How to Buy Land in Skyrim

Last Updated: October 29, 2018

Lands in Skyrim are not essential but are a fun addition to the game. You can build houses on purchased land and install anything from a kitchen to a trophy room on land that you've bought. There are three available lands that can be bought in throughout the holds of Skyrim, these include Hjaalmarch, Falkreath Hold, and The Pale. Buying land is a feature only available after you've purchased and installed the DLC (Download Content) Hearthfire.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Launching the Game

1
Install Skyrim’s DLC Hearthfire. Visit http://www.elderscrolls.com/skyrim to purchase the game, if you do not have it already.
2
Launch the game. Locate the game icon on your desktop or in your applications folder and double click to open.

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3
Once you've started the game, navigate to the city. It doesn’t matter which city you go to.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Acquiring Land

1
Wait for a messenger to approach you. The messenger should tell you that he has a letter for you. This will be the letter that will inform you of lands that are available to purchase.
- These lands include Windstad Manor in Hjaalmarch, Lakeview Manor in Falkreath Hold and Heljarchen Hall in The Pale.
2
Head to Morthal(in Hjaalmarch), Falkreath, or Dawnstar(in The Pale.) Choose any of these three cities; all three will have their respective Jarl and quest that you must fulfill.
3
Enter inside the Jarl's hall in the city that you chose. Once inside, talk to Jarl and you'll be given a task.
- In Skyrim, you're unable to purchase a house/land unless the Jarl recognizes you.
4
Complete the quest the Jarl gives you. Once you've finished it, the Jarl will name you his/her thane. You now have the rights to buy a piece of land under that Jarl's jurisdiction.
5
Ask the Jarl about a piece of land that they're selling. The Jarl will confirm the auction of the land. The Jarl will then tell you to speak to his/her aide.
6
Speak to the Jarl's aide. You will now be able to purchase a lot.
- Each lot costs 5,000 septims (gold) and will require you to travel to its set location.

Community Q&A

Question

I have read that if the original Jarl is not still there, a player cannot purchase the land. I have done the Laid to Rest quest and have not gotten a letter about buying land. What can I do?

Community Answer

What you read is entirely possible. However, try to become the Thane by completing prerequisite quests, then approach the steward about the land.
Question

I joined the Stormcloaks during the war in Skyrim and we won. I then bought the Hearthfire DLC, but I can't purchase land. Is it because of the new Jarl?

Community Answer

No. You should be able to approach whatever Jarl is in ruling and complete any prerequisite quests to become Thane. Approach the steward to buy land. Check UESP.net for more information if this doesn't help.
Question

How can you become thane to a Jarl?

Knight-Sergeant Kelly18

Community Answer

To become a thane to a hold's Jarl, you must help them with a quest they have for you, help the people of their hold and, in some cases, purchase land within their hold.