Marvila Real Estate Investment: Lisbon’s €3 Billion Urban Revival

In the next ten years, nearly €3 billion of public and private investment is set to transform the riverfront district of Marvila in the eastern part of Lisbon. This is one of the city’s most ambitious urban revival projects to date.

Average property prices in Marvila stand at €7,098, with rental yields ranging from 4-7 percent (averaging 4.6 percent). The high-growth potential of this neighborhood is massive, attracting both local and international investors.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll delve into why a Marvila real estate investment can be a smart move financially in 2026. We’ll cover:

• Why Marvila Is Attracting Real Estate Investors
• Marvila’s Unique Appeal: The Creative Hub of Lisbon
• Best Investment Areas Within Marvila
• Types of Real Estate Investments in Marvila
• How does Marvila compare to other Lisbon investment areas?

Why Marvila Is Attracting Real Estate Investors

Marvila has emerged as one of the best neighborhoods for savvy investors seeking a strong return on their investment. Investors are drawn to the creative energy and potential for capital growth as Marvila develops into a prime Lisbon neighborhood.

• Creative scene: Marvila has a distinct creative energy, with many edgy bars, creative spaces, clubs, restaurants, craft beer spots, art galleries, and museums, making this the new it spot in the city.
• Prime location: developments such as the Prata Riverside Village, views of the Tagus River, excellent schools close by, and good infrastructure ensure a high quality of life.
• Urban regeneration: Almost €3 million of private and public investment is set to transform this part of Lisbon, with improved transport links and amenities boosting its potential.
• Tourism and rental: With rental yields averaging at 4.6 percent, and reaching 7 percent depending on property and location, investment returns are high. This area and its rental market look set to grow with both tourists and longer-term residents, such as digital nomads and families.
• Favorable market conditions: As Marvila transforms into one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Lisbon with significant price momentum, there is high potential for capital appreciation.

Lisbon’s ambitious plan

Lisbon’s move to invest €3 in Marvila’s urban development is placing the Portuguese capital at the table of Europe’s most ambitious regeneration projects.

Lisbon will stand shoulder to shoulder with London’s Battersea Power Station (€9 billion) and Olympia (€1.3 billion), and Paris’s Seine-Saint-Denis redevelopment for the 2024 Olympics (€7 billion), which have been making headlines in recent years.

The commitment to Marvila highlights confidence in this part of Lisbon and is remarkable in both scale and speed for a city of Lisbon’s size.

The redevelopment shows:

• Growing confidence in Lisbon as a global capital, which preserves its past while actively investing in its future.
• Interest from international and Portuguese property buyers, many of whom are buying with a longer-term 10–15-year view for the investment.
• Infrastructure and long-term urban planning to transform this part of the city.
• Excellent value for money compared to more mature real estate markets in European cities, such as London, Paris, and Berlin.
• Marvila, Lisbon, real estate is set to attract a wide range of buyers, from families to young professionals, with improved transport links adding to the neighborhood’s appeal. Those starting their property search in Lisbon will find Marvila ticks a lot of boxes.
• The average asking price per square meter reached €7,189 in the first quarter of 2025. This is an 8 percent increase year on year, reflecting growing interest while still offering solid value for money and varying price points to enter the Marvila property market. This data is from the Portuguese real estate databank, Confidencial Imobiliário.
• A property purchase is more than just the house. Marvila’s planned development shows the neighborhood to become one of the focal points of the city in the coming years with modern properties, key amenities, and gastronomic delights.

Portuguese urban rehabilitation projects and development look set to put Marvila on track as the new hot ticket in Lisbon, while keeping its status as a place for creatives and unique spots that you won’t find elsewhere in the city.

Is Marvila the next high-yield opportunity in Lisbon real estate?

Portugal real estate investments can yield significant returns for investors. The reason for Marvila’s current rise is that investors are clearly seeing Marvila as an evolving hub in the city, blending strong infrastructural developments with vibrancy and creativity. The district presents an alluring investment opportunity for those seeking to capitalize on one of the future focal points for Lisbon’s urban evolution, with high returns likely.

While Marvila property prices are rising – property values here were amongst the highest increases in Lisbon in 2024- they remain lower than in other key parts of the city, such as neighboring Parque das Nações. With a vibrant mix of locals and internationals, and blending traditional charm with innovation, there is strong potential for investors seeking long-term value in Marvila.

The fact that the neighborhood allows for stunning river views is another added bonus that is sure to add to its appeal, alongside it being conveniently located to nearby schools and green spaces that could potentially make this district a firm favorite with young couples and families.

Marvila's Unique Appeal: The Creative Hub of Lisbon

Often compared with New York’s meatpacking district due to its creative energy and industrial backdrop, Marvila has fast become one of Lisbon’s most fashionable and creative neighborhoods. Home to exceptional art galleries, including Underdogs Gallery, craft beer breweries, and top eateries that are pushing the boundaries when it comes to innovation in food, Marvila real estate investment is a smart move for both lifestyle buyers and as an investment opportunity.

Once a relatively unknown industrial district, tucked between the Tagus River and Lisbon’s eastern rail corridor, Marvila’s transformation can already be seen, should you visit the district, becoming one of Lisbon’s most exciting regeneration efforts. What is planned for the future, however, is set to put Marvila in a league of its own as one of the most sought-after districts in Lisbon with increased demand for properties here.

Each neighborhood of Lisbon has its own distinct energy, and Marvila is no exception. Former warehouses are now co-working spaces, microbreweries, or art galleries. Institutions like Hub Criativo do Beato, a startup incubator, are helping innovative companies get a foothold on the market, while new restaurants and concept stores are pushing the boundaries. There are also many activities on offer, such as the Vertigo Climbing Wall, a rock climbing gym.

Marvila is a space where you can enjoy the unexpected. Entrepreneurs and creatives looking for a relaxed place in the city should certainly have Marvila on their radar.

Best Investment Areas Within Marvila

Marvila is fast becoming one of the best areas to invest in real estate in Lisbon. Below, we’ve outlined the best areas for those considering investing in Marvila real estate.

1. Braço de Prata: By the riverside, just to the south of Parque das Nações, here you’ll find modern developments and contemporary designs with easy access to stunning river views. This is a smart investment move if seeking out premium residential properties with state-of-the-art amenities in a high-growth area.
2. The creative hub of Marvila: Marvila’s creative core is home to warehouses that have transformed into breweries, co-working spaces, and independent art galleries. While investors here may be more interested in studios, galleries, retail, or co-working spaces, there is also potential for residential real estate here at affordable entry points.
3. Beato: Just south of Marvila, Beato is gaining in popularity as an “unpolished gem”, with river views and a combination of locals and expats seeking an authentic side of Lisbon. Opportunities for investors here include both commercial and residential ventures.

How does Marvila compare to other Lisbon investment areas?

Marvila is a refreshing alternative to some of Lisbon’s more well-known investment areas, with lower entry points and high growth potential as a result of an influx of tech and startups, promising rental market and yields, and a vibrant cultural scene. The location of Marvila, right by the river, adds to its appeal.

When compared with Parque das Nações, just to the north of Marvila, property prices stand at €8,517, while in Marvila, prices are €7,098, with both offering the same rental yield (4.6 percent). While Parque das Nações is popular due to its restaurants spilling out onto the promenade and excellent transport links, Marvila has its own distinct energy with exceptional growth potential.

Compared with nearby Alfama (in the Santa Maria Maior parish), prices stand at €7,321, highlighting again that Marvila is a more price-friendly neighborhood. Marilva also has more modern apartments, while Alfama is part of the old town of Lisbon with generally older properties.

Marvila, a unique part of Lisbon

Over the past ten years, artist studios, boutique developments, exciting restaurants, and microbreweries have created a distinct energy in Marvila, full of creativity. The next ten years are set to scale efforts, creating long-term value and greater connectivity to the rest of the city.

This includes a new €160 million tramline extension that will connect Marvila to central Lisbon and a billion-euro waterfront redevelopment, new parks, schools, housing, and infrastructure.

The full scale of the plan is massive, led by public and private investments that will reimagine the district while creating the fundamental essence of what makes Marvila such a special neighborhood.

To the south of the established Parque das Nações neighborhood and with greater connectivity to the city center, Marvila will be a highly desirable location for the future. When it comes to Lisbon real estate investment, Marvila is set to take center stage in future property investments.

Greater connectivity boosting interest in Marvila

One of the potential challenges to living or investing in Marvila real estate in the past has been the neighborhood’s location. Compared with other parts of Lisbon, Marvila was not so connected, with no metro close by or good transport links.

Lisbon’s €160 million 16E tram line looks to change that. Set to be completed in 2028, this initiative will greatly improve connectivity to and from Marvila. The line will connect Praça do Comércio to Parque das Nações. Residents will be conveniently located to get to Central Lisbon with ease.

The new line is projected to carry between 7.6 and 8.1 million passengers each year, with the €160m cost covering both construction and acquiring additional trams.

For Marvila, this new tram line is likely to boost the property prices in the area once complete, meaning that there is strong potential for capital appreciation for investors.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You 

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.

If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.

Why choose Goldcrest?

• Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
• Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
• Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
• Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
• Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.