Buy A House In Windhelm Skyrims Hjerim Guide: How To Own Hjerim
Acquiring Hjerim in Windhelm is one of the most rewarding yet obscure side quests in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, granting players a luxurious residence in the heart of the city. This guide explains the precise steps required to purchase the property, the necessary quest completion prerequisites, and the in-game investment involved. By following this structured pathway, any player can transform their mercantile ambitions into the proud ownership of one of Skyrim’s most distinctive homes.
Hjerim is a unique property located in the Temple District of Windhelm, immediately adjacent to the Bazaar and the stately Blue Palace. Unlike the generic houses in Riverwood or Whiterun, Hjerim is tied directly to the quest "In My Time of Dying," making it a narrative reward rather than a simple civic purchase. For roleplayers and completionists, owning this house completes the immersion of establishing a life in the tumultuous city of the Wind District.
### Understanding Windhelm And The Purchase Requirements
Windhelm is the capital of Eastmarch and the seat of Jarl Balgruuf the Greater (or Elisif the Fair during the Civil War). The city is divided into distinct districts, including the Government District, the Temple District, and the impoverished Gray Quarter. Hjerim is situated in the Temple District, a location that provides easy access to the market, the market stalls, and the Blue Palace throne room.
Before a Dragonborn can even consider placing a bid on the property, they must meet specific alignment and progression requirements. The house is not available for purchase at the beginning of the game, nor is it available to players who maintain a low reputation with the local populace or the ruling jarl.
* **High Reputation:** The player must have a positive disposition with Jarl Balgruuf or Elisif.
* **Completion of the Main Quest:** The Civil War questline must be sufficiently advanced.
* **Completion of the "In My Time of Dying" Quest:** This is the absolute mandatory trigger. You cannot buy the house until after you have saved the Jarl from assassination.
### The Prerequisite Quest: In My Time of Dying
The journey to owning Hjerim begins with the final stage of the main questline. After retrieving the Dragonstone and entering the Soul Cairn to rescue the Jarl's soul, the player must return to Windhelm to complete the ritual. If the player has not already been instructed to visit Windhelm regarding the Jarl's illness, the quest marker will guide them there once the Soul Cairn segment is finished.
Upon arriving at the Blue Palace, the player will find the Jarl bedridden. Speaking with the steward or the Jarl's spouse initiates the conversation that leads to the conclusion of the main story arc. Once the dialogue concludes and the Jarl is restored to health, Hjerim is effectively unlocked on the market.
### The Purchasing Process
With the quest completed, the player must travel to the Temple District of Windhelm. Hjerim is a large, two-story house located on the left side of the street as you walk toward the market. The exterior displays a sign indicating the listing price, though the amount can vary slightly based on the player’s actions and the specific save file.
To finalize the purchase, the player must interact with the door and select the purchase option. The standard price for Hjerim is **5,000 gold**. This is one of the more expensive single-dwelling residences in the base game, reflecting its prime location and unique interior design.
**Payment Methods:**
* **Direct Payment:** Simply pay the 5,000 gold from your inventory.
* **Stolen Goods:** If the player has accumulated a significant amount of ill-gotten goods, fencing them at the nearby merchant might provide the necessary capital.
* **Borrowing:** Players may choose to take out a loan from the Bank of Windhelm if they have invested in the Speech skill or found a benefactor.
### Interior Layout And Benefits
Once acquired, the interior of Hjerim reveals why it is considered a premium property. The house features a grand entrance hall, a dining room with a large table, a kitchen, an alchemy lab, an arcane enchanter, and two separate bedrooms. The most notable feature is the trophy room, which provides ample display space for the heads of dragons, dwarven automatons, and other fearsome creatures.
* **Bed Placement:** The player’s bed is located on the upper floor, providing a safe haven away from the noise of the street.
* **Display Options:** The house offers one of the best displays for trophies due to numerous stands and shelves.
* **Convenience:** Located near the market and the steam baths, it serves as an excellent hub for managing finances and crafting potions.
### Common Issues And Troubleshooting
Even with the quest completed, some players may encounter issues preventing the purchase option from appearing. If the 5,000 gold option is not visible, there are a few things to check.
First, ensure that you are not currently in the middle of another quest that requires you to be outside of a major city. Sometimes, lingering NPCs or active search markers can lock interactive elements.
Second, verify that you have actually completed "In My Time of Dying." Simply visiting the palace is not enough; the dialogue must trigger to its conclusion.
Third, be aware of a common bug where the interior of the house fails to load. If the purchase goes through but the door leads to nothing, exiting the cell and re-entering usually resolves the issue. If it persists, a manual console command or reload from a previous save may be necessary.
### Ownership And Perks
Unlike renting a room in an inn, purchasing Hjerim provides permanent benefits. Once the deed is signed, the house is yours forever, even if you fast travel to another region and return months later. You are free to decorate the interior with the collected dragon shouts, weapon displays, and armor sets without fear of a vendor resetting the layout.
Furthermore, having a residence in Windhelm is beneficial for followers. You can direct your companions to wait there, providing a safe location to store items and a meeting point during the chaos of battle. The proximity to the market also means you can easily sell excess loot without navigating the long walk from the stables.
