Recent comments by President Donald Trump, suggesting that Cuba is on the brink of significant change, have triggered a notable increase in claims for properties confiscated by the Cuban regime since 1959.
Jordi Cabarrocas, head of the Spain-based 1898 Property Recovery Company, revealed to CiberCuba that his firm currently represents over 500 active families. Following Trump's remarks, they have experienced a surge of new inquiries. "There's a lot of activity," Cabarrocas confirmed.
Among the new contacts are families who had previously given up hope, fresh clients, and investors interested in contributing to Cuba's reconstruction. "We've been approached by people with investment capacity, eager for Cuba to thrive," he added.
Established around 15 years ago, with offices in Miami, Madrid, and Barcelona, the company estimates the total value of the assets they manage at $30 billion.
Generational Claimants and Property Details
The predominant claimants are second and third-generation descendants—children and grandchildren of the original owners—organized into families of 10 to 20 members. Approximately 70% of claims are concentrated in Havana, where most private assets were located before the Revolution. These properties cover a range from houses and buildings to farms, tobacco plantations, industrial areas, and agricultural cooperatives.
Cabarrocas ruled out the possibility of mass evictions in any future transition. "No one should be thrown out on the street, as it neither fits the circumstances nor is it desirable," he stated, advocating a compensation model inspired by Eastern European countries after the fall of the USSR.
Legal and Economic Context
He highlighted that the regime "has hardly built anything," choosing instead to divide and degrade already established areas, which offers opportunities to find available land for compensation without displacing current residents.
Legal frameworks also influence these developments. Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, reinstated by Trump in January 2025, allows lawsuits against those who "traffic" in confiscated properties in Cuba.
The U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing cases involving Havana Docks and Exxon Mobil, potentially unleashing thousands more lawsuits. According to Cabarrocas, resolving property issues is essential for any feasible transition: "Without settling this, a meaningful transition in Cuba will be very challenging."
Families seeking to file a claim do not require extensive documentation. "Hardly any paperwork is needed. They must come to an agreement among themselves. That's the most crucial part," Cabarrocas explained. He expressed an optimism not seen in past hopeful moments, such as in 2021. "Everyone will want to be part of this new future for Cuba," he concluded.
Understanding Property Claims in Cuba
What prompted the increase in property claims in Cuba?
The increase was prompted by President Trump's comments suggesting imminent changes in Cuba, which led to renewed interest and hope among families and investors.
Who are the main claimants for these properties?
The main claimants are second and third-generation descendants of the original property owners, organized into families of 10 to 20 members.
Is extensive documentation required to file a claim?
No, extensive documentation is not necessary. The primary requirement is for families to reach an agreement among themselves.