Updated: April 3, 2024

Less than an hour north of Lisbon, between the capital and the Atlantic, lies Mafra. Mafra is a municipality and city that boasts properties that can be the realization of your dream. Houses and apartments for sale in Mafra often offer breathtaking sea views, allowing residents to wake up to the serene sight of the vast ocean.

If you’ve always yearned for a dream home located in a quiet area, away from the bustling city’s noise, Mafra has properties that will capture your heart. Many houses available for sale are in excellent condition, reflecting the care and love owners have invested over the years. For those who wish to rent before making a commitment, there’s also a selection of properties available for short and long-term lease.

In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of investing in Mafra’s real estate, delving deep into the market’s current state. Additionally, we’ll journey through Mafra’s rich history and give you a glimpse of life in this enchanting city.

Mafra Portugal Real Estate: Prices and Property Types

Mafra real estate is gaining in popularity with expats in Portugal. Here, we’ll run over the current real estate market in the municipality.

Prices: Outside the hustle and bustle of Lisbon, Mafra is an excellent location to own a property. The average asking property price for the Mafra municipality stands at €3,111/m² on average in 2023.  

Note that this is the average price and buying property in Portugal. You will find that prices are either higher or lower than the asking price.  

This may not be as affordable as in some other areas of the country, but prices here are still quite reasonable. As with many other parts of the country, prices have been increasing and look set to continue on this trend.  

Luxury homes: There are several options for luxury homes in Mafra, with many properties with private pools, gyms, and additional security. You also have properties in Ericeira and on the coast (still in the Mafra municipality) that provide luxury properties with waterfront, unobstructed views of the Atlantic.   

An advantage of buying a luxury property here is that you will have a spacious property, potentially with a large garden, but also be very close to an array of attractions – Lisbon, Sintra, and the Silver Coast, to name but a few. Whether you are looking for a house, villa, apartment, or townhouse, you should be able to find many options that fit your needs.   

While luxury properties are obviously expensive, buyers will be glad to know that, compared to other Western European countries, prices are still fairly modest.

Mafra: A Tapestry of Royalty, Architecture, and Cultural Richness

Mafra once was a primary supplier to Lisbon of garden produce and is famous for its impressive Mafra Palace, the largest edifice in the country, which was built in the 18th Century by King Dom João V. 

After three years of marriage to Dona Maria Ana of Austria, he still had no children and, therefore, promised the Franciscan friars that he would build them a convent if his prayers for an heir to the throne were answered.    

Therefore, following the birth of his daughter, Dona Maria Pia, the king started to build the palace, initially as a quite modest building.   

However, the German architect, Ludwig, was contacted, and the plan underwent considerable alterations as a result of the opulence and luxury that Portugal was experiencing at the time due to the riches coming in overseas from Brazil.   

The impressive result can be seen for yourself firsthand if you pay a visit to the palace. The palace was built in record time, from 1717 to 1730.  

In the surrounding areas, it is worth visiting the village of Sobreiro, where José Franco’s ceramics workshop can be found, and you can enjoy the authentic and cultural aspects of local village life.   

From the city of Mafra, you are very close to Ericeira, which is a World Surf Reserve with outstanding beaches, quaint restaurants, and a distinctly local feel – to find out more about Ericeira, our overview of Ericeira Portugal Real Estate will provide you with all that you need to know.  

Elsewhere, both Cascais and Sintra are easily reachable for beach and nature lovers.  

Lifestyle

The historic city of Mafra still has a very local feel to it, and you should easily be able to become part of the community. There are also many expats in the area, with the Silver Coast a favorite for those looking to move to Portugal. Indeed, if you are looking for a spacious property to unwind and relax, then Mafra is a very good option.  

Work and recreation  

With current trends in remote working allowing for greater flexibility and improved work-life balance, owning a property in the Mafra municipality certainly caters to this. You can work from the comfort of your home, perhaps on a sunny balcony.   

Alongside this, you’ll likely be able to spend more precious time with your family.   

There are many activities to keep yourself occupied. For watersports and surf enthusiasts, the Silver Coast is one of the best places to get your fix on the sea.  

For those who prefer dry land, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is close by, so you can go hiking in the mountains. You also have activities such as yoga, cooking classes, cycling, and mountain biking.   

Activities and education scene  

Indeed, there are activities to cater to whatever needs. And if you prefer to simply relax on the beach, there are many delightful spots to choose from.  

When it comes to schooling, the education system in Portugal is very good, with excellent public and private schools. There are also international schools that could be an option if you are looking for a specific curriculum or for your child or children to be taught in their native language. In the Lisbon area, there are many, some of which are not too far from Mafra. 

Why choose Mafra?

Discover the unique attributes that elevate Mafra as a prime residential choice.  

  • Diverse parishes and accessibility: Mafra is made up of eleven parishes, which include the city of Mafra and the beach and surf paradise of Ericeira. The population of the municipality is almost 75,000, and the municipality extends across 291 square kilometers. Mafra borders Torres Vedras to the north, which hosts the lovely Santa Cruz seaside parish, and Sintra to the south.   
  • Historical significance and scenic beauty: Driving through the city of Mafra, you will see the Mafra National Palace, a beautiful baroque palace, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, which provides a centerpiece to the city.   
  • Nature, beaches, and culinary delights: The historic Mafra retains a very local feel to it, and leisure areas, pleasant countryside views, and pristine beaches surround you. For nature lovers, you have the countryside close at hand and beautiful hikes to get outside. For beach enthusiasts, you have a sea view with an array of stunning options to choose from, and for those who can’t get enough of Portuguese cuisine, you have excellent access to restaurants with some of the best seafood and fish dishes in the country served along the Silver Coast.  
  • Proximity to Lisbon’s vibrancy: In addition, with the vibrant and bustling metropolis of Lisbon just a short drive away, residents of Mafra have the added advantage of easily accessing all the cultural, entertainment, and business opportunities of a major cosmopolitan city, seamlessly blending the tranquility of Mafra with the energy of urban life  

Conclusion 

Beyond the charm of its historical significance, Mafra offers an array of properties for sale that cater to diverse preferences. If you’re seeking a house with several bedrooms and bathrooms or an apartment tailored for a more compact living experience, Mafra has options aplenty.  

Envision a property with a pool in its backyard, providing a refreshing escape during warm summer days. For those drawn to the land’s tranquility, parcels are available that offer both dream-like views and easy access to main roads.  

If you’re leaning towards a property that encapsulates the word ‘dream’ not once but twice, Mafra’s real estate market promises not to disappoint. 

As you explore the real estate landscape in this vibrant locale, it’s essential to have expert assistance.  Rather than working with traditional real estate agents who may lean towards sellers, opting for a buyer’s agent ensures your preferences are given utmost priority.   

As a buyer’s agent, Goldcrest is dedicated to understanding and meeting your needs and offers a personalized approach to guide you to secure the perfect property in the heart of Mafra.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Mafra Portugal Real Estate

What does Mafra Portugal real estate cost?

In Mafra, Portugal, real estate for sale has an average price of €3,111 per square meter. 

Yes, it is relatively easy for foreigners to buy property in Portugal. However, there are many things to consider, from taxes and fees to understanding the practicalities of moving to Portugal.

Mafra boasts a diverse range of properties to cater to various preferences. Buyers and renters can find everything from one floor homes ideal for easy mobility and maintenance, multi-level houses with panoramic views, apartments in bustling town centers, to sprawling estates with vast land expanses. Whether you’re seeking simplicity or luxury, Mafra’s real estate market has something to offer everyone.