He sold his house in Cuba to move to the U.S., and two years later, he bought it back: "My dad built it."

Rosalía Rodríguez regained the house in Cuba that she sold to emigrate to the U.S. After two years of effort and sacrifice, she touched many hearts by fulfilling her promise to buy it back.

Cuban in the United StatesPhoto © TikTok / @rosalia.rodrguez11

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After selling the family home to emigrate to the United States, Rosalía Rodríguez (@rosalia.rodrguez11 on TikTok) never lost hope of getting it back. Two years later, and after much sacrifice, she fulfilled her promise: she repurchased the house that her father built with his own hands in Cuba.

"Two years ago, I had to sell my parents' house to seek a better future. Today, I have the joy of being able to buy back the same house that my dad built with my mom," Rosalía wrote in an emotional post accompanied by before-and-after photos of the property.

The Cuban woman shared her story with humility, gratitude, and a special message for her partner: “I fulfilled a promise I made on the day I sold it. It left with sweat and effort, and that’s how I bought it back. Thank you, my love, without your help, this dream would not have been possible.”

But the road was not easy. Rosalía confessed that she was close to giving up many times. "I gave up on the idea of being able to buy it so many times, but God worked his magic, and his will was for it to be mine again," she remarked.

The post quickly went viral, garnering hundreds of supportive messages from Cubans both on the island and abroad. Many identified with her story and shared their own experiences and dreams. “I also want to recover my home,” “You have no idea how much I would give to do the same,” and “Faith is the last thing to lose” were some of the messages that flooded her profile.

Rosalía responded with faith and hope: "Those who persevere succeed, and if that's what you want, fight for it. With hard work and effort, anything is possible. God's timing is perfect."

Also revealed were the economic hurdles she faced in regaining her home: “Prices in Cuba keep rising. I sold it for 4,000 and now they fixed it up and I bought it back for 11,500.” Even so, she does not regret it. “It’s impossible to explain the joy one feels when achieving a dream like this.”

TikTok Capture / @rosalia.rodrguez11

Beyond its material value, the house holds a deep emotional significance. “My dad built this house, and he passed away six years ago. I have many memories here. It’s where I was born, where I experienced moments of joy and also of pain,” she shared. And she added with tenderness: “But my mom is still alive, and, thank God, in good health... I still have time for her to see me succeed and be proud of having a daughter who fights. As long as my mom is alive, she will be the queen of my castle.”

Amidst so many stories marked by migration, uprooting, and sacrifice, Rosalía's case has become a source of inspiration. It illustrates that, although the journey is filled with obstacles, dreams can indeed come true, even when they seem unattainable.

Frequently Asked Questions about Housing Recovery in Cuba

How did Rosalía Rodríguez manage to recover her family's house in Cuba?

Rosalía Rodríguez was able to reclaim her family's house in Cuba two years after selling it to emigrate to the United States. Despite facing economic challenges and rising prices in the Cuban real estate market, her effort and perseverance, along with the support of her partner, allowed her to repurchase the home that her father built.

Is it common for Cubans abroad to buy properties in Cuba?

Yes, it is a common practice among Cubans abroad to acquire property in Cuba as a way to maintain a connection to their home country. Many emigrated Cubans purchase houses in Cuba to secure a place of their own and preserve their roots, despite the economic and legal challenges they may face.

What challenges do Cubans face when they want to buy a house in Cuba?

Cubans are facing significant economic challenges when trying to buy a house in Cuba, due to high inflation and rising prices in the real estate market. Additionally, there are legal barriers for Cubans living abroad, who often must register properties in the name of family members on the island to avoid legal complications.

What does it mean for Cubans to reclaim or purchase a house in Cuba?

For Cubans, recovering or buying a home in Cuba represents not only an economic achievement but also a deep emotional and familial bond. Homes are viewed as a symbol of security, heritage, and connection to their roots, especially amid the Cuban diaspora and the sacrifices that come with emigration.

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Izabela Pecherska

Editor at CiberCuba. Graduated in Journalism from the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid, Spain. Editor at El Mundo and PlayGround.