Can You Sell Your House in Elder Scrolls Online? The Ultimate Housing Guide
The allure of owning property in Tamriel is a strong one, but the question on many Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) players’ minds is: Can you sell your house? The simple answer is: No, you cannot directly sell your house in Elder Scrolls Online for gold or crowns to other players or NPCs. Once you purchase a home, it remains permanently linked to your account. However, there are ways to make the most of your housing investments and manage your in-game wealth strategically.
Understanding Housing in ESO
ESO housing is a vast and rewarding system, allowing players to create personalized spaces within the game world. From cozy apartments to grand manors, the options are diverse. Let’s dive deeper into the nuances of housing and how to navigate the limitations of not being able to directly sell your property.
The Appeal of ESO Housing
Owning a house in ESO provides several benefits:
- Personalization: Customize your space with furniture, trophies, and crafting stations.
- Convenience: Use your home as a central hub for crafting, storage, and fast travel.
- Prestige: Showcase your accomplishments and creativity to other players.
- Utility: Many homes offer practical advantages like reduced travel times or crafting bonuses.
Why Can’t You Sell Your House?
The decision to prevent house selling is primarily rooted in the game’s design and economy. Allowing players to freely buy and sell houses would likely introduce several complications:
- Market Instability: A fluctuating housing market could lead to price gouging and unfair trading practices.
- Exploitation: The system could be exploited by players creating multiple accounts to acquire and resell properties.
- Technical Challenges: Implementing a robust housing market system would require significant development resources.
Alternatives to Selling
While you can’t directly sell your house, you can still manage your housing investments effectively. Here are some strategies to consider:
Decorating and Repurposing
Instead of thinking about selling, focus on maximizing the value of your existing homes. This involves:
- Strategic Furnishing: Invest in high-quality furniture and crafting stations that enhance your home’s utility and aesthetic appeal.
- Thematic Design: Create unique and immersive environments that reflect your character’s backstory or personal preferences.
- Showcasing Achievements: Display trophies and collectibles earned through challenging content.
Leveraging Guild Traders
Consider joining a guild with a prominent guild trader. This allows you to sell valuable furnishings, crafting materials, and other items that you acquire while furnishing your home. The gold earned can offset the cost of the property and decorating.
Prioritizing Account-Wide Benefits
Remember that houses are account-wide unlocks. Once you purchase a house, it’s available to all your characters. Choose homes that offer strategic advantages across your entire account, such as:
- Proximity to Crafting Stations: Homes near crafting stations can streamline your crafting process.
- Centralized Storage: Use your home as a central repository for crafting materials and valuable items.
- Convenient Fast Travel: Select homes in key locations to reduce travel times.
Thinking Long-Term
ESO is constantly evolving, and new housing options are frequently introduced. Consider your long-term housing needs and invest in properties that will remain valuable over time. This might involve:
- Larger Properties: Grand manors and estates offer more customization options and potential for future expansions.
- Unique Locations: Homes in iconic or visually stunning locations will always be in demand.
- Strategic Investment: Watch for limited-time housing offers and take advantage of discounts.
Understanding Crowns vs. Gold
It is crucial to understand the difference between Crowns (premium currency) and Gold (in-game currency). Crowns are primarily obtained through real-money purchases or an ESO Plus subscription. While you can buy houses with either Crowns or Gold (unfurnished), you cannot exchange houses for Crowns. Gold is earned through in-game activities like quests, selling items, and crafting. Remember you also can’t get free crowns in ESO unless you are an ESO Plus member.
The Importance of Community and Guilds
Engaging with the ESO community can significantly enhance your housing experience. Join guilds that focus on:
- Housing Design: Share ideas, tips, and inspiration with other players.
- Furnishing Trading: Buy, sell, and trade furnishings with guild members.
- Housing Tours: Showcase your creations and get feedback from fellow players.
Games Learning Society
The Elder Scrolls Online provides a rich environment to explore concepts relating to virtual economies, property ownership, and community engagement, mirroring many real-world dynamics. For those interested in the intersection of gaming and learning, resources like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) provide valuable insights. You can find more information at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
FAQs About Housing in Elder Scrolls Online
1. How many houses can I own in ESO?
You can own multiple homes in ESO. There is no limit to the number of properties you can acquire. However, you can only set one as your Primary Residence, which is where other players will arrive when they visit your home.
2. Can I purchase a house with gold or crowns?
Yes, you can purchase a house with gold or crowns. Unfurnished houses can be purchased with either, while furnished versions are exclusively available for crowns.
3. Can I decorate my house with crafting stations?
Yes, you can place crafting stations in your home, which can be acquired through various means, including purchasing them with writ vouchers or from other players.
4. What is the benefit of having a house in ESO?
Houses offer numerous benefits, including personalization, convenience, storage, and prestige. They serve as a central hub for crafting, storage, and fast travel.
5. How do I preview a house before buying it?
When you locate a new home in game, use the door and select the Preview option to enter. You can preview both the furnished and unfurnished options.
6. Can I get married in ESO and have my spouse live in my house?
Yes, you can get married in ESO using the Pledge of Mara. While your spouse won’t physically live in your house, they will share your adventures.
7. Are houses account-wide?
Yes, houses are account-wide. Once you purchase a house, it is available to all characters on your account.
8. Can I visit other players’ houses?
Yes, you can visit other players’ houses by using the player’s name in the social menu, or by visiting the homes of guild members.
9. How do I get furniture for my house?
You can obtain furniture through various means, including crafting, purchasing from vendors, completing quests, and finding it in the world.
10. Can I store items in my house?
Yes, you can store items in your house using storage chests, which can be purchased from achievement furnishers or crafted.
11. What are the different types of houses in ESO?
ESO offers a wide variety of houses, ranging from small apartments to grand manors. Each house has its own unique layout and location.
12. Do I need ESO Plus to own a house?
No, you do not need ESO Plus to own a house. However, ESO Plus provides additional benefits, such as increased storage and crafting bonuses.
13. Can I have pets in my house?
Yes, you can place pets and non-combat pets in your house, adding to the ambiance and charm.
14. Is there an auction house where I can sell furniture?
There is no auction house in ESO. Instead, players typically use guild traders or trade directly with each other.
15. What is the best way to make gold in ESO to afford housing expenses?
Crafting, selling valuable items to guild traders, completing daily quests, and participating in group content are all effective ways to earn gold in ESO.