How Many Houses Can You Buy in GTA 5? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is: you can’t technically “buy” houses in GTA 5. Instead, you purchase properties, which function as safehouses, businesses, or garages. The availability and limitations depend on whether you’re playing the single-player story mode or the online multiplayer mode, GTA Online. Let’s dive into the specifics for each.

Single-Player Story Mode

In the single-player mode, each of the three protagonists – Michael, Franklin, and Trevor – has access to a limited number of safehouses. Each character begins with a primary residence that advances the story. Here’s a breakdown:

• Michael: Starts with one safehouse.
• Franklin: Starts with one safehouse and can acquire a second.
• Trevor: Initially lives in a trailer, which serves as his safehouse. He later acquires another property.

Besides these initial residences, each character can purchase one additional safehouse. These purchasable properties offer a new base of operations and a garage for storing vehicles. So, to reiterate, each character can own a maximum of two safehouses in the single-player campaign.

GTA Online: A Different Real Estate Landscape

GTA Online dramatically expands the possibilities of property ownership. Instead of traditional houses, you invest in a diverse range of properties that serve various purposes. Here’s a rundown of what you can own in GTA Online:

• Apartments/Houses/Garages: A player can own up to six apartments/houses/garages. These provide safehouses and garage space for storing vehicles.

• Motorcycle Clubhouse: You can own one motorcycle clubhouse, which serves as the base of operations for your motorcycle club (MC).

• Motorcycle Club Businesses: Linked to the MC Clubhouse, you can operate up to five motorcycle club businesses, such as a counterfeit cash factory, a weed farm, or a meth lab.

• Office: You can own one CEO office, essential for engaging in Import/Export vehicle cargo and special cargo missions.

• CEO Garages: Connected to the CEO office, you can purchase up to three CEO garages to store additional vehicles.

• Vehicle Warehouse: As a CEO, you can own one vehicle warehouse for sourcing and selling vehicles.

• Crate Warehouses: You can own up to five crate warehouses, which are used to store special cargo that you source and sell.

• Yacht: For those with deep pockets, you can purchase one yacht for a luxurious mobile base of operations.

• Bunker: You can own one bunker, which is primarily used for gunrunning activities.

• Hangar: You can own one hangar, which is used for storing aircraft and engaging in smuggling activities.

• Facility: Offering access to the Doomsday Heist, you can own one facility.

• Arcade: The Arcade allows you to start the Diamond Casino Heist, and provides an income stream through the Arcade Games installed within. You can own only one Arcade.

In total, the number of properties you can own simultaneously in GTA Online is substantial. You can strategically acquire various businesses and safehouses to maximize your earning potential and expand your criminal empire.

Property Swapping

It’s important to note that some properties can only be owned one at a time. If you purchase a new office, for instance, you will trade in your old one. This system allows you to upgrade your properties or relocate to more desirable locations as you progress in the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to property ownership in GTA 5, covering both the single-player and online components:

1. Can Michael, Franklin, and Trevor all own the same business in story mode?

No, in story mode businesses are typically tied to specific characters or storylines and are not shared between them. The characters may collaborate on heists that involve some businesses, but they cannot co-own them.

2. How many personal vehicles can I store in GTA Online?

The number of personal vehicles you can store depends on the number of garages and properties you own. Each apartment/house/garage holds up to 10 vehicles, CEO garages hold up to 60 (20 per garage), the Vehicle Warehouse holds 40 sellable cars. So, if you maximized all properties you could have dozens, possibly hundreds.

3. What is the best way to earn money to buy properties in GTA Online?

The best ways to earn money vary, but heists, especially the Diamond Casino Heist and the Cayo Perico Heist, are highly profitable. Running businesses like Import/Export and gunrunning can also generate substantial income over time. The Games Learning Society may also provide insights into the strategic aspects of in-game economics.

4. Can I sell properties in GTA Online if I no longer want them?

You cannot directly sell properties in GTA Online. However, when you purchase a new property that replaces an existing one (like an office or a clubhouse), you’ll receive a trade-in value that reduces the cost of the new property.

5. What is the significance of owning a high-end apartment in GTA Online?

Owning a high-end apartment is crucial because it allows you to host and plan original heists. These heists offer significant payouts and are a great way to progress in the game.

6. Are there any properties that generate passive income in GTA Online?

Yes, several properties generate passive income. Motorcycle club businesses, the bunker, and the arcade (after setting up the Diamond Casino Heist) all generate income while you’re engaged in other activities.

7. How do I start a motorcycle club in GTA Online?

To start a motorcycle club, you must first purchase a motorcycle clubhouse from the Maze Bank Foreclosures website in the game. Once you own a clubhouse, you can register as an MC President and begin recruiting members.

8. What is the purpose of the facility in GTA Online?

The facility is required to start and complete the Doomsday Heist, which is one of the most challenging and rewarding heist storylines in the game. It also provides access to powerful vehicles and weapons.

9. Can I own multiple yachts in GTA Online?

No, you can only own one yacht at a time. However, you can customize the yacht with various upgrades and features to suit your preferences.

10. How does the vehicle warehouse work in GTA Online?

The vehicle warehouse allows you to source and store vehicles, which you can then sell for a profit. The profit margin depends on the type of vehicle and the risk involved in sourcing and delivering it.

11. What are the best crate warehouse locations in GTA Online?

The “best” locations depend on your play style and preferences. Some players prefer locations closer to the city, while others prefer more remote locations to avoid other players. Consider factors like accessibility and proximity to highways.

12. Is there a limit to how many vehicles I can own in GTA Online?

While there’s no hard limit, the practical limit is determined by the amount of garage space you have available across all your properties. Maximizing your property ownership allows you to store a vast collection of vehicles.

13. What’s the best way to defend my properties from attacks in GTA Online?

Investing in security upgrades for your properties is crucial. Additionally, forming alliances with other players and being mindful of your surroundings can help prevent attacks.

14. What should my first property purchase be in GTA Online?

A high-end apartment is generally recommended as your first major purchase, as it unlocks the ability to start heists. After that, consider purchasing a business that aligns with your preferred play style.

15. Where can I learn more about game strategies and mechanics?

There are many online resources and communities dedicated to GTA 5 and GTA Online. Check out gaming forums, YouTube channels, and websites like GamesLearningSociety.org to deepen your understanding of the game’s mechanics and strategies. The Games Learning Society can offer different perspectives on gaming and potentially improve the overall player experience.

Hopefully, this article has given you a clear understanding of property ownership in GTA 5 and GTA Online!