Sep 30: BuyProp Buildcon LLP, a pioneering real estate consultancy, is witnessing a gradual shift in buyer behaviour, with homebuyers and investors increasingly looking beyond conventional residential purchases towards premium homes, plotted developments and commercial assets, according to real estate consultancy BuyProp Buildcon LLP. The company believes rising aspirations, infrastructure-led urban growth and greater awareness of real estate as a long-term asset are contributing to a more selective and diversified approach to property buying.
The shift is taking place against a backdrop of continued premiumisation across India's residential market. According to JLL's Residential Dynamics Report, properties priced above ₹1 crore accounted for 64% of residential launches in India's top seven cities in Q1 2026, compared with 45% a year earlier. Sales of homes priced above ₹1 crore also grew 30% year-on-year during the quarter, indicating stronger momentum in the premium segment.
The trend is not limited to India's largest metropolitan markets. CRISIL Intelligence reported that residential real estate demand across Tier-2 cities grew at a 14% CAGR between FY2021 and FY2026, with markets including Lucknow, Nagpur and Coimbatore recording growth of around 20%. The report also highlighted increasing preference for larger and premium homes in these markets. Meanwhile, a recent CII-Knight Frank report found that residential prices across 11 emerging Tier-2 markets rose 63% between 2021 and 2026, compared with 42% across India's top eight cities.
BuyProp Buildcon's assessment is that property buyers are increasingly evaluating real estate as a combination of lifestyle, utility and long-term asset value, rather than simply as a housing requirement. Premium apartments and villas are attracting buyers seeking larger spaces, amenities and established developments, while plotted projects are appealing to buyers who want greater flexibility over construction and ownership. Commercial properties, meanwhile, are being considered by investors and entrepreneurs looking to diversify their real estate exposure beyond residential assets.
“The Indian property buyer is becoming far more discerning. The conversation is gradually moving from ‘What can I buy within my budget?’ to ‘Which asset makes the most sense for my requirements and long-term objectives?’ We are seeing buyers evaluate location, developer credibility, infrastructure, quality of construction, future usability, rental potential and resale prospects alongside the initial price. This is creating a much more advisory-driven property market,” said Shashank Srivastava, Co-Founder, BuyProp Buildcon LLP.
The evolution in buyer preferences is also reflected in the growing importance of Tier-2 and emerging urban markets. Developers are increasingly expanding into these markets as infrastructure, employment opportunities and urbanisation create new residential and commercial demand. Recent industry analysis has also pointed to Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets becoming increasingly important for land acquisition and future real estate development.
For BuyProp Buildcon, the changing market is creating a greater need for professional property advisory across asset classes. The company works with homebuyers, property owners and investors across premium apartments, villas, residential plots, commercial properties and investment opportunities. Its services cover property identification, requirement assessment, project evaluation, negotiation, documentation, transaction support and registration.
“As the market offers buyers more choices, the role of an advisor is becoming more relevant. A residential apartment, a plotted development and a commercial property involve very different considerations around usage, liquidity, financing and future value. Our focus is to understand the client's objective first and then help evaluate the right opportunities against that objective.” Shashank Srivastava added.
The shift towards premium and diversified real estate is also being accompanied by greater emphasis on developer credibility, project quality and future value. Anarock's H1 2026 homebuyer survey found that buyers were becoming more selective amid rising prices, with larger homes, premium housing, established developers and future resale or rental potential emerging as important considerations.
