Potential Housing Crisis Fix (Includes ability for permanent Housing (Sm, Med, Lrg)

[s32ialx]

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The issue isn't entitlement, it's accessibility. No one is saying players are "owed" a house just for paying a sub, but the idea that the existing housing system is fine because "apartments exist" ignores the fact that apartments are an extremely limited alternative compared to ward plots.

Exclusive Features of Plots vs. Apartments
You asked what plots offer that apartments don't. Here's a list

• Outdoor space & landscaping – gardens, yards, outdoor furniture, fencing, exterior decor
• Workshops – FC plots allow airship/submarine crafting, which apartments do not
• Basements & multiple floors – plots have multiple levels, while apartments are just bachelor-style single rooms
• Shared spaces – plots allow Free Company members to live together, apartments do not
• Exterior customization – facades, roofing, signage—all non-existent in apartments
• Increased furnishing slots – apartments have far fewer furnishing slots than houses
• Wall customization restrictions – with the introduction of the Minimalist Interior, apartments can not freely change interior walls the way houses can

These are real, exclusive advantages that plots have over apartments. Suggesting that "apartments are housing too" ignores how incredibly limited they are in comparison.

Addressing the Subscription & Activity Argument

The claim that "plots are for active players" completely disregards real-world circumstances. FFXIV is the only major MMO where player housing expires. If someone takes a break due to life obligations, they shouldn't have to permanently lose their investment. Many other games allow housing to persist, which doesn't stop players from returning later.

And as for "encouraging subscriptions", that argument assumes that housing is the sole reason people stay subscribed. Players engage with FFXIV for a variety of reasons, raiding, crafting, roleplaying, socializing. If permanent condos allow more players to enjoy housing without worrying about the expiration system, it would likely increase overall retention rather than decrease it.


Condo System: Not a Rework, Just an Enhancement

This proposal isn't about completely reworking the housing system, it's simply an enhancement.

• Condos would be a renamed and improved version of apartments, specific to Solution 9.
• Apartments in Solution 9 would be given multiroom/floor capabilities to provide meaningful customization without infringing on ward housing uniqueness.
• Players who already own plots could still purchase a Solution 9 condo as a gil sink feature, just like they can own an apartment on top of their plot now.
• This adjustment doesn't take anything away from ward housing it simply allows players a permanent indoor space to display quest rewards, furnishings, and collectibles.
• Advanced apartment design severely limits storage, making it difficult to display various statues and indoor décor earned over years of progression. Condos would solve this issue without disrupting the existing housing structure.

My Personal Experience With Housing Loss

You mentioned that apartments never expire, but that isn't entirely true. I took a break from 2019-2023, and I lost my apartment despite claims that apartments don't expire. I submitted a support ticket, but it went unresolved for months, forcing me to buy a new apartment instead. I have recorded livestream footage proving I had an apartment before my break. This proves that even the current "permanent" housing system isn't always reliable, further reinforcing why a more stable instanced system should be considered.

At the end of the day, this discussion isn't about replacing wards, it's about providing meaningful alternatives. If ward housing works for you, great! But dismissing reasonable solutions because they don't personally benefit you is gatekeeping, whether you acknowledge it or not. Square Enix can expand housing while keeping ward plots intact. That isn't taking anything away, it's just making the experience better for everyone.

Actually I will add to the end of this, Having spent 20-50 Million just on a plot + the 20-30+ Million furnishing it and being forced due to life to take a break from the game and stop subscribing only to come back when you are able to to find it all gone, no refund, the NPC's that hold on to the items don't have them because there is also an artificial limitation on how long they will 'store' your fake digital 1's and 0's for, this system is toxic.