Main Navigation

Ideas Blog Ideas Blog Customer Account Account
Basket Basket
  • No items in cart

Items Total: 0

Sub Total: £0.00

LowPrices Low Online Discount Prices
NextDayDelivery Next Day Delivery On Certain Items
SafeSecureOnlineCheckout Safe and Secure Online Checkout
BigNameBrandDiscounts Big Name Brand Discounts

Does Removing a Bath Devalue Your Home?

Baths used to be a staple in most households in Great Britain, with people opting for a bath both in the morning or evenings – especially families. But, in the latter half of the 20th century, the shower started to gain popularity due to people’s busy schedules and was a quick alternative to a bath. Therefore, it began commonplace for houses to ditch the bathtub in favour of a space-saving shower instead. But there is one key reason that holds people back when it comes to swapping a shower for a bath today: does removing a bath devalue your home?

The million-dollar question is, is there any truth in this? Do potential buyers switch off when they realise there is a bathroom without a bathtub?

Does removing a bath affect the value of your home?

Photo credit: Jodie Johnson / Shutterstock

With space at a premium, it is entirely understandable to want to get rid of something that takes up so much room if you don’t use it often. Therefore, it is worth weighing up comfort of having a space that works for you, against the impact that may hamper your chances of selling.

It’s common for Brits to feel that a bath is a necessity for a home, even if it doesn’t get used frequently. For instance, how often have you walked into a property without a bath and found yourself saying, “oh – no bath”?

According to Ben Hunt, the director of Winkworth estate agents, it could have a real effect on the saleability of the property.

He said, “It seems part of British psyche that people feel a bathroom should have a bath, even if they don’t use it. Many people will dismiss it because it doesn’t have a bath. You might still get the same price for the property, but it could take longer to sell.”

Is a bath a necessity in each home?

Photo credit: 2M media / Shutterstock

For a one bedroom flat, think about who the likely buyers are, and this may influence your “bath or shower?” decision. More often than not, those buying a one-bedroom home would either be singletons or young couples taking their first step onto the property ladder. Today, most young people are “too busy” working full-time to have time to have a bath, so having a powerful type of shower is much more of a bonus.

Therefore, a common compromise to avoid getting rid of a bath and freeing up some more space in your bathroom, it may beneficial to have a bathroom with shower and bath. You can do this by fixing a screen to your existing straight bath – often attached to the wall – or by purchasing a new bath especially designed to combine the two. This is increasing in popularity today, as it allows homeowners to have the best of both worlds.

Alternatively, you could create a shower only bathroom and purchase a stylish and spacious shower enclosure instead. But when the time comes to sell your property to avoid devaluing your home, it is advisable to refurbish the bathroom with a good value tub, which can be purchased from as little as £100.

You might like our guide on the cost of buying a bath.

Photo credit: BondRocketImages / Shutterstock

However, this in an entirely different story for a family home, where at least one bathroom in the house requires a bath. A bathroom is a must-have for families, whether it be for bathing the kids or when you want a moment to relax. As a result, if you are thinking about turning a bathtub into a shower, the short simple answer is no – you should avoid removing a bath at all costs to prevent devaluing your home. Instead, to get the best of both worlds, it is advisable to keep a bath and install a shower bath combo – a solution that has grown in popularity over the years.

Over the years, bathroom furniture has significantly changed. In the past, the only option available would have been a standard 1700mm bath with a bath shower mixer tap and a shower curtain attached. However, today, you can now get bespoke shower baths, which come in a range of sizes and styles to maximise showering space, and often fitted with a glass screen. They also enable more shower options to be used too, including an electric shower or power shower for example.

Photo credit: Halfpoint / Shutterstock

On the other hand, if you have multiple bathrooms in your home, the choice is in your hands. If you have more than one bathtub, replacing a shower with a bathtub in one of your bathrooms is advisable, especially if you don’t use them often.

Ideally, you should have at least one bath (in the main bathroom) and change to a bathroom with shower in an ensuite. Even if you don’t use the bath often, it is well worth keeping one to maximise the return potential on your house value when it comes to selling your home.

Depending on the size of your bathroom(s), you may even be able to consider buying a corner bath which will give a luxurious feel to the space. Alternatively, you could look into purchasing a steel bath which is great value for money without compromising on style, perfect for any potential buyers!

If you don’t have more than one bathroom, it may be beneficial to create a second bathroom or ensuite if you have the available funds. You may have a small bedroom you don’t use, or you could even splash out on an extension to your home, which could add value to your property in the long run.

If you move into a home where the owner has decided to turn the bathroom into a wet room, without a proper shower or bath, it may be worth thinking about changing the wet room back to a bathroom.

However, remember, whatever you choose to do, how you design your own property is down to you or your family’s personal needs. Your home is for living in, so don’t be too worried about what a potential buyer might look for in a bathroom, as this can be changed later down the line when it comes to selling if estate agents say it may be an issue upon valuation.

 

Read more about this topic: Bathroom features which add the most value to your home

 

Feature image credit:  2M media / Shutterstock

Brands that you'll love

Rated as Excellent on Trustpilot with over 3000 reviews