The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Housing & Homesteading

Find housing options across Skyrim, from city apartments to Hearthfire homesteads. Learn to acquire, furnish, and benefit from your personal Dragonborn abode.

Housing & Homesteading

Establish your own home in Skyrim, from humble abodes to grand manors. Owning property provides a safe haven, storage, and a place to display your achievements. Learn about acquiring homes, furnishing them, and the benefits of homesteading.

As the Dragonborn, you'll spend a lot of time traversing the wilds of Skyrim, but having a place to call your own offers sificant advantages. Owning a home provides a secure location to store your loot, display trophies, rest and recover, and even serve as a base of operations for your adventures. Skyrim offers several housing options, from small starter homes to expansive, customizable estates.

Acquiring Homes:

Most homes in Skyrim can be purchased from Jarls or their stewards after completing certain quests or gaining favor within a hold. Some homes are rewards for completing specific questlines, like the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary or the Arch-Mage's Quarters in the College of Winterhold.

  • Major Holds: In cities like Whiterun, Solitude, Markarth, Riften, and Windhelm, you can typically purchase a house after completing a favor for the Jarl or their steward. The cost varies, but they are generally the most expensive options. For example, Breezehome in Whiterun can be bought from Proventus Avenicci for 5,000 gold after clearing Bleak Falls Barrow.
  • Player-Owned Houses (DLC): The Hearthfire DLC introduces the ability to build your own homes from the ground up on plots of land purchased from Jarls. This allows for extensive customization, including choosing between a single-story or two-story build, adding wings (e.g., trophy room, library, greenhouse), and furnishing them to your liking.
  • Quest Rewards: Some unique 'homes' are acquired through questlines. The Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary offers a place to rest and store items, as does the Arch-Mage's Quarters in the College of Winterhold.

Furnishing and Customization:

Once you own a home, you can purchase furniture and decorative items from local merchants or through the Hearthfire DLC's building system. Furnishings can include beds, chests, weapon racks, display cases, bookshelves, and even specialized crafting stations.

  • Benefits of Furnishings:
    • Beds: Provide the 'Rested' or 'Well Rested' bonus, enhancing skill progression.
    • Chests and Safes: Offer secure storage for your items.
    • Weapon Racks and Mannequins: Allow you to display your favorite weapons and armor.
    • Display Cases: Perfect for showcasing unique artifacts, gems, or other valuable collectibles.
    • Crafting Stations: Some player-built homes allow you to add your own forge, alchemy lab, and enchanting table, making your home a fully functional crafting hub.
  • Hearthfire DLC: This DLC sificantly expands housing options, allowing you to build three unique homesteads from scratch. You can choose building materials, add various wings, and even adopt children to live with you.

Benefits of Homesteading:

  • Secure Storage: A dedicated place to organize and store your vast inventory without cluttering your inventory.
  • Crafting Hub: Having all crafting stations in one convenient location.
  • Display of Achievements: Showcase your rare items, dragon claws, or unique weapons and armor.
  • Rest and Recovery: The 'Rested' bonus from a bed is invaluable for leveling up skills faster.
  • Roleplaying: A home adds a sense of permanence and personal investment in the world of Skyrim.
  • Family Life (Hearthfire): The ability to adopt children and have a spouse live with you adds a unique roleplaying element.

Investing in a home is a worthwhile endeavor for any Dragonborn. It provides not only practical benefits but also a personal touch to your epic journey through Skyrim.