How foreigners can buy property in Cuba (2026)

By the Cuba Habitat team · Reviewed

Short answer

Since 21 October 2026, Cuba's new Housing Law (Law 187) allows Cuban or foreign natural persons to buy and sell homes in Cuba[1][3]. A sale is signed before a notary in the province where the property is, and the price must be paid through banking channels, not in cash[3]. Some details for non-resident foreigners still depend on notarial practice, so confirm them with a Cuban notary before paying anything.

What changed with Law 187

  • Law 187 was published in the Official Gazette No. 86 (Ordinary) on 14 October 2026 and came into force seven days later[1][4]. It replaces the General Housing Law (Law 65 of 1988)[3].
  • Article 89.1 allows sales between natural or legal persons, “Cuban or foreign”, and article 89.3 gives foreign buyers the rights and obligations set out in the law[3][5].
  • Its implementing regulations were published in the same Gazette issue (Decrees 176, 177 and 178)[2].

How a purchase works

  1. Public deed before a notary in the province where the home is located (art. 89.1)[3].
  2. Non-cash payment by bank transfer or other banking instrument, whatever the amount (art. 90.1)[3].
  3. The seller must show the home is registered in the Property Registry, taxes are paid and there are no debts on the price (art. 90.2)[3][5].
  4. Tax is calculated on the agreed price where it is equal to or higher than the cadastral value[5].
  5. In apartment buildings, the seller's debts to the building administration can pass to the buyer, so ask for a certificate that the account is settled[5].

Limits and open questions

  • A person may own two homes plus one declared holiday home (art. 4.1)[3][5].
  • It is not yet clear in practice how that limit applies to non-resident foreigners, or every case of gifts and inheritance. Owners who live abroad must appoint a representative[5].
  • Ask the notary about residency, opening a bank account and any additional authorisation you may need.

U.S. citizens and residents

The U.S. Cuban Assets Control Regulations generally prohibit any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction from purchasing or leasing real property in Cuba unless authorised by OFAC[6][7]. If you are a U.S. citizen or resident, speak to a specialised lawyer before taking any step.

Checklist before you pay

  • Visit the property (or send someone you trust) and check water, power, cistern and structure.
  • Ask for the title deed and a current Property Registry certificate.
  • Check that the seller's name matches the title and that every co-owner signs.
  • Ask for the cadastral certificate and tax receipts.
  • For apartments, ask for the building debt certificate.
  • Never send deposits to strangers or pay in cash; payment must go through a bank.
  • Compare the price with the area median.

What it costs

The median asking price in Cuba is $22,700, or $287/m², across 4,639 active listings. See prices by province and municipality and the Havana neighborhood guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner buy a house in Cuba?

Yes. Since 21 October 2026, Law 187 (art. 89.1) allows sales between Cuban or foreign persons before a notary. Some details for non-residents still depend on notarial practice.

Can I pay in cash?

No. Law 187 (art. 90.1) requires the price to be paid by non-cash means (bank transfer or banking instrument), whatever the amount.

How many homes can I own?

The law allows two homes plus one declared holiday home (art. 4.1). How this applies to non-resident foreigners is not fully clear; confirm with a notary.

Can a U.S. citizen buy property in Cuba?

Generally not without OFAC authorisation: U.S. regulations (31 CFR 515, OFAC FAQ 799) prohibit persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction from buying or leasing real property in Cuba.

How do I verify a seller?

Ask for the title deed and a current Property Registry certificate (Law 187, art. 90.2, requires the home to be registered, with taxes paid and no debts on the price), check that the name matches the title and that every co-owner signs, and ask for the cadastral certificate.

How much does a house in Cuba cost?

The median asking price is $22,700 ($287/m²) across active listings on Cuba Habitat.

Sources

  1. Ley 187/2026 “Ley de la Vivienda”, Gaceta Oficial No. 86 Ordinaria, 14 Oct 2026 (GOC-2026-607-O86)
  2. Gaceta Oficial No. 86 Ordinaria de 2026 (full issue, incl. Decrees 176–178)
  3. CiberCuba, “Entra en vigor la nueva Ley de la Vivienda”, 21 Oct 2026
  4. Radio Caribe, “Cuba publica una nueva Ley de la Vivienda: ¿qué cambia?”, 15 Oct 2026
  5. Casas Oasis, “Cuba Housing Law 187 for emigrants” (secondary analysis)
  6. U.S. Treasury OFAC, FAQ 799: purchase or lease of real property in Cuba
  7. Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 CFR Part 515

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and how they are applied can change. Always confirm with a Cuban notary or lawyer. Last reviewed: .

Browse homes for sale