Bunny Makhni: Organising Shared Living Through Experience and Execution
Urban housing challenges in cities like Mumbai extend far beyond affordability. Students and working professionals often face inconsistent living conditions, unclear house rules, and informal management structures that create uncertainty. Bunny Makhni, Founder of THE HABITAT MUMBAI, recognised these challenges early and chose to address them through a structured, system-driven approach to co-living.
Bunny’s entrepreneurial journey was not shaped by comfort, but by necessity. After facing financial setbacks in an earlier bakery and confectionery business, he found himself rebuilding from the ground up. With no capital to invest, he entered the real estate sector as a PG and rental consultant. This phase proved critical, exposing him to the realities of tenant expectations, property owner concerns, and the operational gaps that plagued the shared housing market.
A defining moment came when Bunny converted his own home into a PG and moved out. The space was fully occupied within days, validating the demand for managed accommodation. Over time, he shifted from consultancy to direct operations by leasing flats and managing them independently. This transition allowed him to standardise processes, control quality, and build predictable systems—laying the foundation for THE HABITAT MUMBAI.
Over more than 12 years, the organisation has grown into a professionally managed co-living enterprise operating over 1,000 beds with nearly 90% occupancy. Entirely bootstrapped, the business expanded through disciplined reinvestment and operational cash flow. Bunny’s financial prudence ensured resilience during market fluctuations, reinforcing stability in a volatile real estate environment.
THE HABITAT MUMBAI addresses a fundamental urban need—affordable housing without compromise on safety and order. Properties are leased, furnished, and managed with defined operational guidelines, ensuring consistency for residents and accountability for owners. This balanced approach creates long-term value for both sides of the housing ecosystem.
What sets Bunny apart is his emphasis on sustainability over speed. While optimising occupancy is essential to maintain affordability, overcrowding is consciously avoided. Bunny believes that resident comfort, safety, and compliance are non-negotiable, even if it means slower expansion. This philosophy ensures longevity rather than short-lived growth.
Entrepreneurship brought continuous learning. Challenges related to manpower, documentation, and regulatory compliance highlighted the importance of systems that function independently of individuals. These lessons shaped Bunny’s leadership style—hands-on yet structured, flexible yet disciplined.
Inspired by entrepreneurs who build cash-flow-driven, process-oriented businesses, Bunny continues to refine THE HABITAT MUMBAI’s operating model. The future roadmap includes strengthening presence across Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai, followed by gradual expansion into other Maharashtra cities.
Recognition from SiliconIndia Magazine, which listed THE HABITAT MUMBAI among the “10 Best Co-Living Space Startups – City Category (2023)”, affirms the organisation’s progress. For Bunny Makhni, however, success lies in consistent occupancy, compliant operations, and trust earned through execution.
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