Removing bath could knock more than £11,000 off home’s value, research suggests
Almost half (47%) of estate agents said homes without at least one bathtub typically see their value reduced by between 3% and 4%.
Homeowners who replace their bath with a walk-in shower could reduce their property’s value by more than £11,000 and face longer selling times, according to research from Drench.co.uk.
The bathroom retailer surveyed estate agents and prospective homebuyers, finding that the absence of a bath could reduce a home’s market value by up to 4%, equivalent to around £11,155 based on the average UK house price.
Almost half (47%) of estate agents said homes without at least one bathtub typically see their value reduced by between 3% and 4%, while a further 25% believed the impact could reach 5% to 6%.
The research also suggested that shower-only properties appeal to a narrower pool of buyers.
Nearly three in 10 (29%) estate agents said homes without a bath could deter between 21% and 40% of prospective purchasers.
Despite the growing popularity of walk-in showers and wet rooms, demand for baths remains strong among buyers.
Drench found that 80% of homeowners who have a bath still use it regularly, while 45% of prospective buyers said the absence of a bath would be a dealbreaker when searching for a property.
More than a quarter (27%) of homeowners who never use their bath said they had chosen not to remove it purely to protect the resale value of their home.
Among those without a bath, almost a quarter (23%) said they either wanted to install one or were already in the process of doing so.
Estate agents also reported that removing a bath could slow down a sale.
More than a third (34%) said family homes without a bath typically take three to four weeks longer to sell, while one in five (20%) estimated sales could be delayed by between one and two months compared with similar properties that include one.
More than half (53%) said having at least one bathtub was a significant factor when assessing a property’s marketability.
The research also found growing confidence in bathroom improvements, with 83% of property professionals believing adding a bathroom would recoup its installation cost.
Almost a quarter (24%) said installing a bath could add more value than it costs.
Liv Conlon, property and staging expert, said: “While walk-in showers have become the ‘quick and convenient’ choice, we’re seeing buyers lean back towards bathtubs as both a lifestyle and resale feature.
“A beautiful freestanding bath now feels far more Pinterest-worthy and aspirational, whilst also offering practicality for growing families and young children.
“Buyers are increasingly thinking long-term about how a home evolves with them — and a bathtub delivers both the wow factor and day-to-day function.”
Samantha Lawson, senior bathroom designer at Drench, said homeowners should look to balance style with practicality.
She said: “We are seeing a growing demand for compact, freestanding tubs that create a luxurious focal point without requiring a massive footprint.
“When designing with resale in mind, it’s important to prioritise zoning, ensuring the bath feels like a dedicated sanctuary rather than an afterthought.
“This balance of style and practicality is what ultimately secures the highest valuation.”
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