Table of Contents

How to Change Lot Types in The Sims 4: A Comprehensive Guide

Quick answer

This page answers How do you change lot type in Sims 4? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

Changing the lot type in The Sims 4 is a fundamental skill for any aspiring Sim Architect or storyteller. Whether you want to transform a residential space into a bustling community hub or create a unique rental property, understanding how to modify lot types opens up endless possibilities. In essence, changing the lot type in The Sims 4 involves accessing the Venue Info panel within Build Mode and selecting a new designation from a dropdown menu. However, there are important steps and caveats involved, which we’ll break down here.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Lot Types

Here’s a detailed guide on how to alter the lot type in The Sims 4:

Enter Build Mode: First, you need to be in Build Mode for the desired lot. You can do this from the World Map by selecting the lot and clicking the “Build” icon (the hammer and wrench).
Access the Venue Info Panel: Once in Build Mode, look to the top-left corner of the screen. You’ll find a small icon resembling a white house with a lowercase “i” inside. This is the Venue Info button. Click on it to open the panel.
Select the New Lot Type: Within the Venue Info panel, you’ll see a dropdown menu labeled “Lot Type.” Click on the dropdown to reveal the various options, such as Residential, Generic, Park, Library, Gym, Bar, Lounge, Museum, Art Gallery, Retail, Restaurant, Veterinary Clinic, Rental, High School, Auditorium and more, depending on the packs you own.
Choose and Apply: Scroll through the dropdown menu and select the lot type you want. Once you’ve chosen the new type, it will automatically apply to the lot.
Save Your Changes: After changing the lot type, ensure you save your changes.

Important Considerations

Empty Lots: You can only change the lot type if the lot is currently empty. If a household resides on the lot you want to change, you’ll need to move them out using the phone or the Manage Worlds map before modifying the lot type.
Pack Dependencies: Certain lot types, such as Rental, High School, Restaurant, and Veterinary Clinic are linked to specific game expansion or game packs. If you do not own the respective pack, you will not see them in the dropdown menu.
Lot Requirements: Some lot types have specific requirements. For example, a High School will need essential elements like classrooms and a cafeteria, while a Restaurant will require a kitchen and dining area. Consider these requirements as you build your lot.
Hidden Lot Types: While some lot types are straightforward to change, secret or hidden lots may require you to activate the testingcheats on and the bb.enablefreebuild cheat codes to modify them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to changing lot types in The Sims 4, designed to provide a more comprehensive understanding:

1. Why can’t I change the lot type?

You cannot change a lot type if the lot is currently occupied by a household. Ensure the lot is empty before attempting to modify its type. Move any current residents out via the Manage Worlds map or their phone.

2. How do I change my lot type to rental?

To change your lot type to Rental, access the Venue Info panel in Build Mode and select Rental from the Lot Type dropdown menu. This will convert your lot into a rental property.

3. Can you change a residential lot to a rental in Sims 4?

Yes, you can absolutely change a residential lot to a Rental lot in The Sims 4, provided the lot is empty and you have the For Rent Expansion Pack.

4. How do you edit a lot in Sims 4 using cheats?

To edit a lot, use the cheat bb.moveobjects on to move objects freely, bb.showhiddenobjects to access hidden items, and bb.enablefreebuild to edit any lot including uneditable ones. The testingcheats on cheat needs to be activated before using build cheats.

5. How do you edit non-editable lots in Sims 4?

To edit non-editable lots in The Sims 4, open the cheat console (Ctrl + Shift + C on PC, Command + Shift + C on Mac, or all four shoulder buttons on consoles). Enter testingcheats on, then type bb.enablefreebuild and press enter. This unlocks the ability to edit these lots.

6. What cheat do I use to build freely in The Sims 4?

Use the cheat bb.enablefreebuild to build freely anywhere. Additionally, use bb.moveobjects on to move items without grid restrictions. The testingcheats on cheat must be enabled before applying these. FreeRealEstate on allows you to move into any lot regardless of cost.

7. How do you unlock all lots in Sims 4?

There is not a single cheat to unlock all lots. However, you can use the cheat bb.ignoregameplayunlocksentitlement to unlock all build/buy items. bb.enablefreebuild unlocks the ability to build anywhere, including secret lots.

8. What is the cheat to edit Sims?

The cheat to fully edit a Sim is cas.fulleditmode. This allows you to change their appearance, traits, and more, via the Create-a-Sim interface.

9. What is the free real estate cheat in Sims 4?

The free real estate cheat in The Sims 4 is FreeRealEstate On. This allows your Sims to move into any residential lot, regardless of its price. Use FreeRealEstate Off to disable this cheat.

10. How do I change my lot type to high school?

To change your lot type to High School, enter Build Mode, open the Venue Info panel, and choose High School from the dropdown menu. Ensure the lot meets the required functionalities of a school such as classrooms. The High School Years Expansion Pack is required.

11. Where is the hospital in Sims 4?

The hospital is located in Willow Creek’s Civic Center neighborhood in the Get To Work Expansion Pack. You cannot build or move the hospital; it is a pre-built location.

12. Can you live on a non-residential lot?

No, the game does not allow you to live on a non-residential lot. However, if you own the City Living expansion pack, you can live in apartments with residential and non-residential features on the same lot.

13. How do you speed up pregnancy in Sims 4?

While there is no cheat to skip a pregnancy completely, you can use addbuff buffPregnancyTrimester1, addbuff buffPregnancyTrimester2, and addbuff buffPregnancy_Trimester3 to change the current trimester of a Sim’s pregnancy. The game will automatically move on to the next trimester within a day or two.

14. How do I increase my chances of twins or triplets?

To increase your Sim’s chance of having twins or triplets, purchase the Fertile reward trait for 3,000 satisfaction points. Certain lifestyle traits may also have an effect.

15. Why is Newcrest empty in my game?

Newcrest is intended to be entirely comprised of empty lots. It’s designed for you to build your own town from scratch or import structures from the gallery. There is nothing wrong with your game, this is by design.

Understanding how to manipulate the lot type in The Sims 4 opens up a new dimension of creative possibility. By mastering these steps and tips, you’ll have complete control to reshape the worlds your Sims inhabit, from unique community hubs to custom rental properties. Happy building!