Claiming Your Corner of Tamriel: A Guide to Skyrim Properties

So, you’re ready to settle down in the harsh but beautiful province of Skyrim? Good choice, adventurer! Owning property in Skyrim is more than just a status symbol; it’s a strategic advantage, a safe haven, and a canvas for your personal style. But where exactly is your property? The answer, of course, depends on which property we’re talking about. Let’s break down the possibilities and navigate the intricacies of Skyrim real estate.

Breezehome: Your Starter Home in Whiterun

For many, the journey begins in Whiterun, and so does their property ownership. Breezehome, located just east of Warmaiden’s and inside the western gate, is the first house most players can acquire. Securing it requires completing the Bleak Falls Barrow quest for Jarl Balgruuf and then purchasing it from his steward, Proventus Avenicci, for 5,000 gold (unless you use a certain, ahem, “exploit” to get it for free).

Building Your Dream: Hearthfire Homesteads

The Hearthfire DLC revolutionizes property ownership, allowing you to build your own house from the ground up. This means choosing a location and crafting everything from the foundation to the furnishings. There are three homesteads available:

• Lakeview Manor: Situated east of Falkreath, halfway between Falkreath and Helgen. Look for the road, and when you reach Pinewatch, head north. Your land awaits! This location is prized for its beautiful scenery and strategic position in the southern part of Skyrim.

• Windstad Manor: Nestled northeast of Morthal. This plot of land is known for its unique climate and the potential to build a fish hatchery.

• Heljarchen Hall: Located south of Dawnstar. This homestead offers stunning views and proximity to the northern regions of Skyrim.

Once you purchase the land from the respective Jarl or Steward (Hjaalmarch, Falkreath Hold, or the Pale), you’ll find a drafting table and carpenter’s workbench to start construction. Materials are shipped to the site, ready for your building endeavors.

Established Estates: City Dwellings

Beyond Breezehome and the buildable homesteads, Skyrim offers several other pre-built houses within the major cities:

• Proudspire Manor (Solitude): The most expensive house in the game (25,000 gold), located in Solitude. It requires completing a quest for the Jarl and is known for its spacious layout and desirable location.

• Hjerim (Windhelm): A large, somewhat morbid house in Windhelm that can only be acquired after completing specific quests related to the Butcher serial killer storyline. It’s known for being buggy.

• Honeyside (Riften): A cozy house in Riften that’s relatively easy to obtain. It features a back entrance leading directly to the docks.

Other Notable Properties

While not technically “player houses” in the same vein, there are other locations that serve as player bases:

• Castle Volkihar (Dawnguard DLC): If you side with the vampires in the Dawnguard DLC, you’ll gain access to and potentially upgrade Castle Volkihar.

• Dawnstar Sanctuary (Dark Brotherhood): Completing the Dark Brotherhood questline grants you the Dawnstar Sanctuary, which you can renovate and call home.

• Arch-Mage’s Quarters (College of Winterhold): As the Arch-Mage of the College of Winterhold, you have access to the Arch-Mage’s Quarters, a spacious and well-equipped living space.

FAQs: Your Skyrim Real Estate Questions Answered

1. How do I get permission to buy land for a Hearthfire home?

You need to be on good terms with the Jarl of the hold where the land is located. This usually involves completing quests for them and assisting the citizens of their hold. Look to the Steward of the Jarl for an opportunity to buy land. The Steward will only grant the sale if you have helped their citizens first.

2. How much does land cost in Skyrim?

Each plot of land for the Hearthfire homes costs 5,000 gold.

3. What materials do I need to build a house?

You’ll need a variety of materials, including lumber, stone, clay, and iron. Lumber can be purchased from sawmills or obtained by chopping wood yourself. Stone and clay can be mined from specific deposits near your building site. Iron is mined or purchased.

4. Can my house be attacked?

Yes, wild animals (wolves, giants) and bandits can attack your homestead. Be sure to defend your property!

5. Can I hire a steward to manage my Hearthfire home?

Yes! Once you’ve built a main hall in your home, you can hire a steward. They can furnish your house, purchase materials, and defend the property.

6. What’s the best house in Skyrim?

This is subjective! Lakeview Manor is popular for its scenic location, while Proudspire Manor offers the most prestigious city dwelling. The “best” depends on your personal preferences.

7. How do I get Breezehome for free?

This involves a glitch. Have enough gold to buy the house, speak to Proventus, and quickly store your gold in a container before the transaction completes. Note: This exploit may have been patched.

8. Can my spouse live in my house?

Yes! Once married, your spouse can move into any of your owned properties.

9. Can I have children in Skyrim?

Yes, with the Hearthfire DLC, you can adopt up to two children. They will live in your house and interact with you and your spouse.

10. Where can I find lumber to build my house?

Lumber can be purchased from sawmills in towns like Riverwood, Falkreath, and Windhelm. You can also chop your own wood at lumber mills using an axe.

11. How do I become Thane of a hold?

Becoming Thane typically requires completing quests for the Jarl and helping the citizens of the hold. Once you’ve earned their favor, the Jarl will grant you the title of Thane. As Thane you can get a personal housecarl from the Jarl, in most holds.

12. What happens if I become Thane of a hold before buying a house?

Becoming Thane doesn’t automatically grant you a house, but it often unlocks the option to purchase one. Completing quests for a Jarl will make them look more favourably upon you and allow you to purchase a home.

13. Are there any secret houses in Skyrim?

While not “houses” in the traditional sense, there are several unique locations that serve as player bases, such as the Dawnstar Sanctuary and the Arch-Mage’s Quarters. There are also unmarked homes, hidden in the world for you to find yourself.

14. Can I decorate my house in Skyrim?

Yes! You can furnish and decorate your houses with a variety of items, including furniture, decorations, and crafting stations. The Hearthfire DLC provides extensive customization options.

15. Is building a house in Falkreath worth it?

Absolutely! Falkreath offers stunning scenery and a strategic location. Plus, having a base in this hold is useful for exploring the surrounding areas. Very few fans prefer any of Skyrim’s other terrain to the beautiful atmosphere you will get by adventuring within Falkreath, which is why it is the best place to lay down some roots and build a house. If you’re in survival mode, this can also be another way of keeping some of your food or potion ingredients stocked.

Owning property in Skyrim adds a significant layer of depth to the game. It provides a safe place to store your loot, craft items, and raise a family. So, go forth, Dragonborn, and claim your corner of Tamriel!

Want to learn more about the intricate systems and engaging narratives that make games like Skyrim so compelling? Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.