How to Buy Plots of Land with Hearthfire in Skyrim

Last Updated: September 21, 2018

The addition of the Hearthfire DLC in Skyrim allows players to get away from the rigors of battle and focus on the more domestic aspects of life. Rather than purchase a premade house in a hold, Hearthfire gives you the freedom to build the home of your dreams from scratch. There are three plots of land available for you to buy, all located on the far reaches of their respective holds and away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Getting Hearthfire

1
Get Hearthfire on your PS3/Xbox 360. If you plan on buying plots of land, get the Hearthfire DLC first. If you already have it, proceed to the next section. Depending on which platform you play Skyrim on, there are a few different ways of acquiring the DLC. If you have the Legendary edition of Skyrim, Hearthfire will be available for you to install on the Start screen. If you do not have the Legendary edition, you can purchase the Hearthfire DLC at online game stores. Prices will vary depending on the store, but it’s usually around $5.
- Once you have purchased the DLC, start up the game as you usually would. At the Start menu, select “Options” and then “Downloadable content.” Enter the digital code, and the DLC will begin to download. Once completed, the content will automatically be added to your game.
2
Get Hearthfire for your PC. If you’re playing on the PC, you can either purchase the Legendary edition or buy the Hearthfire DLC on Steam. If you’re playing the Legendary edition, Hearthfire will be preinstalled onto the game, and you won’t have to do anything to add it.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Choosing a Plot of Land

1
Consider Pale. Once Hearthfire has been successfully been installed and you’ve started the game, choose the first plot of land (there are 3) where you want to build. The first plot you can purchase is where you can build Heljarchen Hall, which is located in the Pale. This plot of land is nestled in the snowy mountainside of Skyrim and is the only area that allows you to build a balcony attached to your house. Although the scenery is beautiful, the occasional wolf may attack if you’re walking around outside.
2
Consider Falkreath Hold. The second area is the base for Lakeview Manor, in Falkreath Hold. This plot of land overlooks a gorgeous lake and is surrounded by green pine trees and the mountainside. This is the only piece of property that allows you to build an apiary, allowing you to harvest your own honey. This plot of land is great if you prefer Skyrim’s forest to its snowy mountains; however, be careful when going into the lake, as you may be attacked by Slaughterfish.
3
Consider Hjaalmarch. The final location is the base for Windstad Manor, located in Hjallmarch. This land is located to the north of Solitude, right in front of the ocean. It is unique in that it is the only piece of property where one can build your very own fish quarry. This plot of land offers a beautiful view of the ocean; however, it has little to offer in terms of actual land, as the rocks limit the amount of open grassland.
- Note that each piece of land costs 5,000 Gold, and the player can purchase all three if they so desire.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Buying the Land

Pale

1
Go to White Hall. If you are interested in Heljarchen Hall, you’ll have to talk to Skald, Jarl of Dawnstar in the White Hall. White Hall is the two-story building on the hillside of Dawnstar, which is located in the northern center of Skyrim. Its icon on the map resembles a shield with a star on it.
2
Approach Skald. He can be found sitting on the throne in the main hall of the White Hall. Hit the X button (PS3), A button (Xbox 360), or E key (PC) to interact with him.
3
Purchase land for Heljarchen Hall. When the dialogue options appear, ask “Is that land you mentioned still available?” He will confirm that it is, and ask if you want it, choose to take it. You are now the official owner of the property, and can begin building Heljarchen Hall when you are ready.

Falkreath Hold

1
Travel to Falkreath. If you are interested in building Lakeview Manor, travel to Falkreath, which can be identified on the map by its deerhead icon.
2
Talk to Neya. Enter the Jarl’s Longhouse, which is located in the center of Falkreath. Rather than talking to the Jarl, speak to his steward, Nenya. She can be found standing guard near the seated Jarl. Hit the X button (PS3), A button (Xbox 360), or E key (PC) to interact with her.
3
Purchase land for Lakeview Manor. When given dialogue options, choose “Is that land you mentioned still available?” She will confirm that it is, and you will be given the option of purchasing it for 5,000 Gold. After selecting to purchase it, you become the official owner of the plot of land.

Hjallmarch

1
Go to Marthal. If you are interested in Windstad Manor, travel to Morthal. This hold is located in the western corner of Skyrim, with a three pronged swirl marking its position on the map.
2
Go to Highmoon Hall and enter it. Highmoon Hall is located in the center of Morthal.
3
Approach Aslfur, the steward of Idgrod Ravencrone. Alsfur can be found standing next to his seated Jarl. Hit the X button (PS3), A button (Xbox 360), or E key (PC) to interact with him.
4
Buy land for Windstad Manor. When the dialogue option appears, ask him if there is any property available for purchase. When he replies yes, choose the option to buy it for 5,000 Gold. After this exchange, you will be the official owner of the land plot.