New Housing Law Expands Property Rights and Opportunities

Cuba has approved a new housing law that strengthens property rights, simplifies real estate transactions and creates more opportunities for homeownership and housing development.

The legislation aims to address housing needs while maintaining government support for vulnerable residents. Construction Minister René Antonio Mesa Villafaña said the reform drew on housing legislation from 15 countries and a public consultation process.

The law allows individuals to own up to two homes, removes several administrative requirements for property transactions and ends the confiscation of homes when owners permanently leave the country. It also expands opportunities for housing cooperatives, small businesses and private developers to participate in construction. Municipal governments gain greater authority to acquire and finance housing for vulnerable residents, with young people and disadvantaged communities receiving priority consideration. The legislation comprises 190 articles and incorporates public feedback from nearly 11,000 submissions, of which 56% were accepted.