Havana-guide:
A HOUSE IN HAVANA

A frequently asked question is, can a foreigner buy a house in Havana? The answer is short: NO. Houses are not for sale to foreigners. Even Cubans cannot sell their houses; they can only swap with another Cuban family (the so-called permuta). In the Cuban Law 65 about housing, the possibilities and rules are stated, but in practice this is a rather difficult matter, because a lot depends on the interpretation of the inspectors of the Vivienda Department (Ministry Of Housing).

Ask one hundred Cubans (and foreigners) about this topic and you get two hundred different opinions and explanations. If you’re married to a Cuban citizen your chances are better, but the house will be registered on the Cuban’s name. Even then it’s not an easy matter, there are still lots of uncertainty.

Read more details about house swapping in Cuba on the specialized Cuban website Se permuta >>> http://www.sepermuta.com

For more information about the ownership of a house in Cuba read the content of LAW N°65 GENERAL HOUSING LAW ( Spanish text)
>>>LEY 65 ( law 65) General Housing Law >>>

RENTING is a possibility. You can rent from a Cuban family who owns a legal casa particular (a private tourist room). These rooms are rented for a short time to tourists, but some room owners agree to long-term leases (6 months – 1 year).

Most foreigners live at Marina Hemingway in well-equipped apartment or hotel suites - not a cheap solution. Others live on their yachts.

The construction of houses in Cuba between 1981 - 2001 (Spanish text) >>> Read more >>> Counstruction of Houses in Cuba.