Make Skyrim your home by purchasing a house in one of its major cities. Owning property provides a safe haven, storage for your loot, and a place to display your trophies. Each city offers a unique home with its own advantages and requirements for purchase.
The Process of Buying a House
To buy a house in a major city, you typically need to:
- Gain Favor with the Jarl: Complete quests for the Jarl of the city or for citizens within their hold. This often involves helping them with local problems or completing tasks that benefit the hold.
- Achieve Thane Status: Once you've gained enough favor, the Jarl may grant you the title of Thane. This often requires owning a house in their city or completing a specific quest for them.
- Speak to the Steward: The Jarl's Steward is the individual who handles property sales. Once you are Thane, you can speak to them about purchasing a house.
- Pay the Gold: Houses are not cheap. You'll need a sificant amount of gold to afford them. Prices vary by city.
Player Homes in Major Cities
Whiterun: Breezehome
Cost: 5,000 gold
Location: Near the main gate of Whiterun.
Features: A modest but well-located home. It has a bedroom, a kitchen area, and a small alchemy lab. It's a great starter home for many players due to its central location and relatively low cost.
Markarth: Vlindrel Hall
Cost: 8,000 gold
Location: In the upper part of Markarth.
Features: A spacious home built into the Dwemer architecture of Markarth. It includes a bedroom, a dining area, and can be upgraded with an alchemy lab and enchanting table.
Solitude: Proudspire Manor
Cost: 25,000 gold
Location: In the heart of Solitude.
Features: The most expensive and arguably the most luxurious home in Skyrim. It's a large, multi-story manor with multiple rooms, a great hall, and can be upgraded with an alchemy lab, enchanting table, and display areas for weapons and armor.
Windhelm: Hjerim
Cost: 12,000 gold
Location: In the Gray Quarter of Windhelm.
Features: A unique home with a dark history. It can be upgraded to include an alchemy lab, enchanting table, and display cases. Its location in the Gray Quarter adds to its distinct character.
Riften: Honeyside
Cost: 18,000 gold
Location: Overlooking the canals of Riften.
Features: A charming home with a beautiful view of the lake. It can be upgraded with an alchemy lab, enchanting table, and display cases. It also features a small garden area.
Falkreath: Lakeview Manor (Hearthfire DLC)
Cost: Varies (requires land purchase)
Location: Requires purchasing land near Falkreath.
Features: Part of the Hearthfire DLC, this allows you to build your own home from the ground up. You can choose from various wings, including a library, armory, or trophy room, and even add a greenhouse and apiary.
Other Player Homes
Beyond the major cities, you can acquire other unique properties:
- Dragon Bridge: Half-Moon Mill: A small, rustic property.
- Dawnstar: The White Hall: A modest home in Dawnstar.
- Morthal: Vilemyr Inn: Not a purchasable home, but a notable location.
- Winterhold: The Frozen Hearth: A small inn room.
- Player-Owned Ships (Dragonborn DLC): With the Dragonborn DLC, you can purchase and upgrade ships like 'The Sea Squall'.
Upgrading Your Home
Most city homes can be upgraded by speaking to the Steward. These upgrades typically include:
- Alchemy Lab: For brewing potions.
- Enchanting Table: For enchanting weapons and armor.
- Display Cases: For showcasing your collected items, weapons, and armor.
- Trophy Room: For displaying monster heads (requires specific DLCs).
- Kitchen Area: For cooking.
Benefits of Home Ownership
- Safe Storage: Chests, wardrobes, and display cases provide secure storage for your items.
- Resting Bonus: Sleeping in your own bed provides the 'Rested' bonus, which enhances skill gains.
- Crafting Stations: Access to alchemy labs and enchanting tables without needing to travel.
- Displaying Trophies: Show off your achievements, such as dragon claws or unique weapons.
- Roleplaying: A home adds a sense of permanence and accomplishment to your character's journey.