How to Start an Airbnb Business in Pune – A Profitable Side Hustle

Rohit moreshiya
Blog
June 24, 2025

The sharing economy is booming — and Airbnb is right at the heart of it. If you’re living in Pune or own property in this fast-growing metro, now is the perfect time to turn your real estate into a passive income stream. Starting an Airbnb business in Pune isn’t just doable — it’s one of the most profitable side hustles in 2025.

Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or simply looking to monetize an idle property, Diwan Housing is here to guide you step-by-step on launching a successful Airbnb venture in Pune.

Why Pune is Ideal for Airbnb?

Pune is no longer just an educational hub; it’s a thriving IT, industrial, and cultural hotspot. Here’s why it’s perfect for Airbnb hosting:

  • Business Travelers & IT Professionals: With multiple IT parks like Hinjewadi, Kharadi, and Magarpatta, there’s a steady demand from short-stay professionals.

  • Tourism & Culture: Pune attracts tourists for heritage, food, and wellness retreats.

  • Students & Parents: With top universities like Symbiosis, MIT, and FTII, many parents and visiting faculty seek comfortable, short-term stays.

  • Medical Tourism: Hospitals in Pune attract domestic and international patients for treatment and recovery stays.

With rising hotel prices and a growing preference for homely, flexible accommodations, Airbnb has become the go-to choice — and a huge opportunity for property owners.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Airbnb in Pune

1. Choose the Right Property

Before anything else, you need a suitable property. At Diwan Housing, we help clients buy or lease homes ideal for short-term rentals. You’ll want to choose a property that’s:

  • Close to tourist spots, IT parks, hospitals, or universities

  • Easily accessible via public transport

  • Located in a safe, well-developed area like Baner, Koregaon Park, Kalyani Nagar, Viman Nagar, or Hinjewadi

Even 1BHK or studio apartments can do well if they are designed smartly and marketed well.

2. Register Your Property on Airbnb

Once your property is ready, create a host profile on Airbnb. Here’s what you need:

  • Good photos of your space

  • Clear, honest description of amenities and house rules

  • Pricing and availability calendar

  • Government ID for verification

Pro Tip: Homes listed with high-quality images and professionally written descriptions get 40% more bookings.

3. Furnish & Decorate the Space

First impressions matter! You don’t need a luxury makeover, but a clean, thoughtfully designed home is essential.

Essentials:

  • Comfortable bed and linens

  • Wi-Fi

  • Functional kitchen or kitchenette

  • Clean bathroom with basic toiletries

  • Smart TV and cozy seating

Added Touches:

  • Welcome kits or snacks

  • Local artwork or plants

  • Guidebooks about Pune

4. Set Your Pricing Right

Start with competitive pricing to gain early reviews. Use Airbnb’s smart pricing tool or compare similar listings in your area.

Pricing Strategy:

  • Offer discounts for weekly/monthly stays

  • Adjust rates during festival seasons, exams, or peak tourist months

  • Consider cleaning charges and extra guest fees

5. Legal Compliance & Taxes

Airbnb in India is legal, but you must comply with certain regulations:

  • Local Registration: If your society has restrictions, check with the management committee.

  • Police Intimation: You may need to inform local police for guest verification (especially for foreign nationals).

  • GST: If your annual income from Airbnb crosses ₹20 lakh, GST registration is required.

  • Income Tax: Earnings from Airbnb must be declared under “Income from House Property” or “Business Income”.

At Diwan Housing, we can connect you with legal and financial experts to ensure you’re 100% compliant.

6. Market Your Property

Apart from Airbnb, promote your space on:

  • Instagram & Facebook (use reels, walkthroughs)

  • Travel forums and local directories

  • Google My Business

  • Collaborate with travel influencers or vloggers

Don’t forget to maintain a high response rate to inquiries — Airbnb ranks hosts higher when they respond quickly.

7. Deliver a Great Guest Experience

Your reviews will make or break your business. Focus on:

  • Easy check-in process (self-check-in works best)

  • Cleanliness and timely housekeeping

  • Prompt communication

  • Local tips and hospitality

If you’re short on time, Diwan Housing can help you connect with reliable co-hosts or property managers.

How Diwan Housing Can Help You Start Your Airbnb Business

At Diwan Housing, we specialize in helping clients:

✅ Buy investment-friendly properties in Airbnb hotspots
✅ Lease homes for rental arbitrage
✅ Furnish and stage properties for maximum appeal
✅ Connect with legal, tax, and co-host partners
✅ Market listings and optimize Airbnb profiles

Whether you want to run one successful listing or scale to five, we are your trusted real estate partner in Pune.

Final Thoughts

Airbnb hosting is more than just a side hustle — it’s a smart, scalable business model. With Pune’s rising demand for flexible, short-term housing and a growing number of travelers, now is the best time to jump in.

You don’t need to be an expert or own a villa. Even a well-managed studio apartment can generate strong returns. And with a partner like Diwan Housing guiding you at every step, your Airbnb journey in Pune can be smooth, profitable, and future-ready.