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Pharaonic Structures Mark The History Of São Paulo, But The Decline In The Number Of Mansions Reveals Social, Real Estate Transformations, And Changes In Luxury
The Safra family built in 1996 the largest mansion in the city of São Paulo. Inspired by the Palace of Versailles, the building features 130 rooms, five floors, and almost 11 thousand square meters. Located in Morumbi, the residence is considered the 11th largest in the world.
In the same year, another 28 mansions were completed in the capital. This movement was part of a phase of major investments by millionaires and celebrities in the city, who invested in urban palaces as the ultimate status symbol.
Municipality Survey
A survey conducted by Metrópoles in the city hall’s property tax records shows how this reality has changed.
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The database classifies luxury residences as standard F, the highest category. These buildings have an average built area of 1,000 m².
The study reveals that the 1970s were the period of greatest boom, with 447 mansions built. In the 1980s, there were 463, followed by 334 in the 1990s.
From the 2000s onwards, the pace slowed: 375 constructions, decreasing to 281 in the 2010s. In the 2020s, the drop is drastic: only 47.
The most recent mansion built in São Paulo is located in Jardim Paulistano. The property has four suites, eight parking spaces, and a swimming pool. With over 1,500 m² of area, it was valued at R$ 57 million.
In total, the city has 2,040 horizontal residences considered high luxury. More than 95% of them have over 710 m², reinforcing the grand profile of these constructions.
Wealthy Escape
Despite São Paulo being the largest metropolis in the country, the construction of mansions has lost ground to gated communities in other cities.
Alphaville, in Barueri and Santana de Parnaíba, has become an attraction hub, housing artists and influencers.
Porto Feliz has also emerged as a preferred destination, with Fazenda Boa Vista attracting businessmen and celebrities.
The Tamboré residential area, known as “Beverly Hills of São Paulo,” is home to celebrities like Simone Mendes, Deolane Bezerra, Carlinhos Maia, and Fiuk.
The space even includes an Arab castle with 13 towers, symbolizing the ostentation of new rich individuals away from the capital.
Urban Planning And Verticalization
Urban planner Lucila Lacreta explains that the pressure of the real estate market and the high value of land encourage verticalization.
In neighborhoods without restrictions, construction companies prefer to build 50-story buildings instead of mansions.
For Lucila, exclusively residential neighborhoods, such as Jardins, help contain the impacts of unchecked verticalization.
Other urban planners argue for the densification of these areas, claiming that many plots are underutilized in regions with complete infrastructure.
Abandoned Mansions
Not all luxurious constructions have withstood the test of time. The most emblematic case is the mansion of former banker Edemar Cid Ferreira, in Morumbi. The second largest in the city, the residence deteriorated and was auctioned off after years of neglect.
This type of situation reinforces how the model of living in urban palaces has weakened in the face of social and security changes.
The Mansion Leaves Among Luxury Apartments
While mansions have become rare, luxury apartments have gained ground. Data from the city hall shows that, in 2023 alone, 460 standard F apartments were built, the highest number since 2011.
Known figures have also moved to high-end living. Presenter Fausto Silva sold his mansion in Jardim Guedala, measuring 3,716 m², in 2019 to live in a R$ 120 million penthouse.
Former governor João Doria remains in his mansion in Jardim Europa, with a football field and over 3,000 m² of built area.
Historical Roots
The first mansions in São Paulo trace back to the coffee elite. Many were located in Campos Elíseos, a central neighborhood now degraded.
Some have survived, such as Casa da Don’Anna, designed by Ramos de Azevedo and built between 1912 and 1914.
On Avenida Paulista, mansions of the industrial elite also had similar fates. The Matarazzo family mansion, for instance, ended up becoming a parking lot before being demolished.
The property tax register also indicates that luxury constructions, once concentrated in Jardins América and Europa, began to spread from the 1970s.
Today, Morumbi, Cidade Jardim, and other neighborhoods concentrate the largest properties.
Besides verticalization, other factors explain the decline in mansions. Smaller families, increased concern for security, and the search for gated communities have led the wealthy to rethink where to live.
Thus, mansions in São Paulo have become more of an exception than a rule.
Mansion In São Paulo: A Cycle That Closes
The contrast is evident: while in 1980 more than 460 mansions were built, in this decade, they do not reach 50.
This turnaround shows how the city has reinvented itself. If before the rich built urban palaces, now they prefer gated communities in remote areas or luxurious penthouses.
In the end, São Paulo remains a stage for luxury. But the way this luxury has changed in location, size, and even concept.
With information from Metrópoles.
Morar numa mansão de 11 000 m²é completamente sem sentido de realidade.
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