An influential Cuban living in the United States, known on TikTok as @iris_laprospera, recently showcased the progress of her ambitious home construction project in Cuba. Last Friday, she shared a video that quickly gained traction among the Cuban community on social media platforms.
In the video, Iris Deysi offers a glimpse into the construction process of her towering three-story residence, which appears to be located in Pinar del Río. She affectionately refers to it as "the fortress."
“Cuba is waiting for me, here’s how the fortress is shaping up. I'll show you the farm next,” Iris commented in the video. She also hinted at developing a farm on the island alongside the house.
The brief yet insightful caption accompanying the post read: "There are still some things to finish, but we're almost ready."
The construction commenced in August 2025, meaning the project has been underway for about nine months. According to Iris, the construction is now entering its final phase.
Iris Deysi's story is part of a growing trend on TikTok, where Cubans living abroad document the building or renovating of homes in Cuba, often funded by remittances or earnings from digital platforms.
This week, another Cuban user, @sheyla.daily, also went viral by showcasing her journey of building a home from scratch in Cuba. Back in February, a "modern" house in Mayarí, Holguín sparked online discussions for similar reasons.
The phenomenon stirs both admiration and controversy. It's easy to see why: Cuba faces a housing deficit exceeding 800,000 homes, compounded by material shortages, rampant inflation, and frequent power outages, making construction an almost insurmountable challenge for most Cubans.
Without foreign currency, building a home on the island is nearly impossible for the average citizen. This scenario turns such videos into focal points for debate on the inequalities fostered by remittances in Cuban society.
Iris Deysi has promised her followers another update upon completion of the project, including a tour of the farm she is also developing on the island.
Understanding the Challenges of Housing in Cuba
What are some of the challenges in building homes in Cuba?
Building homes in Cuba is challenging due to a significant housing deficit, shortages of construction materials, high inflation rates, and frequent power outages. These factors make it difficult for many Cubans to pursue construction projects.
How do remittances impact housing construction in Cuba?
Remittances provide a financial lifeline that enables some Cubans to fund construction projects that would otherwise be unaffordable. This has led to debates about the inequality they create, as those without access to foreign funds struggle to meet basic housing needs.