In this article , I will discuss the How to Buy a House in Oblivion. I will walk you through the buying process step-by-step so you can own property in the game.
For both new players and those returning from a long break, understanding when and where to buy a home makes the gameplay a lot smoother. This is because it offers safe storage, various rest bonuses, and a personal headquarters.
About House in Oblivion
In The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, players can rest and store items in their houses which enhances immersion. Each major city has at least one house for players to purchase ranging from small shacks to large furnished estates.
Some homes are available for gold while others require fame or quests. While interiors are static, players can furnish their homes and use them as tactical centers for movement and crafting and roleplaying. Houses differ in utility, location, and price.
How to Buy a House in Oblivion
Example: Buying the Bruma House in Oblivion
Step 1: Meet the Requirements
- Complete the task to gather at least 10,000 gold.
- Increase your Disposition with Countess Narina Carvain and make sure it is 60 or above.
- Either complete or do not have “Lifting the Vale” quest active.
Step 2: Go to Castle Bruma
- Go to Bruma city and head for the Castle Bruma location on your map.
- Countess Narina Carvain can be found in the Lord’s Manor section.
Step 3: Purchase the House
- Talk to the countess and opt to buy the house with the appropriate dialogue choice.
- If her disposition is too low, use bribes, charm spells, persuasion or bribes to raise it.
Step 4: Get the Key
- After you complete the previous step, you will now have obtained Bruma House Key.
- The house’s position is North of Bruma’s east gate.
Step 5: Buy Upgrades
- You can now visit Suurootan located at his shop Novaroma in Bruma.
- Buy items to upgrade the house like useful storage and furniture.
Other Place Where to Buy a House in Oblivion
Bravil
In Oblivion, purchasing a house in Bravil is an economical choice perfect for early-game players. It is one of the cheapest in the game as it only costs 4,000 gold. Bravil’s house offers easy access to the water for travel.
Moreover, the alchemy ingredients from the nearby swamps are useful. Even though the town is rather decrepit, its proximity to Leyawiin and the Imperial City makes it ideal for adventurers who want to minimize expenses while maximizing usefulness.
Cheydinhal
Purchasing a home in Cheydinhal in Oblivion is a good option for players who appreciate beauty and practicality. Cheydinhal, one of the more scenic cities with a blend of Dunmeri architecture and surrounded by serene landscapes, has relatively clean streets.
The house is near the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary which is perfect for stealth or assassin type characters. Cheydinhal house is fairly priced and reasonably sized while providing beauty and immersion for the player.
Leyawiin
Purchasing a home in Leyawiin in Oblivion is perfect for players who want to traverse the southern parts of Cyrodiil. The city is different from others as it is surrounded by swamps and Argonians. The Leyawiin home is located close to Blackwood and Topal Bay which make it useful for adventurers hunting for secret dungeons or ancient artifacts.
For those who seek the thrill of the unfamiliar—exotic locations, wilderness and borderland enigmas—the abundant angeboten offered through exploration, combined with the region’s cultural diversity, provide astonishing roleplaying opportunities.
Tips for First-Time Players
Affordable Options
Consider purchasing the Bravil House or Imperial City Shack first. These provide access to resting and storage at a very low cost.
Buy Safely
Make sure to save your game before any purchases so that if you want to change furniture or if there’s a better offer you can revert back to your previous save.
Gradual Improvement of Furnishing
It is simple to lose track when furnishing a house. Prioritize basics such as beds and containers. Furnishing can always be done later.
Houses For Item Protection
Unlike containers you place outdoors, items placed in houses will not disappear. Use houses for storing rare items and quest items.
Live Near Guild Of Your Choice
This reduces travel time. (E.g. Cheydinhal for Dark Brotherhood and Chorrol for Fighters Guild).
New DLC Houses May Have Unseen Costs
Some new downloadable content houses might have certain upkeep that comes with them. Servants or magical upkeep are among a few. Always check details before purchase.
Create Custom Character Story For Deeper Immersion To The Game
Select a home which tells a story and aligns with the character’s background or personality. This will enhance your gaming experience.
Explore Before You Buy
Go to each city and explore the homes available to gauge their location and environment. This will give you a clear idea and it does not cost anything.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Purchasing Too Soon: Avoid rushing to buy a house immediately after starting the game. Focus on saving gold for gear upgrades and completing quests first.
Furnishings Expenditures Overlooked: Most houses have additional costs for furniture. Buying the house is only part of the total cost—some furnishings might exceed the house’s price.
Ignoring Locality’s Added Travel Costs: A house located far from towns may not incur a direct purchase price, but it may come with added travel time and inconvenience. Consider nearby services and fast-travel points.
Unsafe Storage Disregard: Never store valuable items in containers outside your home or in public areas as they may reset and delete your items due to not being accessible.
Failure to Analyze Every Alternative Thoroughly: Each house comes with different advantages. Many players seem to deeply regret early purchases when they realize there were far more appealing options later in the game.
Exclusively Focused on Aesthetic Purchases: A stunning city does not guarantee its houses are equally practical. First consider utility and location, then aesthetics.
Skipping Required Convos or Quests: Some purchases are gated behind quests or dialogues—such as houses in Chorrol or Skingrad. Skipping these may block your access to those purchases.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Safe storage for loot and gear | Some homes require expensive furniture upgrades |
| Rest bonuses for sleeping in your own bed | Early purchase may limit gold for essential gear |
| Fast-travel point and personal base | Limited customization without mods or DLC |
| Enhances roleplaying and immersion | Some homes are in inconvenient or remote locations |
| Useful for organizing alchemy and crafting | Certain houses require completing quests or conditions |
| Multiple houses available for different needs | Interior design remains static after furnishing |
Conclusion
In Oblivion, purchasing a house unlocks more options than merely storage slots—it initiates the long and winding journey towards establishing your own place in the world of Cyrodiil. If you are a mage, warrior, or even a stealthy assassin, there’s a house available for every budget and playstyle.
Take time to review your preferences and put your plans strategically around your spending limit. With the ideal choice, your house becomes a dependable hub that boosts immersion and efficiency during every phase of your adventure.
FAQ
How do I buy a house in Oblivion?
Talk to the steward or count in each city. If you meet the requirements and have enough gold, they will offer the house for sale.
What is the cheapest house in Oblivion?
The Waterfront Shack in the Imperial City is the cheapest, costing only 2,000 gold.
Can I own more than one house?
Yes, you can buy and own multiple houses across different cities.
