion. The roadmap includes deeper penetration across the Mumbai metropolitan region, followed by gradual expansion into other cities within Maharashtra.
Industry recognition from SiliconIndia Magazine as one of the “10 Best Co-Living Space Startups – City Category (2023)” reflects growing credibility. For Bunny Makhni, however, the true achievement lies in building a housing ecosystem that delivers consistency, affordability, and trust.
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