FAQ: buying property in Cuba
Short, citable answers on prices, Law 187, taxes, home swaps and how Cuba Habitat works. Price figures use 4,639 active listings (median $22,700).
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Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy a home in Cuba?
Yes. Since 21 October 2026, art. 89.1 of Law 187/2026 allows sales between Cuban or foreign persons before a notary. Non-residents sign at the Ministry of Justice Consultorías Jurídicas. Persons under U.S. jurisdiction generally need OFAC authorisation. Full guide.
How much does a house cost in Cuba?
The median asking price on Cuba Habitat is $22,700 (typical range $12,000–$50,000; 5 November 2026). Havana’s median is higher. These are asking prices, not closing prices. Prices by province.
What taxes are due on a sale?
Per Cuba’s Ministry of Finance and Prices, buyer and seller each pay 4% on the higher of the agreed price or the cadastral value; the seller may owe 8% from the 2nd sale in the same tax year. Tax calculator.
How does a home swap (permuta) work?
It is the property exchange under Law 187 arts. 96–98. A cash top-up for the value difference is allowed and must be notarised. Permuta guide.
How many homes can one person own?
Law 187 generally limits ownership to two homes per person (with exceptions). Always confirm your case with a notary.
How is payment made?
No cash: art. 90.1 requires a bank transfer or other banking instrument, whatever the amount. Never send deposits up front to strangers.
Does Cuba Habitat charge a commission?
No. Listing is free for owners. Partner-portal listings link to the original page. We take no commission on the sale.
Where do listings and price figures come from?
Owner listings (human-reviewed) and authorised partner portals. Statistics use active asking prices, with duplicates and outliers removed. Methodology · CSV.
More guides: How to buy · Law 187 · Taxes · Permuta · Prices