A Cuban woman living in the United States recently took to TikTok to showcase the progress of her home renovation project in Cuba. Describing the results as "ultra-modern," she drew inspiration from her American residence.
The video, shared by user @_lia_alex on Tuesday, quickly gained traction, amassing over 62,500 views, more than 4,000 likes, and nearly 390 comments. The background music encapsulates the sentiment of the clip: "Thankful to you, my God, for what you're doing / Step by step, I see how everything is growing / What I once asked for, I now see blossoming."
"Here's how our house in Cuba is turning out," the video's creator captioned, using hashtags like #casahabana and #cubanosporelmundo.
Growing Trend Among Cuban Expats
This example joins a growing trend in 2025 and 2026, where Cubans abroad, especially in the U.S., finance home construction or renovation in Cuba, often documenting the transformation on social media.
These videos frequently depict dramatic changes: false ceilings, embedded LED lights, new flooring, fully equipped kitchens, and textured walls. In August 2025, a Cuban-American woman showcased her Cuban home's renovation, sparking extensive discussion in the comments. By January 2026, a Miami-based Cuban revealed the transformation of his property on the island, described as a leap "from rough to luxury."
Financial and Legal Challenges
The financial demands of these projects are steep, even for those earning in dollars. As reported in June 2026, just a single wall might cost $3,500 plus materials, while a slab could set one back an additional $7,000. A Cuban woman who initially purchased her home for $11,000 had already invested over $60,000 in renovations by the time it was reported.
This phenomenon unfolds amidst a severe housing crisis in Cuba, with a housing deficit exceeding 805,000 units and chronic shortages of construction materials. Notably, 92% of remittances to Cuba originate from the United States, with Cubans in Miami sending an average of $2,165 annually to their families, according to elTOQUE.
Legal Uncertainty Adds to the Challenge
Economic uncertainty is compounded by legal risks: the Cuban regime is debating a new housing law that could impose regulations on property ownership by emigrated Cubans and allow the State to claim properties deemed "abandoned," posing a tangible threat to these investments.
Despite these challenges, the video's creator concludes with a sentiment shared by many in this movement: "It wasn't luck, it was God who paved the way."
FAQs on Cuban Home Renovations by Expats
What is driving Cuban-Americans to invest in home renovations in Cuba?
Cuban-Americans are motivated by the desire to improve living conditions for their families in Cuba and to maintain a connection to their roots. Financial stability in the U.S. allows them to fund these projects.
What challenges do Cuban expats face when renovating homes in Cuba?
They encounter high costs even by U.S. standards, scarcity of building materials, and potential legal risks due to proposed regulations on property ownership by emigrated Cubans.
How do Cuban expatriates typically fund their home projects in Cuba?
These projects are typically funded through remittances and personal savings accumulated while living abroad, particularly in the United States.