Bath or Shower? Can They Impact Your Home Sale Value?
Does having a bath or shower increase or decrease the value of your home?
We’ve lately dived into the bath vs shower debate, attempting to determine which the majority of the public prefers and the different benefits each offers, and how removing a bath might devalue your home.
Of course, many homes will feature both a bathtub and a shower enclosure, typically as combined components, depending on the situation, the bathroom layout and size, and the number of household members.
But does choosing between a bath and a shower fitting affect the value of a home? Indeed, removing a bath could devalue your home or at least affect its appeal to certain buyers. Indeed, removing a bath could devalue your home or at least affect its appeal to certain buyers. Could the presence or absence of either feature lead prospective buyers to look elsewhere and mean your home will take longer to sell?
We’ll look at which types of profiles think baths are important and which types think shower cubicles are more important. And finally, whether baths or showers really can add value and make a big difference in how much a house is worth.
Baths or Shower: What Do You Prefer?
Maybe it’s a broad question. However, our most recent research shows a definite pattern that supports the general conclusions on the subject.
The vast majority of the British public would favour a shorter, more efficient cleaning method of showering over a lengthier, more drawn-out bathing process. When our latest social media poll asked which they would prefer to take, 77% of responders chose shower.
But with that said, is it wise to sacrifice the presence of a bathtub within a home altogether, even if it might only be used scarcely? Or is it an undeniable staple of the British psyche that people feel a bathroom should have a bath?
Of course, if you are one of the 4% of the British who admit to liking having a bath, you are likely to consider a bath as an essential feature, and you may want to make a freestanding bathtub the focal point of your bathroom space.
However, regardless of how frequently it is used, the inclusion of any form of bath would improve the property’s saleability.
Is a Bathtub a Necessary Bathroom Feature?
As the name indicates, a bathroom is usually centred around a bathtub, and traditional bathrooms will still feature a freestanding bath as a focal point.
Despite the fact that most people no longer take morning and evening baths, the bathtub is still widely regarded as a symbol of the bathroom. And one that many people will always be unwilling to be without, at least for occasional use when the mood strikes.
However, in a small bathroom, space may make a large tub impossible. In such cases, many people will choose a space-saving shower enclosure over a larger component that they may only use occasionally.
As a result, a bathtub cannot be regarded as an entirely essential bathroom feature because modern bathrooms may function without them.
However, one of the main hanging issues is merely the title of this article, as many people believe that homes without a bathtub are less appealing to potential buyers.
Houses without baths can be more difficult for estate agents to market effectively. Some people will completely rule out choices for their possible property portfolio if there is no bathtub. As a result, decreased demand and a longer time to sell can lead to a lower property price point, lending credence to the prevalent view.
However, there are other additional factors to consider, which will be discussed later.
Will a Bathtub Really Affect the Value of My Home?
This is a loaded question, and the answer is based on circumstantial evidence and a variety of factors.
First and foremost, the profile of any potential property buyers will have a significant impact. If you’re selling to a family with young children, for example, a bathtub is going to be a must-have.
Alternatively, you may discover that a single person looking for a home has little to no interest in having a bathtub and would only consider one as an added bonus. Essentially, it would have little impact on getting lower offers on the home.
On the other hand, a unique and contemporary bathroom set in the absence of a bathtub may actually serve to improve the atmosphere, as well as the value, of a home.
Consider the ultra-modern stylings of a wet room, which represent the ultimate level of luxury and are ideal for adding a spa-like atmosphere to a home. Practically any bathroom area may be changed into a walk-in shower room.
Overall, the size and layout of the bathroom space may have a more significant effect on the value of a home than the inclusion of a bathtub. Of course, if space allows, any potential buyer may always add a bath if they would like to, and they may even prefer being able to choose their own design.
If you have any concerns about selling your home, you may always add a bathtub before offering it. You’ll be able to find a high-quality bathtub for less than the difference in value between a house with and without a bathtub.
Do I Have to Choose Between a Bathtub and a Shower Enclosure?
You don’t have to choose between a bathtub and a shower enclosure. As an alternative, you could choose a shower bath, which comes in straight, L-shaped, or P-shaped shapes.
Many bathtub models can be adjusted with the addition of shower screens, and others have a profile with one end larger than the other – these parts are ready for the installation of a shower system.
As a consequence, you’ll have the best of all worlds: a competent shower and a bathtub that potential future buyers of your property may consider a need.
Furthermore, depending on the size of the property and the bathroom within it, each area may have the potential to go in a completely different path. Obviously, this will only apply to a home that has multiple bathrooms or an additional ensuite. However, a home with a little wet room and a large, freestanding tub-filled bathroom will undoubtedly be sought after, regardless of resale value.
Building A Bathroom According To Your Preferences And Requirements
As much as the bathtub aspect may weigh heavily on your mind prior to any potential house sale, your bathroom should be built with the preferences and needs of the current occupants in mind, naturally.
If not having a bathtub remains a major problem when it comes to selling up, there is still the option of adding one later or slightly remodelling the room before placing the property on the market. More than likely, you can accomplish such an addition for considerably less than the possible difference in value that the absence of a bath may have on the home.
And if you need any additional assistance or advice on purchasing and installing bathtubs or showers, or are planning a new bathroom, please do not hesitate to contact the My Beautiful Bathroom team.