If you’re looking for a Sims 4 starter home that’s budget-friendly and fully playable, I’ve got the perfect build for you. I recently gave myself a challenge: create a tiny house under §10K using base game only — and I think it turned out surprisingly cute.
No custom content. No packs. Just creativity, debug items, and the tiniest possible budget.
And honestly? I’m really proud of how it turned out. It’s small, it’s cute, and totally playable — even with the price tag sitting comfortably under that 10K mark.
Why I Built This Sims 4 Starter Home
I wanted something that felt a little quirky and lived-in, so I went with a retro trailer look. It kind of reminds me of those old mobile homes from the 60s or 70s — slightly faded, super simple, and weirdly charming.
The lot is a 20×15 in Oasis Springs, which fits the whole desert vibe perfectly. The color scheme and layout really make it feel like something you’d find parked on a dusty lot, with a few desert plants scattered around for good measure 🌵
Lot Info
- Lot Size: 20×15
- World: Oasis Springs
- Price: $9,972
- Lot Type: Residential (Base Game)
- Tiles Used: Under 100 (Tier 2 Tiny Home eligible)
- Gallery ID: Simsioli
📦 Base Game Only – No Packs, No CC
This build is 100% Base Game. That means no packs are required, and anyone with just the base game can download and play it. If you do have the Tiny Living pack, feel free to switch the lot type to Tiny Home Residential — you’ll unlock perks like faster skill gain, better relationships, and lower bills.
Looking for CC to decorate your starter homes? Check out my Sims 4 Mod Guide for must-have items that work great with budget builds!
Design + Gameplay Thoughts
The inside of the trailer is small but cozy. It has everything your Sim needs: a bed, bathroom, small kitchen, dining table, and a little sitting area. I used debug landscaping to fill in the yard without raising the price, and I think that added a lot of charm without costing a single Simoleon 💰
There’s also room to expand! If you want to upgrade the lot as your Sim earns money, it’s easy to add more decor or even a second room.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Super budget-friendly — under $10K!
- Base game only — no packs required
- Retro charm with debug landscaping
- Expandable for long-term saves
Cons
- Very small interior — not ideal for more than one Sim
- Limited furniture/decor due to budget
- No skill-building items included
Watch the Build
If you want to see how it came together, check out the full build video on my channel. I walk through each step and share some tips on how I managed the budget and debug menu.
💬 What do you think? If you love small builds or have tips for decorating on a tight budget, let me know in the comments! I love reading your ideas.
FAQs: Tiny Starter Home Under $10K
Can I use this home without any DLC?
Yes! This build is completely base game only — no expansions, game packs, or kits are required.
Where can I find this build?
Search for my ID Simsioli on The Sims 4 Gallery. The lot is titled “Tiny Starter Trailer”.
Can I use cheats to place debug landscaping?
Yes! I used bb.showhiddenobjects and bb.moveobjects to access and place debug items for landscaping.
How do I make a tiny home count as a “Tiny Residential” lot?
You need the Tiny Living pack. Once installed, change the lot type and keep your build under 100 tiles.
Is this home good for a rags-to-riches save?
Definitely! It gives your Sim a roof and a head start without blowing the budget.