An exclusive duplex penthouse with panoramic views of the sea and the city has come up for sale in the central Havana neighborhood of El Vedado.
The property, promoted on the Instagram profile Vedado y Más, which specializes in the real estate sector in Havana, is located in a 1950s building with an elevator, very close to the avenues Línea and Paseo.
The price of the property is one of the things that surprises users who have seen the ad. The duplex penthouse is for sale for 200 thousand dollars.
This is an unattainable figure for the vast majority of Cubans who live on precarious wages that are far below the international standard, but it is appealing to some Cubans who have amassed fortunes abroad or to foreigners who wish to own property in the capital of the Caribbean nation.
This luxurious property has a total area of 179 square meters, and those selling it describe it as an "excellent investment opportunity."
The penthouse is spread over two levels. On the ground floor, there is a spacious uncovered terrace with views of the sea and the city, a living room, dining room, kitchen, covered patio, bathroom, and a utility room. On the second level, there are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an interior hallway, and another uncovered terrace.
This kind of luxury property offers in Cuba has become frequent on digital platforms, where it is increasingly common to find high-standard homes priced in foreign currency, typically in dollars or euros.
However, for a Cuban earning an average state salary of about 4,000 pesos, acquiring a property like this is not just a distant goal, but outright impossible.
The real estate market in Cuba is characterized by significant inequality. While some sectors with access to remittances or investments from abroad can engage in such businesses, most of the population struggles to meet their basic needs amid a deep economic and housing crisis.
This penthouse is yet another example of the growing chasm between market prices and the reality of the average citizen, trapped in a system that excludes them from the possibility of accessing decent housing in the most sought-after areas of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Real Estate Market in Havana
What is the price of the duplex penthouse in El Vedado, Havana, and who can buy it?
The price of the duplex penthouse is 200 thousand dollars, an amount that is out of reach for most Cubans due to their low salaries. However, it can be purchased by Cubans who have accumulated fortunes abroad or by foreigners interested in investing in Havana.
How is the duplex penthouse distributed in El Vedado?
The penthouse is arranged over two floors. On the ground floor, it features a spacious open terrace, a living room, dining room, kitchen, covered patio, bathroom, and a utility room. On the second level, there are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an internal hallway, and another open terrace.
What does the sale of luxury properties in Havana reflect about Cuba's economic situation?
The sale of luxury properties in Havana reflects the strong economic inequality in Cuba. While some can afford these types of homes thanks to remittances or investments from abroad, the majority of Cubans can barely meet their basic needs amid an economic and housing crisis.
What other exclusive properties are for sale in Havana?
In addition to the penthouse, other exclusive properties are being sold in Havana, such as a mansion in the Kohly neighborhood for $320,000 and a colonial-style house in Miramar for $450,000. These properties are aimed at buyers with access to foreign currency, typically from abroad.
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