Property to Buy in Cuba

Although often associated with communism and austerity, Cuba was once known as a lavish holiday destination for Americans, and Europeans also used to travel regularly in numbers to the island to enjoy its ‘no holds barred’ party atmosphere. A reputation for excess was furthered by visits by many famous Hollywood movie stars and other personalities, many of whom were shown in the US media enjoying Havana’s vibrant, steamy nightlife.

The relaxed ambience that still infuses this unique island only 90 miles from Florida also once drew couples from around the world to be married and enjoy their honeymoon on sunny stretches like Varadero Beach. The men puffed on famously rich Cuban cigars as the ladies flounced in stylish hats and Spanish dresses in gigantic American Chevrolet and Cadillac cars. The international visitor list was long and tourist arrivals were particularly frequent from the US mainland.

Such extravagances quickly disappeared, however, when the island became known as the Republic of Cuba after a series of armed revolutions and Fidel Castro and his rebels took control. Today, however, serious international interest has returned to Cuba thanks to a number of economic reforms, which includes changes to property ownership laws. Well-known American writer Ernest Hemingway remains one of the island’s most famous ex-residents to date, but a whole new wave of expats may now follow in his illustrious footsteps.

Foreign property buyers are now eligible to apply for temporary residence visa, which is valid for a year and renewable. The programme is designed to tempt buyers and investors to live in the country or at least use it as a second home. And, it’s working.

Cuban nationals and residents can now sell real estate, so they are building and renovating homes with an eye towards incoming foreign buyers.The properties available for foreigners to buy in Cuba are therefore vast and varied in terms of their size, location and facilities.

Transport around the island can still be a bit slow and the Internet has not yet reached peak access levels, but the infrastructure is improving fast. The island’s two golf courses, many picturesque areas, countless museums and art galleries and overall culture scene are inspiring many people to visit form around the world, and some to see the island as a place to call their first or second home.