Hi
When I enter a downloaded lot the camera often opens on a top down view. I dont really like this view but cant see anyway to change it. It makes some lots unplayable for me which is a shame because they look good. Is there anyway to change it.

If you go in buy/build, there is a button on the panel for that angle, not sure what it's called. Click it and see if it brings you to the normal level. If that doesn't work, some one else will have better advice.

My understanding is that the Lot view at the start of a play session will be whatever it was at the last save from the prior playing session.
So, if a Lot you downloaded happened to be last saved by its creator in the top-down view, then that is how it will always start out after you install it and first play it. But as Duine said above, all you have to do is enter buy/build mode and click on the top-down view button, the proper name for which also eludes me, but it's there. Clicking that button should put you back to normal view, from which you can then save the Lot.

What I find puzzling about your post, is that you say this happens "often". It shouldn't, as most Lot creators don't save their uploaded Lots in the sloppy top-down view. If it only happens with one particular Lot, then see my above explanation.

I've had that problem myself if using the top down view in my own lots, then go to live mode without changing it. Next time I go to buy/build, it will still be in top down view. The problem isn't always from the builders, it's usually because I forgot to change before going live or saving and exit to neighborhood.

Lots (newly installed ones) don't always show up as the creator left them. When I was testing Polgannon for maxon I mentioned to her how most of the lots opened up with a close up of the roof- this was not how she had saved and left them.

It probably has something to do with the computer it is taken from and the computer it is put on as to where it opens. Simply use the button to change your view or click on TAB for free camera and tilt it to where you want it before clicking on TAB again.

Yes, it's been annoying the crap out of me. The community lots seems to save ok but not the residential.