Do you have to do civil war quests to purchase this house? I did Blood on the Ice, favors and several of the quests the steward gives you.

I'm pretty sure you need to do the liberate Whiterun quest. Ulric will only allow someone with his goals to live close to him.

Ok, tyvm. I figured as much. I know you can purchase the house regardless of which side you choose, and if you choose Stormcloaks, you get the opportunity to buy it toward the beginning of the quest chain. If you choose the Imperial side, you can't get it until you complete all the civil war quests and take Windhelm. I just wondered if there was a way to get it without having to choose a side and join the civil war. Thanks again.