Can't buy retail lots

Hi, I get this issue too.  For every single retail lot in the game, I get the error, "Sims can only purchase unowned retail stores or unoccupied residential lots". It doesn't matter whether it is a pre-made lot or one I've converted to a retail lot.

I can buy residential lots fine.

I did have mods in my game, I have removed these and the same issue occurs.

I have created new profiles on my PC, that have never had mods and the same issue occurs.

I have repaired the game via Origin and the same issue occurs.

I have uninstalled and reinstalled the game and all EPs etc, the same issue occurs.

I cannot honestly say when this began, because I haven't tried to buy a retail lot in a long time.

I have a case raised with EA, but it's not progressing very fast, and I wondered if anyone here had any ideas on what else I can try?

Thanks.

Happy New Year!