Hyderabad’s Luxury Housing Market Sees Shift Towards Advisory-Driven Realty as Buyers Seek Clarity and Accountability

Hyderabad’s residential real estate market, long known for its steady absorption and relatively affordable luxury housing, is entering a more discerning phase. With a surge in premium projects, pre-launch inventories and joint development models, homebuyers and investors are increasingly prioritising due diligence, transparency and long-term value over aggressive marketing pitches. This shift has given rise to a new class of advisory-driven real estate consultancies that position themselves not merely as brokers, but as strategic partners for buyers, developers and landowners alike.

Industry experts note that the post-pandemic cycle has accelerated this change. While demand for larger homes and lifestyle-focused developments remains strong, buyers are far more cautious about developer credibility, legal clearances and future resale potential. In this evolving landscape, boutique advisory firms focusing on high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and premium residential segments are gaining prominence.

One such firm is Aston Realty, a Hyderabad-based real estate consultancy founded in 2024, operating in the city’s luxury residential space. The India Prime Times editorial team recently interacted with Sony Antony, Founder and CEO of Aston Realty, as part of a broader assessment of how the city’s real estate ecosystem is adapting to market maturity. Our interaction and on-ground observations highlighted how experience-led advisory models are increasingly influencing buyer decisions in a complex market.

A market shaped by experience, not hype

Hyderabad’s real estate growth over the past decade has attracted both established national developers and a growing number of new entrants. While this has expanded choice, it has also introduced risks for buyers unfamiliar with regulatory nuances, construction timelines and land title complexities. According to industry data, a significant share of buyer grievances in urban India stem from inadequate due diligence at the point of purchase.

During our conversation, Sony Antony pointed out that many clients approaching Aston Realty are not first-time buyers, but seasoned professionals and entrepreneurs who have either faced challenges earlier or want to avoid them altogether. “The demand today is not just for property listings,” he explained, “but for informed guidance that protects capital and lifestyle expectations.”

With over 14 years of experience in Hyderabad’s real estate ecosystem, Antony has worked across multiple market cycles, including the slowdown during the pandemic and the subsequent recovery. Before founding Aston Realty, he was associated with channel partnerships for several large developers and co-founded ventures in allied sectors such as interiors and project advisory. This exposure, he believes, has shaped his advisory-first approach.

Advisory-led real estate gains ground

What differentiates advisory-driven firms from traditional brokerage models is their emphasis on process. At Aston Realty, the focus is on developer verification, legal due diligence, market timing and negotiated group transactions rather than volume-led sales. Industry observers say this model aligns with a broader national trend, where luxury buyers expect the same level of professional advice in property transactions as they do in financial investments.

Our team noted that Aston Realty’s engagements span retail buyers, developers and landowners-three stakeholder groups often operating with misaligned expectations. For developers, consultancies like these provide access to qualified buyers and market intelligence around pricing and absorption. For landowners, advisory support is increasingly critical in structuring joint development agreements (JDAs) that balance long-term returns with risk mitigation.

Antony’s earlier recognition as a top-performing channel partner for several national developers reflects the trust-based relationships he has built over the years. However, he emphasised that today’s role demands a more consultative mindset. “The buyer is far more informed now. They ask sharper questions, and they expect data-backed answers,” he said.

Transparency as a competitive advantage

One of the notable themes emerging from our interaction was the growing importance of transparency as a differentiator. With regulatory frameworks like RERA bringing greater accountability, buyers are less tolerant of ambiguity around delivery timelines and specifications. Advisory firms that can interpret regulations, assess project viability and explain risks in simple terms are finding increased relevance.

India Prime Times observed that Aston Realty’s model places significant emphasis on pre-launch and early-stage projects-segments that offer price advantages but carry higher risk. Here, the advisory role becomes critical. By conducting legal checks, evaluating developer track records and negotiating group deals, consultancies attempt to balance opportunity with caution.

Industry analysts say this approach could help stabilise the luxury housing segment by reducing speculative buying and improving buyer confidence. “Markets mature when information asymmetry reduces,” a senior real estate consultant told India Prime Times. “Advisory-led models play a key role in that transition.”

The human element in a data-driven market

Beyond spreadsheets and site visits, our editorial team also observed the importance of personal credibility in real estate advisory. Antony’s background spans corporate roles, entrepreneurship and even creative pursuits such as acting and drone piloting-an unconventional mix that reflects adaptability rather than distraction. In client-facing industries like real estate, such versatility often translates into better communication and stakeholder management.

During our discussion, Antony spoke candidly about failures and learning curves, echoing his belief that setbacks shape long-term judgment. This perspective resonates in a sector where reputations are built over decades but can be lost quickly. His involvement in professional networks such as BNI and industry forums further reflects a collaborative approach to business development rather than isolated deal-making.

What this means for Hyderabad’s real estate future

As Hyderabad continues to attract investment from IT professionals, entrepreneurs and non-resident Indians, the luxury residential segment is expected to grow steadily rather than explosively. Experts predict that advisory-led consultancies will play an increasingly important role in aligning buyer expectations with market realities.

From our interaction with Sony Antony and observations at Aston Realty, it is evident that experience, process discipline and ethical positioning are becoming key differentiators in the city’s real estate advisory space. While developers will continue to drive supply, firms that help buyers navigate complexity with clarity are likely to shape demand more decisively.

For homebuyers and investors, this evolution signals a more mature market-one where informed decisions, not impulsive ones, define success. And for the industry at large, it marks a gradual shift from transaction-led growth to trust-led sustainability, a transition that Hyderabad’s real estate sector appears increasingly ready to embrace.