Urban mobility has transformed how people live and work, especially in cities like Mumbai. Students and professionals seek accommodation that is affordable, safe, and professionally managed, yet the supply often remains fragmented and informal. THE HABITAT MUMBAI, founded by Bunny Makhni, was created to bring structure, compliance, and reliability into this space.
Bunny’s entrepreneurial story is rooted in resilience. After facing financial collapse in an earlier business, he was compelled to rebuild without capital or external support. Entering real estate as a PG and rental consultant allowed him to observe market realities closely. What he noticed was clear—demand was abundant, but organised supply was scarce.
By converting his own home into a PG and quickly filling it with residents, Bunny gained first-hand validation of the opportunity. Over the next two years, he developed expertise in PG and rental housing, eventually shifting from brokerage to independent operations. Leasing entire flats and managing them professionally without owner involvement was unconventional at the time, but it laid the groundwork for a scalable co-living model.
THE HABITAT MUMBAI was built through gradual evolution rather than rapid expansion. Over 12 years, the business transformed into a professionally managed co-living enterprise operating 1,000+ beds with around 90% occupancy. Entirely bootstrapped, the organisation prioritised cash-flow sustainability and disciplined reinvestment, avoiding aggressive capital infusion.
The business plays a dual role in the urban housing ecosystem. For residents, it provides safe, affordable, and well-managed accommodation with defined rules and systems. For property owners, it offers responsible asset monetisation while maintaining regulatory discipline. This balanced model has helped build trust on both sides.
A key strength of THE HABITAT MUMBAI lies in its operational systems. Legal clarity, documentation, and people management form the backbone of daily operations. Bunny believes shortcuts may accelerate growth temporarily but eventually undermine stability. His approach focuses on long-term viability rather than short-term gains.
Entrepreneurial challenges—from financial pressure to regulatory uncertainty—shaped Bunny’s leadership mindset. These experiences reinforced the importance of compliance, patience, and system-led execution. His ability to stay closely involved in operations while building scalable processes sets him apart.
Looking ahead, THE HABITAT MUMBAI plans to strengthen its presence across Mumbai and surrounding regions, followed by expansion into other Maharashtra cities. The focus remains on process-driven growth, internal systems, and operational efficiency.
Being featured by SiliconIndia Magazine as one of the “10 Best Co-Living Space Startups – City Category (2023)” validated the organisation’s impact. Yet, for Bunny Makhni, true success lies in consistency, resident satisfaction, and building a sustainable housing model that endures market cycles.
