I've tested the 5.3 beta 7 and work.
I observe some latency in move items in 3D and in 2D.
I modify some things like memory, default furniture and some menu text but that not affect the general way of run.
I tray to have a "fresh" install:
-rename /home/[user]/.eteks/sweethome3d to sweethome3d-j7
-restart SweetHome3D-j8_112
-open a file which was previously open and save as Apartment-j8
-set the Preferences
--on 2D the texture of rooms not show but in 3D appear correctly
-close the program
-add all set of furniture, textures and plugins
-reopen the same file but no change, no texture for rooms in 2D
-revert to /home/[user]/.eteks/sweethome3d used with j7
-run SweetHome3D-j8_112 and Apartment-j8.sh3d -> All's OK .
In sweethome3d folder I have the work folder with about 44 temp files and about 49 Furniture-3-----.pref files.
I'm not very clear but hope You understand.
Dorin