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Buying Your First Home in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide to Breezehome and Beyond

The earliest house you can buy in Skyrim is Breezehome in Whiterun. Available for purchase from Proventus Avenicci, the steward of Whiterun, after completing the “Bleak Falls Barrow” quest for Farengar Secret-Fire and assisting Whiterun in defending against its first dragon attack at the Western Watchtower. This humble abode provides a much-needed sanctuary for the weary Dragonborn. It also marks the beginning of a journey into property ownership in the vast and immersive world of Skyrim.

Unlocking the Door to Homeownership

Getting your hands on Breezehome isn’t just about having the 5,000 gold needed for the purchase. It requires meeting specific story progression requirements. First, you must complete the quest “Bleak Falls Barrow”. This involves venturing into the depths of Bleak Falls Barrow. Then retrieving the Dragonstone for Farengar Secret-Fire at Dragonsreach in Whiterun. Once that task is done, and if Whiterun has come under attack by a Dragon, helping defend the city is required. If Whiterun has not come under attack, then simply waiting until the quest “Dragon Rising” appears in your quest journal to defend the city from a Dragon is required. Finally, speaking to Proventus Avenicci allows for the purchasing of the house. This makes Breezehome not just the cheapest, but also one of the most accessible properties early on.

Furnishing Your Humble Abode

Once you’ve purchased Breezehome, you have the option to furnish it. For an additional cost, you can buy upgrades and decorations from Proventus Avenicci. These upgrades include essential amenities like a bed, storage chests, crafting stations, and decorations that can transform the space into a cozy and functional home. While Breezehome is small, it’s perfectly adequate for storing your loot, resting after adventures, and starting a life in Skyrim.

Breezehome: A Strategic Choice

Breezehome’s location in Whiterun makes it a strategically advantageous first home. Whiterun is centrally located in Skyrim. It offers easy access to major cities and various quest locations. The house itself is conveniently situated near the city’s main gate, close to shops like Warmaiden’s. Its location is also close to the marketplace, making it easy to buy and sell goods. This accessibility makes Breezehome an excellent base of operations for your early adventures.

Beyond Breezehome: Exploring Other Housing Options

While Breezehome is the earliest available house, it’s far from the only option. As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock opportunities to purchase or build other homes in different regions of Skyrim.

Purchased Houses

Several cities offer houses for purchase, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Proudspire Manor in Solitude, for example, is the most expensive house in the game. It offers plenty of space and a prime location in the capital city. Other options include Hjerim in Windhelm, Vlindrel Hall in Markarth, and Honeyside in Riften.

Hearthfire Homesteads

With the Hearthfire DLC installed, you can purchase plots of land and build your own homes from the ground up. These homesteads offer extensive customization options, allowing you to design your dream home with gardens, stables, crafting rooms, and more. The three available plots are Lakeview Manor near Falkreath, Windstad Manor near Morthal, and Heljarchen Hall near Dawnstar. Building your own homes can be rewarding. It allows you to tailor your living space to your specific needs and preferences. This is one reason why Heljarchen Hall is considered to be the best home in Skyrim by many players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding housing in Skyrim to enrich your experience.

1. Can I get Breezehome for free?

While there isn’t a straightforward way to get Breezehome entirely for free without exploiting glitches, some players have used exploits, like the Oblivion book spawning exploit. It’s a method of getting a lot of money fast. However, engaging in such exploitive behavior takes away from the essence of the role-playing aspects of Skyrim.

2. What are the benefits of owning a house in Skyrim?

Owning a house in Skyrim provides several benefits, including:

Safe Storage: A place to store items without them disappearing.
Resting Place: A bed to sleep in for the “Well Rested” bonus.
Crafting Stations: Access to alchemy labs, enchanting tables, and cooking pots.
Personalization: The ability to decorate and customize your living space.
Spouse and Children: A place to live with your spouse and adopted children (if you have the Hearthfire DLC).

3. How do I get a spouse in Skyrim?

To get married in Skyrim, you need to obtain the Amulet of Mara and wear it. You can purchase this amulet from Maramal in the Temple of Mara in Riften. With the amulet equipped, talk to NPCs you’ve helped or befriended. If they’re interested in marriage, they’ll comment on the amulet. Choose the dialogue option to express your interest. After that, return to Maramal in Riften to arrange the wedding.

4. What is the best house to own in Skyrim?

The “best” house is subjective and depends on your preferences. Heljarchen Hall, with the Hearthfire DLC, is considered by many to be the best because it features the most space, and a central location in Skyrim. Proudspire Manor in Solitude is another popular choice for its size, location, and aesthetics. However, Severin Manor, located on Solstheim, is also a really great home as well. Ultimately, the best house is the one that suits your playstyle and preferences the most.

5. Can I own multiple houses in Skyrim?

Yes, you can own multiple houses in Skyrim. There is no limit to the number of properties you can purchase or build. The number of houses you can own is only limited by the amount of gold you have.

6. How do I furnish Breezehome?

To furnish Breezehome, speak to Proventus Avenicci, the steward of Whiterun. He offers various furniture packages and upgrades for the house. Select the options you want, pay the required gold, and the upgrades will be installed.

7. What is the cheapest house in Skyrim besides Breezehome?

After Breezehome, the next cheapest houses are typically Hjerim in Windhelm, Honeyside in Riften, and Vlindrel Hall in Markarth. Note that those houses require doing several quests before the Jarl will allow you to buy them. So in terms of ease of attainment and early access, there is still only one option for the earliest house: Breezehome.

8. How do I make money quickly to buy a house in Skyrim?

There are several ways to make money quickly in Skyrim:

Alchemy: Craft potions using gathered ingredients and sell them.
Smithing: Craft iron daggers and other items to improve your smithing skill, then sell them.
Looting and Selling: Explore dungeons and sell valuable items to merchants.
Questing: Complete quests for rewards and gold.
Transmutation: Use the Transmute Mineral Ore spell to turn iron ore into gold ore, then craft gold jewelry.

9. What is the most expensive house in Skyrim?

The most expensive house in Skyrim is Proudspire Manor in Solitude. This house costs 25,000 gold and requires additional gold to fully furnish.

10. Can I move my spouse and children to Breezehome?

Yes, you can move your spouse and adopted children to Breezehome if you have the Hearthfire DLC. However, keep in mind that Breezehome is small. It may not be the most comfortable living space for a large family.

11. How do I build a house with the Hearthfire DLC?

To build a house with the Hearthfire DLC, you must first become Thane of one of the holds that offers a homestead: Falkreath, Morthal, or Dawnstar. Once you are Thane, you can purchase a plot of land from the steward of that hold. After purchasing the land, you can use the drafting table and workbench to construct your house. You will need to gather resources like wood, stone, and iron to build the various structures and furnishings.

12. What is the best homestead to build in Skyrim?

The best homestead to build depends on your preferences. Lakeview Manor is popular for its scenic location and proximity to Falkreath. Windstad Manor is ideal for those interested in alchemy and fishing. Heljarchen Hall is favored for its central location and farming potential.

13. Can I hire a steward for my Hearthfire home?

Yes, you can hire a steward for your Hearthfire home. Stewards can help you manage your property. They can purchase resources, hire guards, and decorate your home.

14. What is the Dragonborn house?

The Dragonborn house refers to Severin Manor, which you can acquire in Raven Rock on the island of Solstheim, as part of the Dragonborn DLC. It is granted to you after completing specific quests on the island.

15. Where can I find the richest merchants in Skyrim?

Merchants with the most gold include those found in the Thieves Guild. It is recommended to find either Ma’dran or Ri’saad. Both have 750 Gold. They’re both general merchants. Ma’dran can usually be found somewhere between Solitude and Windhelm.

Conclusion

Breezehome represents the beginning of your property-owning journey in Skyrim. It’s a humble, yet strategically placed, abode. It offers a safe haven and a base of operations as you explore the vast world and embark on epic adventures. As you progress, you’ll discover numerous other housing options, from grand manors in bustling cities to customizable homesteads in the wilderness. Each choice allows you to further immerse yourself in the role-playing experience that Skyrim offers. You can also explore the intersection of games and learning at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org. So, step into Skyrim, claim your Breezehome, and start building the life you’ve always dreamed of in this captivating world.

What is the earliest house you can buy in Skyrim?