Cuba authorizes sale of residential real estate; KLM direct service to Havana

In most countries buying or selling residential real estate is taken for granted. Not so in Cuba. But effective November 10, Cubans will be able to purchase or sell up to two residential properties, without government approval. The new measure will also apply to foreign nationals living on the island who are permanent residents.

In October, the Cuban government authorized the private sale of most automobiles, eliminating restrictions which had been in place for 50 years. Read that story here: http://mexicogulfreporter.blogspot.com/2011/09/notes-from-cuba-wednesday-sept-28.html.

Footnote: After an absence of decades, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will begin offering direct service between Amsterdam and Havana. The Cuban government applauded the news, noting that tourism on the island was up 13% during the first half of 2011, compared with the same period in 2010.