Hey guys! So you're wandering around Skyrim Special Edition and thinking, "Man, I really need a place to hang my helmet and store all these sweet rolls." Well, you've come to the right place. This guide is all about how to buy property in Whiterun, one of the first major cities you'll encounter in the game. Let's dive in and get you settled into your very own Nordic home!

Getting Started: Becoming Thane of Whiterun

Before you can even think about slapping down some gold for a cozy abode, you've gotta earn the Jarl's favor. In other words, you need to become the Thane of Whiterun. This isn't as simple as just walking up and saying, "Hey, I wanna buy a house!" There are a few steps involved, but don't worry, they're not too complicated. Think of it as a mini-questline to prove your worth.

First things first, you absolutely have to follow the main questline far enough to encounter your first dragon and report it to the Jarl of Whiterun, Balgruuf the Greater. He is in Dragonsreach. He's the big cheese in Whiterun, and you can usually find him chilling in Dragonsreach. Talk to him about the dragon attack near Whiterun. Completing this initial part of the main quest unlocks further opportunities within the city. After that, he'll give you a task to help the city. You'll generally be asked to help the citizens of Whiterun. This usually involves completing a few miscellaneous quests for the locals. These can range from delivering items to clearing out nearby bandit camps or dungeons. Look for quests marked as "Help the People of Whiterun" or similar. You need to assist at least five residents of Whiterun and Hjaalmarch Hold. This can be achieved by completing various favors for them, such as delivering items, chopping wood, or other minor tasks. Look for the dialogue options that indicate they need help. These small acts of kindness really add up. Keep an eye out for citizens with dialogue options that indicate they need assistance. These are usually simple tasks, such as delivering items or chopping wood. These tasks are often radiant, meaning they are randomly generated, ensuring you always have something to do. Focus on locations within and around Whiterun to quickly fulfill this requirement. This will help to increase your standing with the Jarl and the people of Whiterun. Completing these quests not only helps the townsfolk but also improves your reputation, which is crucial for becoming Thane. These can involve anything from delivering items to clearing out dungeons. Successfully completing these tasks demonstrates your commitment to the community and earns you the Jarl's trust. Basically, be a good Samaritan! Once you've aided enough people, the Jarl will likely have another task for you. This might involve clearing out a bandit camp or dealing with some other threat to Whiterun. Completing this larger quest solidifies your position as a valuable asset to the city. Return to the Jarl after assisting the citizens. He will recognize your efforts and grant you the title of Thane, along with the privilege of purchasing a house. This whole process shows the Jarl that you're not just some random adventurer passing through. You're invested in the well-being of Whiterun and its people. And that's exactly the kind of person they want as a homeowner! After helping enough people, the Jarl will summon you and offer you the title of Thane. Accept it! This is the key to buying property in Whiterun. He will reward you with a weapon and the title of Thane. After the Jarl makes you Thane, he'll assign you a Housecarl, a personal bodyguard who will follow you and defend you. Lydia is a very well-known housecarl, she's sworn to carry your burdens, protect you from danger, and generally be your best friend. She will follow you on your adventures and assist you in combat.

Buying Breezehome: Your First House in Whiterun

Okay, now for the fun part! Once you're officially the Thane of Whiterun, you can finally purchase Breezehome. This is a cozy little house located near the center of Whiterun, making it super convenient for accessing shops, the marketplace, and other important locations. Finding Proventus Avenicci is your next step. He is the Jarl's steward. He is usually found in Dragonsreach, either near the Jarl or in his own quarters. Talk to him about purchasing property in Whiterun. He will offer you Breezehome for the sum of 5,000 gold. Now, 5,000 gold might seem like a lot, especially early in the game. But trust me, it's worth it. Having your own place to store your loot, sleep in a real bed, and craft items is a huge quality-of-life improvement. So, start saving up those coins! Sell extra weapons and armor, complete quests, and loot every dungeon you can find. Every gold piece counts! After acquiring 5,000 gold, speak with Proventus Avenicci again and purchase Breezehome. Congratulations, you are now a homeowner in Whiterun! He will hand over the key, and you are free to move in. You can then enter your new home, which is located near the market square.

Decorating and Upgrading Breezehome

So, you've got the keys to your new place. But Breezehome starts out pretty bare-bones. It's basically just an empty shell with a bed and a chest. Time to make it your own! Talk to Proventus Avenicci again about purchasing furnishings for Breezehome. He offers several upgrades that can improve your living space. These upgrades include things like a fully furnished bedroom, a crafting area, and a storage room. Each upgrade costs additional gold, so prioritize based on your needs and preferences. These upgrades cost extra, but they're totally worth it. You can add things like a cooking pot, an alchemy lab, a enchanting table, storage chests, and even a children's bedroom if you plan on adopting kids later in the game. The upgrades not only improve the functionality of your home but also increase its overall value. Think about what you need most. If you're an alchemist, an alchemy lab is a must-have. If you're a warrior, extra storage for your weapons and armor is essential. Plan your upgrades strategically to maximize their usefulness. As you progress further in the game, you can customize your Breezehome with various items you find or craft. Display rare weapons, unique armor sets, and other trophies to personalize your living space. This allows you to create a home that truly reflects your character and accomplishments. You can find decorations in dungeons and stores.

Tips and Tricks for Homeownership in Skyrim

Owning a home in Skyrim is awesome, but here are a few extra tips to make the most of it:

• Storage is King: Use your chests and containers to organize your items. Label them by type (weapons, armor, potions, etc.) to make finding things easier.
• Crafting is Your Friend: Invest in crafting stations to create your own weapons, armor, and potions. This will save you tons of gold in the long run.
• Visit Regularly: Your home is a safe haven. Visit it often to rest, store items, and plan your next adventure.
• Protect Your Investment: Keep your home safe by defending it from bandits or other threats. This will ensure your belongings remain secure.

Conclusion

Buying property in Whiterun is a great early-game goal in Skyrim Special Edition. It provides a safe place to store your loot, craft items, and rest up before your next adventure. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to becoming a proud homeowner in Whiterun. So get out there, help some people, earn the Jarl's favor, and start saving up those gold coins. Your dream home awaits! Now that you know everything about obtaining Breezehome, you can also think about other houses in Skyrim too, such as Proudspire Manor in Solitude or Hjerim in Windhelm.