A Cuban living in Miami has taken to TikTok to proudly showcase the progress of a home he's constructing in Havana, which he refers to as his "embassy." Despite facing criticism from fellow Cuban emigrants, he staunchly defends his decision to invest on the island.
Known on TikTok as @candysantos_01, the creator filmed his under-construction property, highlighting its features: "Check out how the embassy in Havana is coming along: electric gate, bridger-style window, up here, we just need the sliding impact door."
His main argument is the economic benefit compared to owning a home in the United States. He remarked, "Here, there's no mortgage or monthly payments like in the U.S.," pointing out that in Cuba, he doesn't face mortgages or monthly fees.
While he clarified he doesn't intend to move back to the island permanently, he acknowledged, "We're not going back to Cuba for good because we're from here now. You know, here we have properties, we have businesses." Yet, he views Cuba as his homeland and sees building there as preparing for the future.
In his video, he also addresses accusations of supporting communism by investing in Cuba, defending the presence of an active private sector: "Right now in Cuba, you can find everything: beef, whatever you want to buy. I'm talking about the private sector, not the government."
He has a straightforward message for those who criticize this perspective: "Wanting to create something in Cuba, whether it's building your house, buying land, whatever it is, doesn't support the government. It's about creating a future."
The Cuban warns those who choose not to invest that they might be left behind: "When the change comes, those who did nothing will have nothing, and they'll remain empty-handed."
This video is part of a growing trend among Cubans in the U.S. documenting on social media how they finance the construction or remodeling of homes in Cuba, sparking polarized debate within the emigrant community.
Other similar instances include @adianetttt from Miami, who on June 5 shared the progress of her home in Cuba, an investment exceeding $60,000, after initially purchasing the property for $11,000 in December 2025.
This trend unfolds amid an unprecedented housing crisis in Cuba: the Ministry of Construction disclosed to the National Assembly in July 2025 a shortfall of 805,583 homes, with the State completing only 5,493 units that year, just 22% of the annual plan.
In the video, @candysantos_01 also mentioned, "There's a company in Miami authorized by the U.S. government that's going to send fuel to Cuba," referring to the case of Vanguard Energy. This statement stirred controversy as the U.S. State Department denied on June 10 that the company had a license for such an operation, and the Cuban state company CUPET was sanctioned by Washington the following day.
He concluded his message with a reflection on identity and belonging: "This isn't ours. Ours is over there, okay. Greetings, blessings."
Cuba's Housing Crisis and Investment Trends
Why are some Cubans in the U.S. investing in property in Cuba?
Some Cubans in the U.S. choose to invest in property in Cuba as a way to prepare for future opportunities and maintain a connection to their homeland. The economic benefits, such as avoiding mortgages or monthly payments, are also appealing.
What challenges do Cubans face in the housing market in Cuba?
The housing market in Cuba is plagued by a significant shortage, with the Ministry of Construction reporting a deficit of over 800,000 homes. The state struggles to meet the demand, completing only a fraction of planned units.
How is the private sector in Cuba impacting the economy?
The private sector in Cuba is growing, offering a variety of goods and services not provided by the government. This development enables individuals to buy items like beef and other products, despite the challenges posed by the socialist economy.