Buying property is confirmed. Other than that, nothing else has been said.
In a scenario let say u would like to build an assassin character who live a double life as a farmer or a merchant. I wish Bethesda will look into this topic until 11.11.11, 'cause it create unique possibilities within this genre. If you can decide a craft, or like to be a traveling merchant.
Perhaps just a simple farmer who would never go out to hunt dragons in the wild. Dragons and demons are too dangerous!
bliviongate:
Although in secrecy you will recieve contracts from the assassin guild - major npc's who want someone's soul after you bought a shop in Riverwood.
The rpg. aspect is breathtaking especially about future expansions and possible interigues among political factions in Skyrim.
Features:
1. Merchant guilds.
2. Henchmen - hired mercenaries/shopkeepers/sages/wenches/fletchers/smiths/bards if u decide to buy an Inn.
3. Nobility (factions & politics.)
4. Ancient family trees.
5. AI trade/bribes/competition.