Can You Have Your Own House in FFXIV? A Comprehensive Guide to Housing

Yes, absolutely! You can have your own house in Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV)! Housing is a huge part of the game’s social aspect and provides a ton of customization options. From cozy apartments to sprawling mansions, there’s a type of dwelling for almost every player. However, acquiring and maintaining a house isn’t always easy. Let’s dive into the details of owning property in Eorzea.

What Types of Housing Are Available?

FFXIV offers a few different kinds of housing, each catering to different needs and levels of commitment:

• Apartments: These are the most accessible form of housing. They’re relatively inexpensive and readily available (on most servers). Apartments provide a private space to decorate and relax.
• Personal Housing: This involves purchasing a plot of land in a residential district and building a house on it. This is a more involved process, requiring more gil and effort, but offers greater customization.
• Free Company (FC) Housing: Free Companies, the game’s equivalent of guilds, can also purchase land and build houses. These serve as a communal hub for the FC.
• Private Chambers: These can be purchased within an FC house if space allows for it.

How Do I Get a House?

The process of acquiring a house depends on the type of housing you’re after:

Apartments

Getting an apartment is straightforward:

1. Head to an apartment building in one of the main cities (Mist, Lavender Beds, Goblet, Shirogane, Empyreum).
2. Talk to the apartment caretaker.
3. If you meet the minimum requirements, you can purchase an apartment room for around 500,000 gil.

Personal Housing

Acquiring a personal house is significantly more complex:

1. Meet the Requirements: You need at least one class at level 50 and to be the rank of Second Lieutenant in your Grand Company.
2. Find an Available Plot: Plots of land are located in residential districts and come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. Finding an empty plot can be challenging, especially on populated servers.
3. The Lottery System: Square Enix implemented a lottery system for purchasing land. When a plot becomes available, you enter the lottery.
4. Enter the Lottery: Access the placard for your desired plot and select “Enter Lottery.” You’ll need to deposit the full price of the plot to participate.
5. Await the Results: After the entry period ends, a winner is chosen. If you win, you get the land! If you lose, your gil is refunded.
6. Build Your House: Once you own the land, you need to purchase a Housing Permit (construction permit) from the Housing menu. This allows you to build your Estate Hall.

What Can You Do With a House?

Housing in FFXIV is much more than just a virtual storage space. Here are some of the things you can do:

• Decorate: Customize both the interior and exterior of your house with a vast array of furniture and decorations.
• Crafting and Gardening: Houses allow you to place crafting facilities like crafting benches and outdoor gardening patches.
• Socialize: Invite friends over, host parties, or simply relax in your virtual home.
• Storage: Houses provide extra storage space for your items.
• Retainers: Summon your Retainers (NPC assistants) inside your house for easy access to the Market Board and other services.

Housing Demolition

It’s crucial to note the housing demolition timer. If you do not enter your house for a prolonged period (currently 45 days), your house will be automatically demolished, and the land will be opened up for others. This timer does not apply to apartments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Housing in FFXIV

1. What are the requirements to buy a house in FFXIV?

You need at least one class at level 50 and to be the rank of Second Lieutenant or higher in your Grand Company. You also need the gil to purchase the plot and the construction permit.

2. How does the housing lottery system work?

When a plot of land becomes available, it enters a lottery period. Players interested in the plot deposit the full purchase price to enter the lottery. After the entry period, a winner is randomly selected. If you win, you get the land; if you lose, your gil is refunded.

3. Can you withdraw your bid on a house in FFXIV?

No, once you submit a lottery entry, you cannot withdraw it. Make sure you’re certain before entering!

4. Are there apartments in FFXIV, and how do I get one?

Yes, there are apartments. You can purchase one from an apartment building in any of the main cities for around 500,000 gil, provided you meet the minimum requirements (usually having completed a certain main story quest).

5. How big are apartments in FFXIV?

Apartments are a single, large square room. You can place up to 100 interior objects and store an additional 100.

6. Can you live with someone in FFXIV?

You can designate another player as a tenant in your house. They gain access to the house and can interact with most of the furnishings. Marriage is not required for this, but it can enhance the role-playing aspect.

7. Can an FC own more than one house in FFXIV?

No, each FC can only own one house per server.

8. How many houses can you own FFXIV?

You can effectively “own” 4 houses per character: 1 personal, 2 tenants with full permissions, and 1 FC house.

9. Can you have multiple characters to own more houses?

Yes, each account can have multiple characters per server, so you can potentially own more houses by using multiple characters.

10. What is a housing permit for FFXIV?

A housing permit is required to construct a house on your purchased plot of land. You buy it from the Housing menu after winning a plot and it determines the size of the house you can build (small, medium, or large).

11. What Grand Company should I choose?

Choosing a Grand Company is largely a matter of personal preference. There are no significant gameplay advantages to selecting one over another. Your choice affects the look of your Grand Company gear and the storylines you experience.

12. How do you buy a house in FF?

After winning a lottery for a plot, access the placard on the plot and select “Purchase Land”. Confirm the price, select a buyer (yourself or your FC), and finalize the purchase. Then purchase a Housing Permit.

13. What rank do you have to be to buy a house in FFXIV?

You must be at least the rank of Second Lieutenant in your Grand Company to qualify for a house.

14. Can 2 people share an apartment in FFXIV?

No, only the owner can decorate and manage their apartment, but the apartment can be made open to the public allowing others to enter and socialize.

15. How to make Gil to get a house?

Crafting, gathering, and Market Board trading are effective ways to earn Gil. Also, daily roulettes and weekly challenges can provide substantial income.

The Social Significance of Housing in FFXIV

Housing extends beyond mere functionality; it’s deeply intertwined with the social fabric of FFXIV. Houses serve as hubs for player interaction, fostering community bonds and shared experiences. Players often host events, such as crafting workshops, role-playing gatherings, or even impromptu concerts, transforming their homes into vibrant social spaces. The ability to invite friends, form connections, and create lasting memories within the confines of a virtual home significantly enriches the overall gaming experience. Research conducted by organizations such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org has shown the impact of virtual spaces on social skills and community building.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy space to unwind or a grand estate to showcase your creativity, housing in FFXIV offers something for everyone. So, get out there, level up, join a Grand Company, and start your journey towards owning your own little piece of Eorzea!