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An empty lot and a dream. That is all players ofThe Sims 4need to build the house, restaurant, or library of their wildest fantasies, and it all starts with the right lot type. There are 13 different types of lots available in the base game and many more after downloading expansion, game, and stuff packs. Players can choose to download the lot they desire from the gallery or build them from scratch.
The problem is that players ofThe Sims 4can have some difficulty figuring out how to change the lot type after it’s already been selected. Whether they are dreaming of converting their quiet suburban homes into new bustling businesses orremodeling the neighborhood child playparkinto a party hotspot, understandinghow to change lot typescan take gameplay to the next level. Below are the steps needed to seamlessly switch between different lot types, giving Sims a chance to thrive in new environments.
Updated on June 29, 2025, by Jenna Amore:This update adds information aboutthe new small business lot type, introduced in the Businesses & Hobbies expansion pack. Now, Sims can transform their residential property or acquire a separate lot to operate their very own small businesses. This addition opens up a wealth of entrepreneurial opportunities, allowing players to explore new avenues of gameplay and economic ventures within the comfort of their Sims' homes or on dedicated business properties.
What Are Lot Types In The Sims 4?
Lot types are categories that define the purpose of each lot. Once the lot type is decided for an empty lot, it determines the kinds of activities and interactions that can take place there. It also impacts the types of Sims that will visit or live on the lot. Each lot comes with its own requirements for items in build/buy mode. For example, those with theGet to Workexpansion pack can create their own retail store. Players can design the interior and exterior of their Sim’s store, although they must add specific items — like a cash register — to complete the build.
These are different fromlot traitsand lot challenges, which affect the way a Sim interacts with and experiences the lot. Upon opening the trait panel for a new lot, there are a variety of options that add depth and individuality to each lot in the game. You can add up to three traits to each lot that affect Sims and the environment surrounding the lot. For example, the Party Place trait creates a better atmosphere forthrowing successful gold-star partiesin the game.
Lot challenges, on the other hand, add obstacles for Sims to overcome on the lot.The off-the-grid lot challenge, for example, disallows electricity and plumbing on the lot, limiting Sims to specific off-the-grid items from build/buy mode.
How To Change Lot Types In The Sims 4
Lot types can be applied when initially building on an empty lot or reconfigured later in build/buy mode. It should be noted, though, that players may not edit the lot type if there are Sims currently residing on the lot. They must be moved out or evicted first.To edit the lot type, open the desired lot from the world map and enterbuild mode.
Then, click theVenue Infobutton in the top left-hand corner of the screen, indicated by a white house icon with a lowercase “i.” This will open theLot Info Panel, which displays information like the lot type as well as the value, dimensions, item requirements, and number of bedrooms/bathrooms. Select the desired lot type from the drop-down menu.
All Lot Types In The Sims 4
There are many different types of lots inThe Sims 4andacross the many game packs. Below is a list of all lot types available inThe Sims 4and the specific pack they come with:
Thrift and Bubble Tea Store
Base Game
Small Business Venue Lot Type In The Sims 4
Previously, Sims could not run a business on the same lot that they lived without mods. With the release of theBusinesses & Hobbiesexpansion,players can create small businesseswith theSmall Business Venuelot type. Small Businesses can be registered through the Owned Businesses Panel in the bottom right corner of live mode or from objects like the Ticket Kiosk, Phone, or Computer. Each Sim can own and run a single small business, and they can assign their small business to their home lot or select a separate property with the small business lot type.
After the small business has been registered, and the lot type has been assigned, the business owner can customize business activities, manage employees, set target customer criteria, and determine fees to shape their small business experience to fit their vision.
To maintain privacy and organization, players can designate rooms as Residential, Public, or Employee Only. The rooms are represented by the outlined colors blue, pink, and yellow, respectively. The area assignments can be found in the Venue Info tab and by clicking the Small Business icon. To designate business areas, select the Unit Outlines button in build mode and then select a room on the lot. These assignments help keep business operations running smoothly while ensuring customers don’t wander into off-limits areas.
Outdoor sections are always considered Public areas for customers to roam. Players may want to use fences to restrict access to private spaces like gardens if they don’t want others snooping in on their business.
What Are Special Venues In The Sims 4?
There are also manySpecial Venuesandhidden worlds inThe Sims 4that players can edit if they travel to the lot, enable cheats, and type “bb.enablefreebuild”. These lots types cannot be changed or given to any other lots, however. Here are all the available Special Venues inThe Sims 4:
