Currency and Payment Risk Becomes Increasingly Important in Cuban Property Transactions

What changed

Currency volatility and changes in Cuba’s banking environment are increasingly important considerations for property and investment transactions. Cuba has introduced higher-denomination CUP banknotes, while significant differences continue to exist between different currency markets and payment channels.

Who it affects

Property buyers · Property sellers · Investors

What it means in practice

Before signing or transferring funds, buyers and sellers should clearly establish the agreed sale price, the currency in which the price is expressed, the legally permitted payment mechanism, banking requirements, documentary evidence of payment, timing of payments, and the relationship between payment and the notarial/property-transfer process. Under Article 90.1 of Housing Law 187/2026, the price of a home sale must be paid through the instruments or credit titles provided for in banking legislation or another non-cash method; cash payment is not permitted. For tax purposes the sale price is the base only if it is equal to or higher than the cadastral value.

CPS note

Currency movements can materially affect the economic value of a transaction between initial negotiation and completion. Cuba Property Solutions recommends documenting the financial structure of a transaction clearly before money changes hands.

Last verified: 14 October 2026