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Understanding Final Fantasy XIV's housing system can be a complex endeavor, especially for newcomers. If you find yourself sitting on a hefty pile of gil and pondering where to invest it, purchasing a house could be an enticing option, offering a stylish hangout spot as a tangible return on investment.
With the overhaul in Patch 6.1, the days of incessant placard-clicking to secure real estate are a thing of the past. While the process has become somewhat simpler, there are still nuances to grasp regarding its mechanics. Here's a comprehensive guide to navigating the world of housing in Final Fantasy XIV, covering everything from accessing residential wards to understanding plot prices.
Exploring Final Fantasy XIV's Housing System
The current housing landscape in Final Fantasy XIV comprises five distinct residential areas, each featuring 24 wards housing 60 plots, alongside two apartment buildings accommodating 90 rooms each. Unlike instanced housing, these plots are seamlessly integrated into the game world, mimicking a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. However, the allure of immersive housing experiences is counterbalanced by their scarcity, with demand far outstripping supply.
An update in Patch 6.1 introduced specific purchasing restrictions for different wards. Wards one to nine are exclusively reserved for Free Company housing, while wards 10 to 24 are designated for personal use. Existing Free Company house owners on ward 15, for instance, retain their ownership rights under the grandfather clause.
Unlocking Housing Districts
To access each housing district, players must complete a brief quest associated with the respective area:
The Lavender Beds
Complete the level 10 quest "Where the Heart Is (The Lavender Beds)" by Margeria at Bentbranch Meadows in Central Shroud.
The Goblet
Fulfill the level 10 quest "Where the Heart Is (The Goblet)" by speaking with Imme at Scorpion Crossing in Western Thanalan.
The Mist
Undertake the level 10 quest "Where the Heart Is (Mist)" from Ahctkoen at the Red Rooster Stead in Lower La Noscea.
Shirogane
Engage in the level 61 quest "I Dream of Shirogane" given by Tsurubami in Kugane. Access to this area requires progression in the Stormblood expansion storyline.
Empyreum
Complete the level 60 quest "Ascending to Empyreum" provided by Gondelimbaud near the Foundation aetheryte. Access to this district necessitates substantial advancement in the Heavensward expansion storyline.
Types of Housing
In Final Fantasy XIV, various housing options cater to different preferences and budgets:
Apartments
These single-room accommodations, priced at 500,000 gil each, are exclusively available for personal purchase. Apartments offer ample availability, with thousands scattered across each ward, boasting a furniture limit of 100 items.
Small Plots
These cozy two-story cottages feature a garden with a 20-item outdoor furniture limit and can accommodate one garden patch. Prices range from 3,000,000 to 3,750,000 gil, varying based on location. Each small plot supports up to 200 indoor items and hosts 40 plots per ward.
Medium Plots
Offering three stories and twice the size of small cottages, medium plots include 14 units per ward, priced between 16,000,000 and 20,000,000 gil. They allow up to 300 indoor items and 30 outdoor items, including two garden patches.
Large Plots
The pinnacle of luxury, large plots feature three stories and significantly larger dimensions compared to medium plots, accommodating 400 indoor items and 40 outdoor items, along with three garden patches. With only six available per ward, large plots command prices ranging from 40,000,000 to 50,000,000 gil.
Private Chambers
Functionally akin to apartments, private chambers are rooms purchased within Free Company houses. Priced at 300,000 gil each, these chambers offer the same dimensions and furniture limits as apartments, allowing players to own one alongside an apartment and a personal house. However, departure from the Free Company results in the forfeiture of private chambers.
Entering the Housing Lottery
In the wake of Patch 6.1, housing acquisition transitioned to a lottery-based system, abolishing the previous method of timing-based availability. To participate in the lottery, visit the desired plot and interact with the placard outside, depositing the requisite gil. Plots one to nine are reserved for Free Companies, while plots 10 to 24 are designated for individual buyers. Each player may bid on only one plot per lottery cycle, and simultaneous applications for both Free Company and personal plots are prohibited. Once entered, withdrawals are not permitted, necessitating careful consideration before committing funds.
Monitoring the lottery cycle, spanning nine days in total, involves a five-day submission phase and a subsequent four-day result confirmation period, accessible via the Duty menu's Timers option.
Lottery Outcomes and Next Steps
At the conclusion of the four-day result confirmation period, return to the plot of interest to ascertain the winning bidder. Successful bidders must finalize the purchase promptly, failing which a 50% refund of the initial deposit is provided. In instances where multiple Free Company members secure plots, only one selection is permitted, with excess plots subject to the 50% refund policy.
Unsuccessful bidders receive a full refund and may proceed to explore other housing options during subsequent lottery cycles.
Relocation and Demolition Procedures
Relocating or demolishing existing properties involves specific protocols:
Relocation
Players seeking relocation must participate in the lottery process for their desired plot alongside other bidders. Successful relocation grants approximately 15% reimbursement of the former plot's value, with furnishings temporarily relocated to storage.
Demolition
To demolish a property, access the Housing section in the Social menu, select Estate Settings, and choose the desired estate for demolition. Clearing the premises is mandatory, and no compensation is provided for demolition. Auto-demolition timers, currently inactive since December 2021, govern property retention, deeming private houses abandoned after 45 days of inactivity and Free Company houses after a similar duration of neglect.
Navigating Final Fantasy XIV's housing system demands diligence and strategic planning, ensuring a smooth journey towards acquiring and maintaining your dream abode within the game world.
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