Properties & Housing Guide
Everything you need to know about buying, managing, and investing in property. From your first apartment to building a real estate portfolio.
Why Own Property?
Owning property is one of the most useful things you can do on the server. It gives your character a place to call home, and it opens up a lot of practical benefits that make everyday life in the city much easier.
Here are the main reasons players buy property:
- Safe storage. Your property is a secure place to keep items. Anything you store inside stays there until you take it out. Nobody else can access your belongings unless you give them permission.
- Park your vehicles. Properties come with parking spots. You can leave your car at home and know it will be there when you get back.
- Private meetings. Need to have a conversation away from prying eyes? Your property is a private space where you can meet with friends, business partners, or faction members without anyone listening in.
- Conduct business. Some players run businesses from their properties. Whether it is legitimate or otherwise, having your own space is essential.
- Income potential. Certain properties can generate income over time. Owning the right property in the right location can be a steady source of money.
- A sign of progress. In the city, owning property shows that your character has established themselves. It is a milestone that other characters will notice and respect.
Even if you are new and do not have much money yet, start thinking about property early. Saving up for your first place gives your character a clear goal to work toward, and that kind of motivation makes for better roleplay.
Types of Properties
There are several types of properties available in the city. Each one serves a different purpose and comes at a different price point.
Houses
Standalone buildings scattered across the map. Houses are generally more expensive than apartments, but they come with more space and more features. They are ideal for established characters who want their own private space. Houses often have garages, yards, and multiple rooms. If you want the full homeowner experience, a house is the way to go.
Apartments
Smaller, more affordable living spaces found in apartment buildings around the city. These are perfect for new players or characters who are just getting started. Apartments are cheaper to buy and maintain, and they still give you all the essential features: storage, a place to park, and a private interior. Many players start with an apartment and upgrade to a house later.
Commercial Properties
Properties designed for running a business. These include shops, offices, and other commercial spaces. If your character owns a company or wants to start one, a commercial property gives you a physical location to operate from. These are typically more expensive and are aimed at players who are ready to take their character's career to the next level.
Each property type has its own advantages. Think about what your character needs right now and what they might need in the future before you decide what to buy.
Finding Available Properties
Finding a property to buy is straightforward. You do not need to fill out any applications or wait for admin approval. The system is entirely self-service.
Estate Agents
The main way to find available properties is by visiting estate agents located around the city. These are marked on your map and act as property shops. When you visit one, you can browse through all available listings in that area.
Each listing shows you the key details you need to make a decision:
- Location -- Where the property is on the map.
- Price -- How much it costs to buy.
- Type -- Whether it is a house, apartment, or commercial property.
- Size -- How much space the property has.
The User Control Panel
You can also check available properties through the UCP (User Control Panel) on the website. This lets you browse listings without being in the game, which is handy if you want to plan ahead or compare options before you log in.
Take your time when browsing. Visit a few different estate agents around the city to see what is available in different areas. Location matters a lot, and you might find a better deal or a more convenient spot if you shop around.
Buying a Property
Once you have found a property you like, buying it is simple and fast.
- Visit the estate agent where the property is listed.
- Select the property you want to buy from the listings.
- Pay using a bank transfer. The money is taken directly from your bank account. Make sure you have enough funds before you try to buy.
- The property is yours immediately. There is no waiting period. No admin needs to approve anything. As soon as you pay, the property belongs to your character.
Keys are automatically given to you when you complete the purchase. You can walk straight to your new property, unlock the door, and go inside.
Make sure you actually want the property before you buy it. Property purchases are a significant investment, and you should be confident in your choice. Check the location, check the price, and make sure it fits your character's needs and budget.
Managing Your Property
After you buy a property, you have full control over it. Here is what you can do as a property owner:
Locking and Unlocking
You can lock and unlock your property doors at any time. When the door is locked, only people on your access list can get in. When it is unlocked, anyone can walk through the door. Always lock up when you leave if you want to keep your belongings safe.
Storing Items
Your property has storage space where you can keep items. Walk inside, open your property storage, and put things in or take them out. Items stored in your property are safe and will stay there until you move them.
Using the /door Command
The /door command is your main tool for managing your property's doors. It lets you lock, unlock, and manage door settings quickly without opening any menus.
Adding People to Access
You can give other players access to your property. This is covered in detail in the next section.
Only give keys to people you trust. Anyone with access to your property can enter it at any time, even when you are offline. If someone betrays your trust, you can always remove their access later, but prevention is better than cure.
Door Access System
The door access system lets you control exactly who can enter your property. It is flexible and gives you full control over your space.
How It Works
Every property has an access list. This is a list of players who are allowed to enter your property, even when the door is locked. As the owner, you are always on this list automatically.
Adding Someone
To give another player access to your property, use the property management menu or the relevant commands. The player you add will then be able to unlock and enter your property whenever they want.
Removing Someone
If you no longer want someone to have access, you can remove them from the list at any time. Once removed, they will no longer be able to enter when the door is locked. You do not need to give them any notice or explanation.
What Access Allows
- Enter the property when the door is locked.
- Lock and unlock the door.
- Access is persistent -- it stays even when you log off and come back.
You give your character's roommate access to your apartment. They can come and go freely, which makes sense because they live there too. You both share the space and keep it locked when you leave.
You give access to someone you just met an hour ago because they seemed friendly. They later enter your property and take everything from your storage. Be cautious about who you trust with your keys.
Property Investment
Properties are not just places to live. They are also investments. Smart property choices can make your character significantly wealthier over time.
Properties Hold Value
When you buy a property, it retains its value. Unlike items that might depreciate or get used up, a property is a stable asset. You will always be able to sell it for a fair price.
Selling to Other Players
You can sell your property to other players. This is often the best way to make a profit, especially if the property is in a desirable location. Player-to-player sales let you negotiate the price directly, and a good deal can benefit both sides.
Location Matters
Just like real life, location is the most important factor in property value. Properties in central areas of the city tend to be worth more because they are convenient. Being close to businesses, landmarks, or popular hangout spots increases demand.
Here are some things that make a location valuable:
- Close to the city center. Central properties are always in demand.
- Near businesses or shops. Convenience drives value.
- Near popular landmarks. High foot traffic means more potential buyers.
- In a safe area. Properties in quieter, safer parts of town appeal to many players.
If you spot a cheap property in an area that is becoming popular, buy it. As more players move to that area and set up businesses, the value of your property will increase. Think long term.
Property Tips
Here is a collection of practical advice to help you make the most of the property system.
Start Small
Do not try to buy the most expensive house on the server as your first property. Start with a cheap apartment. It gives you all the basics you need -- storage, a place to park, and a private space. You can always upgrade later when you have more money and a better idea of where you want to live.
Save Before You Buy
Make sure you have enough money left over after buying your property. Spending every last dollar on a house means you will have no money for anything else. Keep a comfortable buffer in your bank account.
Lock Your Doors
This sounds obvious, but many players forget. Always lock your property when you leave. An unlocked door is an invitation for anyone to walk in, and you might not like what happens if they do.
Be Careful With Access
Only add people to your access list if you genuinely trust them. It is easy to add someone and much harder to undo the damage if they abuse that trust. Build relationships through roleplay first before handing out keys.
Upgrade Over Time
Your first property does not have to be your last. As your character earns more money and progresses in the city, look at upgrading to a bigger or better-located property. Selling your old place and buying a new one is a natural part of your character's story.
Use Your Property for Roleplay
A property is not just a storage locker. Use it as a setting for scenes. Invite people over for meetings, host gatherings, or simply hang out at home. Some of the best roleplay happens in private settings where characters can speak freely.
Remember that your property is part of the game world. Other players might try to break in, scope out your place, or cause trouble at your door. This is all valid roleplay. Owning property makes your character a part of the neighborhood, and that comes with both benefits and risks.