WoW Housing Explained: Public vs. Private Neighbourhoods

In Blizzard’s July 10th housing update, we got one of the most important details yet: the difference between public and private neighbourhoods. Understanding how each works will help you figure out where your character – and maybe even your guild – should call home.

Public Neighbourhoods

Public neighborhoods are the easiest way to dive into housing. The game automatically creates them as needed, so when one fills up, another instance opens.

• Anyone can buy a plot in a public neighborhood.
• Blizzard manages the name, neighborhood-wide events, and general upkeep.
• It’s quick, straightforward, and low-maintenance.

If you just want to grab a house, decorate it, and still feel part of a community without worrying about admin, public neighbourhoods are the simplest option.

Private Neighbourhoods

Private neighborhoods come in two forms:

• Guild Neighbourhoods → Created by a guild, and scaled so there’s a house for every member. Membership and permissions are tied directly to the guild roster.
• Charter Neighbourhoods → Formed by groups of friends or players with a common interest. They require a minimum number of members to create and maintain, and they’re capped at the usual neighbourhood size.

Private neighbourhoods give you far more control: you decide who gets in, what the neighbourhood is called, and who has management permissions. Perfect for guilds, tight-knit groups of friends, or role-players who want their own dedicated space.

Technical Notes

Blizzard has made it clear that private neighbourhoods are more demanding on the servers. That’s why they require minimum membership numbers — it prevents the game from being flooded with thousands of half-empty instances that nobody really uses.

Choosing Between Public & Private

Which neighborhood type is right for you?

• Solo & casual players → Public neighborhoods are ideal: quick access, minimal fuss, instant community.
• Guild-focused players → A guild neighborhood keeps everyone together and makes coordination easy.
• Friends & role-players → Charter neighborhoods give you control over who you live next to and how your community develops.

Conclusion

By splitting neighbourhoods into public and private, Blizzard has given players flexibility. Whether you prefer the ease of a ready-made community or the control of a custom enclave, WoW Housing offers a setup that fits your playstyle.