A Cuban woman, known on TikTok as @sheyla.daily, shared a video last Friday showcasing the challenging process of building her new home in Cuba from scratch, highlighting the monumental challenge posed by the severe shortage of construction materials on the island.
The video, just over a minute long, captures Sheyla's initial construction steps, using hashtags like #livingincuba, #building, and #cubansworldwide. The phrase "behind the lot" confirms the project is beginning from the ground up on an undeveloped plot.
Viral Construction Stories on TikTok
This content is part of a growing trend on TikTok where Cuban women document in real-time their efforts to build or renovate homes, resonating deeply with their followers. Among recent stories is @erikitapinkk, who in late April shared her home's complete transformation after two years of sacrifice, foregoing family vacations to afford materials. "He was the financier," she noted, referring to her husband.
In March, an anonymous Cuban shared her journey of building a home with a pool, progressing from the basic structure to a concrete pool, "little by little and with much sacrifice." That same month, Massiel Trimiño (@massiemtrimio) showcased her renovation progress, describing the painting phase as "the beautiful stage," noting the home "feels completely different now." Her updates also captivated thousands on social media.
Funding Homes through Digital Platforms
Other Cuban women have turned to digital income to finance their projects. @briana5254 is constructing her room in Cuba with TikTok earnings, while @yaneisycanta_98 encourages others to "grab your phone and entertain the audience."
In February, a woman from southern Cuba offered a viral tour of her long-dreamed-of home, completed with appliances from Tampa. In December 2025, @claudiamayol revealed her home's transformation with a hopeful message: "Thanks to God, step by step."
Housing Crisis and the Role of Self-Building
These videos underscore an ongoing housing crisis of unprecedented scale. Cuba faces a deficit exceeding 805,000 homes, expected to rise to 929,000 this year, as acknowledged by the Ministry of Construction in January 2025. Of the 4.1 million homes on the island, only 65% are in good condition. In 2025, the government achieved merely 22% of its annual construction target, completing 2,382 homes out of the planned 10,795.
Cement production in 2024 operated at just 10% of its capacity due to energy shortages, making each bag of cement precious and costly. With the state's shortcomings, self-construction funded by remittances or digital earnings has become the only viable solution for thousands of Cuban families, reflecting the stark reality of housing and material scarcity on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Building Homes in Cuba
What challenges do Cubans face when building homes?
Cubans face significant challenges such as a severe shortage of building materials, high costs, and limited government support, making self-construction a common necessity.
How are digital platforms helping Cubans build homes?
Digital platforms like TikTok are providing Cubans with income opportunities through content creation, which can be used to finance home construction and renovations.
What is the current state of housing in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a housing crisis with a deficit of over 805,000 homes, and many existing houses are not in good condition. The government's construction efforts are falling short of their targets.