28+ Best Sims 4 Starter Home Builds for Fresh Gameplay

It’s a New Year, and with it comes new saves, new Sims, and new storylines – which means starting fresh, often in a starter home. Sims 4 Starter homes are a core part of early Sims 4 gameplay.

These budget-friendly residential lots are meant to fit within a starting household’s simoleon limit, usually around §15,000–§20,000. They cover all the basic needs your Sims require to live comfortably.

Below, I’ve compiled a list of the best Sims 4 Starter Homes for your new save. You’ll find a mix of compact, affordable builds designed to fit within a starting household budget while still feeling complete and playable.

The homes are perfect for new saves, rags-to-riches challenges, or anyone who wants to skip the struggle of building from scratch.

IMPORTANT NOTE

If you’re new to downloading houses, please check out my detailed step-by-step guide on How to Download Sims 4 Houses.

Efficient Eddifice

Download: Efficient Eddifice

Efficient Edifice by xogerardine is a fully furnished Sims 4 starter home inspired by the iconic IKEA Stuff Pack house from The Sims 2. Built on a compact 20×15 lot, this one-story home includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms, making it a solid choice for small households or early-game family gameplay.

Valued at 64,304 Simoleons, it sits on the higher end of starter homes but comes fully furnished, saving players time who want a ready-to-play lot.

95 Woodland Drive House

Download: 95 Woodland Drive House

If you’re looking for a sizeable, nostalgic starter home, 95 Woodland Drive is a great pick. It’s inspired by the empty Pleasantview house from The Sims 2. Set on a 30×20 lot, this fully furnished two-story home features two bedrooms and one bathroom, plus a functional attic.

With a cost of §65,581, it sits slightly above the bare-bones starter range but offers a complete, ready-to-play setup. This build works especially well for small families.

Starter House For Rent

Download: Starter House For Rent

Starter House For Rent is a gorgeous, ultra-budget starter home with renovation potential, and a solid choice for early-game or rags-to-riches gameplay. Designed as a modern family starter, this build keeps costs low while still offering a clean, structured layout. It’s easy to expand as your Sim earns more simoleons.

The two-story home is placed on a 30×20 lot and includes two bedrooms and one bathroom. Note that it also comes partly furnished, giving you flexibility to customize without paying for unnecessary items. With a value of just §17,961, this Sims 4 starter home is ideal for fresh saves or rental-style storytelling.

Poor But Free

Download: Poor But Free

Poor But Free by SimCatsie is an ultra-minimal starter home built for Sims who value freedom over luxury. This build was originally created for the creator’s “From Poor to Poor” challenge, which focuses on simple living, low material needs, and gradual progression.

Designed for one or two Sims, this fully furnished home sits on a compact 20×15 lot and costs just §17,568. The intentionally rough, worn-down aesthetic reinforces the challenge concept while still covering essential needs from day one.

Modern Modular Starter Home

Download: Modern Modular Starter Home

Modern Modular Starter Home is a no-CC build designed for low-budget Sims who want a bold, contemporary starting point. Inspired by UK-style modular and flatpack housing designs, this home focuses on clean lines, fabricated materials, and a compact layout.

The two-story structure is built on a 20×15 lot, and comes completely unfurnished, making it ideal for players who prefer to decorate from scratch or tailor the space to a specific storyline. With a value of §23,832, the home works well for fresh saves, minimalist gameplay, or gradual progression challenges.

“Banana’s Vibes” Starter

Download: “Banana’s Vibes” Starter

“Banana’s Vibes” Starter is an eco-friendly Sims 4 starter home designed for players who want a modern look with sustainability in mind. Built on a compact 20×15 lot in Willow Creek, this two-story home comes fully furnished and totals §152,228.

This house works well for eco-focused storytelling, small families, or Sims who prioritize modern living with a relaxed vibe.

Lexis Starter

Download: Lexis Starter

The Lexis Starter is a compact Sims 4 starter home designed for small families. Built on a 20×15 lot, this cozy house keeps things simple and functional while still offering enough space for comfortable early gameplay.

With two bedrooms and one bathroom, the layout works well for couples, roommates, or a small household starting a new save. The house is valued at §39,594, which falls neatly within the traditional starter budget range. The build has been play-tested to ensure smooth day-to-day gameplay and reliable routing from the start.

If you want a straightforward, no-fuss starter that feels practical and well-balanced, this home is a solid pick.

Pumpkin Starter House

Download: Pumpkin Starter House

Pumpkin Starter is a charming cottage-style Sims 4 starter home designed with cozy, seasonal vibes. It’s built on a compact 20×15 lot, and the single-story home features an open-plan living area, two bedrooms, and one bathroom. It’s a great option for small households or early legacy gameplay, and it costs 20,679 Simoleons.

The garden-heavy design adds visual charm and storytelling potential, especially for players who enjoy autumn-themed saves, cottage living aesthetics, or slower-paced gameplay.

RELATED POST: 27+ Sims 4 Pumpkin CC Finds and Ideas for Autumn and Halloween

Olivia Starter Home

Download: Olivia Starter Home

The Olivia Starter Home is a sleek, modern Sims 4 starter home designed for players who value style. This two-story structure is built on a 30×20 lot and features the living room, kitchen, and bathroom on the first level, while the bedroom sits upstairs.

Fully furnished and valued at §17,428, this build fits comfortably into early-game budgets while still offering a polished, contemporary feel. Just make sure your game is fully updated before placing it to avoid missing items or build issues.

Suburban Starter House

Download: Suburban Starter House

If you’re looking for a realistic, lived-in Sims 4 starter home, Suburban Starter House is a perfect fit. This small, no-CC build leans into modest beginnings, with worn textures, minimal furnishings, and a layout that reflects everyday Sim life rather than luxury.

Designed for solo Sims or couples, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom home sits on a 20×15 lot. It costs just §18,491. Expect slightly creaky wooden floors and a quiet, grounded atmosphere.

I recommend using the build for rags-to-riches saves, slice-of-life gameplay, or slow-burn legacy stories.

Glimmerbrook Wooden Cottage

Download: Glimmerbrook Wooden Cottage

Glimmerbrook Wooden Cottage is a cozy Sims 4 starter home designed for a single Sim or a couple who enjoys a warm, nature-inspired setting. Set on a 30×20 lot and priced at §53,453, the house offers a well-balanced two-story layout.

The first floor includes:

• A combined kitchen and dining area
• A living room with a small office space
• A bathroom with a shower.

Upstairs, you’ll find a bedroom with a wardrobe and a compact additional bathroom. The home was originally built and photographed in Glimmerbrook on the Brooks Bridge Borough lot, making it a great fit for magical, cottage, or woodland-themed saves.

Eco Starter House

Download: Eco Starter House

Eco Starter House is a compact home designed for sustainable gameplay and low running costs. This fully furnished build features a power-producing roof, making it a great option for players who want to lean into eco-friendly living right from the start.

The build sits on a 30×20 lot and has a simple single-story layout. It costs 19,985 Simoleons, keeping it within the true starter range. This home works especially well for eco-focused saves, off-the-grid storytelling, or players who enjoy reducing bills and generating their own power.

Only Blue Suburban Starter House

Download: Only Blue Suburban Starter House

Only Blue Suburban Starter House is a compact Sims 4 starter home that keeps things affordable, familiar, and easy to place in almost any world.

This fully furnished, single-story home includes one bedroom and one bathroom on a 20×15 lot. It costs 17,731 Simoleons. While originally built for Willow Creek, it can be placed on any 20×15 lot or larger without issues. Note that you’ll need a Seasons thermostat.

Oasis Starter Home

Download: Oasis Starter Home

If you want a desert-friendly starter home, check out the Oasis Starter Home. This house features a one-bedroom, one-bathroom layout, making it perfect for a single Sim or a couple.

It’s built on a 30×20 lot, comes fully furnished, and costs §17,205. Although originally placed in Oasis Springs, the home can be dropped on any 30×20 lot or larger without issues.

Starter Fairycore Home

Download: Starter Fairycore Home

Starter Fairycore Home is a charming starter build designed for players who love soft colors, magical details, and cozy storytelling. This fully furnished home is built on a 20×15 lot. The house includes one bedroom and one bathroom in a simple single-story layout that’s easy to play from day one.

With a value of §17,594, it stays firmly within true starter range. This build is perfect for new saves, fantasy-inspired Sims, or cottage-style gameplay.

Eco Escape

Download: Eco Escape

Eco Escape House CC is a compact yet thoughtfully designed eco-friendly home. Built on a 20×15 lot and fully furnished, this house works perfectly for a single Sim or a couple who enjoy cozy, efficient spaces.

Inside, the layout includes a small hall, a practical kitchen with a dining table for four, a comfortable living area with a fireplace, a cute bathroom, and a cozy bedroom. There’s even a separate office space, making it ideal for work-from-home gameplay or creative hobbies. Your Sim will get a hidden laundry area to keep everything tidy and realistic.

This premade starter home also comes equipped with solar panels, a wind turbine, a dew collector, and plenty of planters for growing fruits and vegetables.

Shabby Shack Starter Build

Download: Shabby Shack Starter Build

This Shabby Shack Starter Build is a gritty, low-budget starter home designed with Moonwood Mill vibes in mind. Built on a 20×15 lot, this shack comes with one bedroom and one bathroom.

The build leans into a worn, industrial aesthetic with mismatched textures, cluttered details, and a raw, survival-style layout that still covers all the essentials. It’s a great pick for storytelling saves, rags-to-riches challenges, or any Sim starting life on the edge.

RELATED POST: The Sims 4: How to Complete Sims 4 Rags to Riches Challenge

My First Home Starter

Download: My First Home Starter

My First Home Starter CC is a spacious, fully furnished starter build designed for Sims who want a comfortable first home. The two-story structure is set on a 30×20 residential lot.

The build includes:

• 1 bedroom
• 1 bathroom
• Kitchen
• Dining room
• Living room
• Patio/garden area with a swimming pool

With a higher value than a typical starter, this build works especially well for Sims who’ve earned a bit of extra simoleons early on or players who prefer a more complete setup from the start.

Tiny Runch

Download: Tiny Runch

Tiny Runch is a compact ranch-style starter home designed for tiny-living gameplay. With just 56 tiles, this fully furnished build comfortably houses up to three Sims, plus space for a horse. This makes it especially appealing for Horse Ranch–style storytelling and challenge saves.

Important note: this build requires The Sims 4 Tiny Living Stuff Pack to work correctly.

RELATED POST: Sims 4 Tiny Living: What It Is, How to Complete it, Challenge Rules, and Guidelines

Pink Starter Studio Apartment

Download: Pink Starter Studio Apartment

Pink Starter Tiny Studio Apartment is a cozy tier-2 tiny home designed for Sims who love compact living with a soft, playful aesthetic. Built on a 30×20 lot, this fully furnished studio includes one bedroom and one bathroom.

The house is valued at 16,659 simoleons. This tiny studio works well as a budget-friendly starter home, and you can place it anywhere on a 30×20 lot or larger.

Wrenfall Cottage

Download: Wrenfall Cottage

Wrentfall Cottage CC is a cozy, storybook-style build with a snug 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom layout. It’s designed for a 20×20 lot and comes with two stories. The beautiful starter house is fully furnished and ready to place.

If you enjoy cottagecore, countryside saves, or quiet wintery worlds, this is a must-have. Click on the attached link for more information on this house.

Micro Starter Home

Download: Micro Starter Home

Willeekmer is the creator of this compact micro starter home that proves small builds can still feel complete and functional. The 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom home fits neatly on a 20×15 lot and is designed as a Tier 1 tiny home, making it ideal for tight budgets or minimalist gameplay.

The build comes fully furnished and can sit on a 20×15 lot or larger. With a house value of 18,105 simoleons, this micro starter is perfect for new saves, rags-to-riches challenges, or Sims embracing tiny living from day one.

Rosy Cottage Starter

Download: Rosy Cottage Starter

Rosy Cottage Starter is a charming, fully furnished starter home designed for cozy Cottage Living gameplay. Built on a 20×20 lot, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom home is thoughtfully decorated throughout.

The layout keeps things simple and functional while still feeling detailed and inviting. The house costs 18,789 Simoleons and requires no custom content.

Small Blue Starter House

Download: Small Blue Starter House

This Small Blue Starter House is a practical, budget-friendly option for a small family. Built on a 20×15 lot, the layout includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms spread across two stories.

The home comes fully furnished and decorated throughout, so it’s ready to place and play straight away. With a value of §18,340, the Sims 4 starter home sits comfortably into early-game budgets while still allowing room for future upgrades.

Forest Cottage Starter

Download: Forest Cottage Starter

Forest Cottage Starter is a cozy, fully furnished family home designed for a simple and affordable start in The Sims 4. This build features a warm cottage-style exterior and a thoughtfully decorated living area.

The house includes two bedrooms and one bathroom, making it ideal for a small family or a couple planning to expand. It’s built on a 30×20 lot and priced at just 17,956 simoleons.

Modern Starter House

Download: Modern Starter House

This modern starter house keeps things simple, functional, and budget-friendly while still offering a clean, contemporary layout. It includes two bedrooms and one bathroom, with an open main living space that combines the living area, dining space, workspace, and kitchen into one practical flow.

The house comes fully furnished and decorated and is ready to place in your save. At 17,038 simoleons, it’s a solid option for small families or starter households. Head over to the creator’s description to access the house’s speed build.

Summer Tartosa Starter House

Download: Summer Tartosa Starter House

This Summer Tartosa Starter House is a bright, coastal-inspired build designed for relaxed family gameplay. Built on a 20×20 lot, the house features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

It’s fully decorated throughout and priced at just 17,924 simoleons. This gorgeous build works well as an affordable seaside starter for up to four Sims.

RELATED POST: 31+ Best Sims 4 Beach Houses to Download

Newlyweds Starter Pack

Download: Newlyweds Starter Pack

If you’re looking for a spacious, family-ready starter home, the Newlyweds Starter Pack is a great pick. This fully furnished residential build sits on a 30×20 lot and offers an impressive five bedrooms and five bathrooms spread across three stories. This makes it ideal for newlyweds planning to grow their household or accommodate guests with ease.

The layout also includes:

• Dedicated living and dining areas
• A functional kitchen
• Plenty of private rooms

The house costs 174,048 Simoleons.

FAQ on Sims 4 Starter Home

What is considered a starter home in The Sims 4?

A starter home is a budget-friendly residential lot designed for new saves. It usually costs between §15,000 and §20,000, and is suitable for a single Sim, a couple, or a small family.

Are Sims 4 starter homes usually furnished or unfurnished?

Starter homes can be either, but many CC starter houses come fully furnished to save time and make them move-in ready for early gameplay.

Do starter homes require custom content (CC)?

Not always. Many creators offer base game–only or no-CC starter homes, while others may use CC for added detail and aesthetics. Always check the creator’s notes before downloading.

What lot sizes are common for starter homes?

Most Sims 4 starter homes are built on small to medium lots, such as 20×15, 20×20, or 30×20, making them easy to place in most worlds.

Can I place a starter home in any world?

Yes. As long as the lot size matches, you can place a starter home in any world, even if it was originally built for a specific neighborhood.

Do I need to use bb.moveobjects to place starter homes?

Some starter homes require bb.moveobjects enabled for proper placement. This is usually mentioned in the creator’s description or notes.

Are starter homes good for challenges like Rags to Riches?

Yes. Starter homes are perfect for challenges because they’re affordable and simple, giving you room to expand and upgrade as your Sim earns more simoleons.

Can I renovate or expand a starter home later?

Absolutely. Many starter homes are designed with expansion in mind, allowing you to add rooms, extra floors, or outdoor spaces as your household grows.

Do starter homes support family gameplay?

Some do. While many starter homes are built for singles or couples, others include extra bedrooms or flexible spaces for kids, toddlers, or guests.

Why download a starter home instead of building one myself?

Downloading a starter home saves time, offers creative layouts, and provides inspiration from talented builders, especially if you want a polished look without starting from scratch.

Conclusion

That wraps up our list of must-have Sims 4 starter homes. Whether you’re starting a brand-new save, testing out a challenge, or just want a budget-friendly place for your Sims to settle into, these starter houses offer a solid foundation for early gameplay.

Feel free to customize, renovate, or expand as you play, and don’t forget to support the creators who make these amazing starter homes possible.

Keep your eyes out for similar articles like 30+ Best Sims 4 Villa Houses CC to Download or 47+ Best Sims 4 Modern Houses For Enhanced Gameplay