Abstract: Provided are a nitride-based semiconductor element with reduced leak current, and a manufacturing method thereof. The semiconductor element comprises a substrate; a buffer region that is formed above the substrate; an active layer that is formed on the buffer region; and at least two electrodes that are formed on the active layer. The buffer region includes a plurality of semiconductor layers having different lattice constants, and there is a substantially constant electrostatic capacitance between a bottom surface of the substrate and a top surface of the buffer region when a potential that is less than a potential of the bottom surface of the substrate is applied to the top surface of the buffer region and a voltage between the bottom surface of the substrate and the top surface of the buffer region is changed within a range corresponding to thickness of the buffer region.