The fastest way to buy a house in The Sims 4
To buy a new house, open the map, find an empty lot or an existing house you want, and click on it. A menu appears with the option to "Purchase." Click that, and you move in when ready. Your Sims keep their money in the household fund, so you need enough cash on hand to cover the full price — the game does not offer mortgages or loans.
If you do not have enough money, you can still move to a cheaper lot, save up by having your Sims work or sell items, and then move again later. The game charges a small fee each time you move, so plan ahead if you are tight on funds.
Key Takeaways
- You must have the full purchase price in your household funds before buying — The Sims 4 does not offer financing options.
- Empty lots are cheaper than furnished houses, but you will need to build or buy furniture afterward.
- The game charges a moving fee based on how much stuff you own, so moving multiple times costs money.
- You can move to a cheaper lot first, earn money, and upgrade to a better house later without losing your Sims or their progress.
Where to find houses for sale
Open your map and look for lots marked as "residential" or "empty." Residential lots show the house price and lot size. Click on any lot to see its details, including the price, number of rooms, and what comes with it. Some lots are pre-furnished; others are empty shells you build from scratch.
If you own The Sims 4 Expansion Packs or Stuff Packs, you may have access to lots in different neighborhoods with different price ranges. A starter lot in one area might cost 20,000 Simoleons, while a similar lot in a wealthier neighborhood costs 50,000 or more. Check the lot details before you commit.
Buying an empty lot versus a furnished house
An empty lot costs less upfront but requires you to build a house from scratch using the build mode. You place walls, doors, windows, and furniture yourself. This takes time but gives you total control over the design and layout.
A furnished house costs more but is move-in ready. Your Sims can sleep, cook, and use the bathroom when ready. If you are new to The Sims 4, a furnished house is usually easier because you do not have to learn the build system right away. Once you are comfortable, you can move to an empty lot and design your dream house.
How much money you need to save
Starter lots range from about 1,500 to 20,000 Simoleons depending on the neighborhood and whether the lot is empty or furnished. Mid-range houses run 30,000 to 100,000 Simoleons. The most expensive lots can exceed 200,000 Simoleons, but you do not need to buy those right away.
Your Sims earn money by working jobs, selling items they create, or completing tasks. A Sim with a basic job earns between 50 and 200 Simoleons per hour. Hobbies like painting, writing, or cooking can generate extra income if you sell what they make. Plan to spend your first few in-game days earning money before you buy a house.
What happens to your old house when you move
When you move to a new lot, your Sims and all their belongings come with you. Any furniture, decorations, or items in your inventory transfer to the new house. However, the game charges a moving fee based on the total value of everything you own — the more stuff you have, the higher the fee.
If you move multiple times in a short period, these fees add up. For this reason, it is worth saving enough money to buy a house you plan to stay in for a while, rather than moving every few in-game days.
Building your first house on an empty lot
Once you buy an empty lot, you enter build mode automatically. The game shows you a grid and tools to place walls, doors, and windows. Start by creating one or two rooms — a bedroom with a bed and a bathroom with a toilet and shower. Your Sims need these to survive.
Add a kitchen with a stove and refrigerator so your Sims can cook and eat. A living room with a couch and television is not essential but keeps your Sims happy. You can add more rooms and decorations later as you earn more money. The build mode tutorial walks you through the basics if you have never used it before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move my Sims to a house without buying it first?
No. You must purchase the lot before your Sims move in. The game will not let you place your household on a lot you do not own. If you want to try a house before committing, you can load a saved game and restart.
What if I run out of money and cannot afford a house?
Your Sims can stay in a rental lot temporarily in some game modes, but the standard way is to have them earn money first. Have them work jobs, sell items, or complete tasks until they have enough for a cheap empty lot. Then build slowly as you earn more.
Do I lose my Sims' jobs or relationships when I move?
No. Your Sims keep their jobs, skills, relationships, and everything else when you move. Only the house changes. They will return to work the next day as if nothing happened.
Can I sell my house and move back to a cheaper one?
Yes. You can move to any lot at any time. When you leave, the house is gone and you get no money back, so moving is a one-way cost. Plan your moves carefully to avoid wasting money on moving fees.
What is the cheapest way to get a house?
Buy the cheapest empty lot in the game, which usually costs under 5,000 Simoleons. Build one room with a bed, toilet, and stove. Your Sims can live there while they earn money for upgrades. This method takes longer but costs the least upfront.