Cuban TikToker Discusses Challenges of Finding Housing in Spain

A Cuban TikTok creator, known as @tiempo_con_oli, has opened up about her experiences adjusting to life in Spain, particularly the hurdles she has faced while trying to secure a rental home since her arrival four months ago. "I had no idea it would be like this. Did people warn me? Yes. Did I think they were exaggerating? Also yes," she shares in her video. She recounts how a friend offered her family a place to stay without charging rent for as long as needed, describing this opportunity as "a blessing."

Initially, she and her family believed they would quickly find a rental. "I told her we would surely find a place soon and didn't want to impose," she explains. However, her experience was quite different. "The rental market in Spain is extremely challenging," she notes, citing high demand, elevated prices, and the presence of "squatters" as reasons landlords impose numerous requirements beyond just financial ones.

Despite these challenges, she remains hopeful. "We're tirelessly searching, but we won't give up and I know something will come up for us soon," she concludes. Her video has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many sharing similar experiences or offering advice and insights into Spain's current real estate market.

Some users suggest avoiding major cities: "Renting in Madrid or other big cities is tough, better try small towns, but then work is scarce, it’s not easy," or "I recommend a village." Another person shared, "I went through the same but eventually succeeded."

There were also comments highlighting that location isn’t always the problem: "She lives in Valladolid," noted one user, while another replied, "It’s not as expensive as other places." Yet, according to several comments, the issue isn't only financial: "The problem is a lack of available housing, and what little there is, people fear renting out because of squatters."

The fear of squatters was also a topic in the discussion. One person remarked, "They demand a lot of requirements for rentals, you're right," while another commented, "Squatters, yes, but renters who don't pay too." Others shared personal stories: "I spent two years trying," "I experienced it... and managed to rent in a month but in a village with a friend as a guarantor," or "Just a month shy of a year searching for a rental."

Amidst supportive messages, some read: "You're blessed if you’re not paying rent, you’ve hit the jackpot, I’d help the lady without a doubt," or "Stay calm, it can be done, we found a place after almost a year, good luck and stay strong." Criticisms were also present: "Squatters are those who stay in a friend’s home and haven't left after 4 months," someone pointed out, directly referencing her case. Another suggested, "First thing you need is both to find jobs, ideally permanent contracts, without a paycheck, forget about housing."

The story from @tiempo_con_oli adds to a growing collection of narratives on social media by Cubans newly arrived in Spain, showcasing both the initial excitement and the practical challenges of immigration.

Another young woman, @soyalicia_03, expressed her surprise during her first day in Spain, from eating at a fast-food restaurant to exploring supermarkets brimming with products.

Meanwhile, @walkys__ shared three things she wished she had known before emigrating: the slow bureaucratic processes, cultural differences in language, and the importance of saving for the initial months.

@yo_soykarlita, on the other hand, reflected on the emptiness that can accompany life outside Cuba, despite achieving the goal of emigrating. These stories depict the various aspects of the migration process, where hope, adaptation, and everyday struggles coexist.