There are games with Inns, Lineage, and other korean based MMORPGs. They are a good thing, if you are looking to fill up the space with houses, instead of leaving it empty. No one really used them, since they cost way more than pots, and only were located in major towns.
As for the houses, i believe there will be the option of \"guild houses\", like a place for your guild to store goods and rest. And what s wrong with leaving your character in the middle of nowhere? ?(