Sounds a bit like the system ArcheAge uses (which I liked). Find a plot, claim it, get plans, build on it - put crafting benches and enjoy retirement Sucks when the plots run out though.
Since this is open world, are houses protected out in the wild?
From what I read they decay so if someone builds and leaves it, eventually the plot will free up again - maybe it can be attacked and torn down after so long in disrepair?
