After four years of living in the United States, a Cuban woman and her husband have taken a significant step toward their dreams by purchasing their first home in Cuba. During a visit to the island, they acquired a dilapidated property in Holguín, which the woman described as "the beginning of our dreams," despite its rundown condition.
Known as "I'am Isa" on TikTok under the account @leyanetcalixto, the woman shared a video on Wednesday that quickly gained traction, amassing 75,000 views, over 2,600 likes, and 317 comments in just a few days.
In the video, she elaborates on their vision, explaining that they've always wanted to build a home from the ground up. "Even though everything looks destroyed, this is the beginning of our dreams because we always wanted to construct a little house from scratch," she says.
Challenges and Opportunities in Holguín's Real Estate
The property is located in Holguín, a province the creator notes as one of the most expensive in the country for real estate. "I live in Holguín, and it's one of the provinces where houses are much more expensive than anywhere else in the country," she mentions.
Despite the home's poor condition, the new owner sees potential in its location and size: "The only good things it has are a great location and a very good size," although she acknowledges that achieving their dream will require "a lot of time and a lot of money."
While the purchase price was not disclosed in the video, Isa encouraged her followers to guess the cost in the comments, sparking a wave of engagement: "Leave a comment if you have an idea of how much I paid for this."
Cuban Expats and Affordable Real Estate Ventures
The real estate market in Holguín varies widely, with prices ranging from $5,500 to over $150,000, though modest homes typically sell for between $15,000 and $40,000.
Isa's case adds to a growing trend among Cuban expatriates who buy inexpensive, rundown properties on the island and document their renovation journeys on social media, a phenomenon that gained momentum in 2025 and 2026.
For example, Diego García del Prado, an 18-year-old Cuban, purchased a house in Cuba for just $2,500, and his video garnered over 1.4 million views. Another creator, @adianetttt, who lives in Miami, spent $11,000 on her property and had already invested more than $60,000 in renovations by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, @yaneisycanta_98 bought her home for $4,000 and started its rehabilitation process.
Acquiring Property in Cuba: A Lengthy Process
Cubans living abroad who wish to buy property on the island must apply for permanent residency through the Ministry of the Interior, a procedure that can take up to 90 days. Since January 2026, new notarial fees have been imposed by Resolution 333/2025 of the Ministry of Justice.
"If you want to join me on this journey, I invite you to follow me," Isa concluded, promising to document each stage of their home's construction on her account.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Property in Cuba
What are the real estate prices in Holguín, Cuba?
Real estate prices in Holguín, Cuba, range from $5,500 to over $150,000, with modest homes typically costing between $15,000 and $40,000.
What is required for Cuban expatriates to buy property in Cuba?
Cuban expatriates must apply for permanent residency through the Ministry of the Interior, a process that can take up to 90 days, in order to buy property in Cuba. New notarial fees were introduced in January 2026.