I have same issue, about 10-20 seconds, if awesomemod is installed, game crashes, if awesomemod is removed, it keeps going as usual for hours and hours.  1.29 had no issue, it only started when i upgraded to 1.31 and updated awesomemod to test version.  I can sit in build/buy mode as long as i want without issue, it usually crashes right after a few new wishes show up upon starting a new household, no clue why on already established households.

Also, problem existed, in my version, in twinbrook, barnacle bay, lunar lakes, and hidden springs, have not tested others.

I tried moving the downloads (should have thought of that myself :/), it still takes about 20 minutes (im not using hyperbole, it really is about 20 mins, about 10 mins to load, barely a minute to actually install, then the rest of the time is trying to close out the launcher), but that means, i have very likely screwed up something else unrelated to these downloads.  So, i guess my problem is solved by no longer being relevant .

I've tried searching, forgive me if i missed anything.  I installed... everything (just about) from the store content thread, anyways, since then the launcher is incredibly slow (about 20 mins to load/install new content), and i was wondering if anyone has found a work around for this immense slowdown (is it to be expected, or have i possibly done something wrong besides the obvious lack of restraint?), all the content does seem to still be functioning in game.  I have all expansions and stuff packs up to date with latest patches, and no EA download manager, I don't use the launcher to start the game, only to install and keep track of content, anyone have any tips?

EDIT: almost forgot, it jumps to using about 1.2gb of ram during the time its frozen, then from there jumps up and down repeatedly as low as around 200mb.