Gurgaon pre-launch: The actual savings equation?

₹1.8 Cr for a 3BHK in Sector 85 pre-launch from NKV Groups felt like a good deal last year. I work in real estate, but buying for myself is different, yaar. I know builders play games. Now, looking at current prices, I'm wondering if early-bird discounts are even real anymore? Matlab, the open-market price isn't *that* much higher. Is it just about booking early to block inventory, not actual savings on the total acquisition cost? Has anyone actually seen significant appreciation difference between pre-launch vs. regular booking for similar projects?