Does a house lose value if it doesn't have a tub?

Author: Trystan Hane IV  |  Last update: Saturday, September 6, 2025

Removing your only tub to install a walk-in shower can make your home's value take a hit because most prospective homebuyers, especially families with small kids, want at least one bathtub.

Does not having a bathtub devalue a house?

Many parents prefer to bathe children in a tub rather than a shower, and many buyers like to soak in a tub. The National Association of Realtors says as long as the home has at least one tub, switching from a tub to a shower shouldn't negatively impact resale value.

Is it okay to not have a tub in your house?

A tub should not be mandatory but lack of a tub could be a functional obsolescence in some markets, say 55+ age communities. Like any other amenity, if you want a tub, buy the property that has a tub. If you can't find one in your market, be the first on your block to install a tub.

Is it hard to sell a house with no bathtub?

Generally yes. It doesn't necessarily hurt it directly. It limits potential buyers by eliminating those who want or need a tub and not just a shower, which limits potential offers, which in turn limits good offers. To the right person it's all the same, but that right person is more rare.

Do soaking tubs increase home value?

Yes, a soaking tub can boost property value by appealing to luxury-focused buyers, especially in competitive real estate markets.

How Important Is a BathTub For Resale? | Jason Gelios REALTOR® Rant

How important is a bathtub in selling a house?

According to the National Association of Home Builders reports, adding a full bath can increase the value of your home by 20 percent. This percentage increase holds if the number of bathrooms and bedrooms are equal before making the addition.

Should a house always have a bathtub?

However, as design trends move away from bathtubs and towards showers, many homeowners wonder if this is still the case. For most family homes, it is. Even for homeowners who don't have a need for one, it's often best practice to keep at least one tub in the home for the sake of resale value.

Why do new homes not have bathtubs?

Many younger homeowners are opting for shower-only bathrooms, valuing the time and space savings over the option to soak in a tub. Additionally, the trend toward smaller, more urban homes with limited bathroom space means that showers often win out.

Do home buyers prefer tub or shower?

According to recent data, homes with at least one tub tend to sell for more money than those with showers – and the difference can be quite pronounced in some parts of the country. Keep in mind, though, that this is just one factor among many that you'll need to consider when making this decision.

Should you get rid of a bathtub?

In larger properties with multiple bathrooms, the absence of a tub in just one of the rooms might not be as detrimental. But if you just have the one bathroom, which is the norm for many homes, removing the only bathtub could significantly diminish the home's appeal to certain buyers.

Why are people getting rid of bathtubs?

According to a recent survey, only 23 percent of homeowners actually use their bathtubs on a regular basis. This means that the vast majority of bathrooms have tubs that just take up space. If you aren't using your bathtub, you can have it removed and give yourself a bigger and more comfortable bathroom.

Is it important to have a bath in a house?

A: Including at least one bath in your home is crucial for the sake of resale, simply because if you don't you will nearly always deter young families who require their new home include a bath for the kids.

What is a bathroom without a bathtub called?

Half bathrooms

The half bath contains a toilet and sink, without a shower or bath. You might have heard of this being referred to as the power room, which is a traditional term for the practical space. Usually, half bathrooms are found downstairs and are ideal as guest toilets.

Is it bad to not have a tub in your house?

For practical reasons, it's best to have at least one bathtub in the house if you have a baby or young kids, you're planning on having a family, or you want to sell to someone who does. Bathtubs can save on bedtime drama and are a no-fuss solution for cleaning up.

Does removing a bath devalue?

Without a bath, you'll be limiting your market when you come to sell your property. Regardless of the value of your home, if your property is ideal for families but it doesn't have a bath, it will almost certainly take longer to sell. And the longer your property is on the market, the less it will often sell for.

Is it code to have a bathtub?

There is no code that requires a bathtub in a residential home.

Is it hard to sell a house without a bathtub?

Challenges in Selling Homes without Bathtubs

Selling homes without bathtubs can be tricky. Some potential buyers simply won't bite if there's nowhere to soak after a long day or give their mini-me's bubble baths.

Does not having a bathtub affect resale value?

The short answer is, it depends. Understanding the potential buyer of your home is key. If your neighborhood attracts many young families, removing the tub could indeed lower your home's resale value. However, there are situations where this might not be a significant concern.

Should I replace the tub with a walk-in shower?

Though trends come and go, it's safe to say that replacing a tub with a walk-in shower modernizes the overall look of your space. Offers better accessibility and safety. Stepping into a tub-shower combo is awkward and the surface could be slippery.

Are bathtubs becoming obsolete?

Increasingly, homeowners are getting rid of their tubs for lavish, high-end showers. Small spaces and homes owned by millennials and kid-free adults are particularly more apt to agree with the bathtub becoming obsolete. They simply ditch the tub.

Do I really need a bath in my house?

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.

Is it okay to have a master bathroom without a tub?

The short answer is no; you can easily create a large, spacious bathroom without a bathtub. However, the long answer is complicated. Bathtubs provide a sense of luxury, are great for your home's resale value, and are more versatile for larger families.

Does a walk-in tub devalue your home?

A walk-in tub can add value to a home by making it more accessible and appealing to a wider range of buyers. These tubs are specifically designed to accommodate individuals with limited mobility or disabilities, providing a safer and more comfortable bathing experience.

Is a bathtub worth it?

If you have small children, a tub can make bath time fun and a lot convenient. A stand-alone bathtub can easily be the showstopper of the space; it can transform a mere bathroom into a stylish zone. And there is an endless list of materials and designs to choose from.

Is it better to have a shower or bathtub?

Both options offer unique benefits, so it all comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in your bathing routine. A relaxing soak in a tub may be just what you need to unwind after a long day, while a quick drench in the shower may be more practical for those on-the-go mornings.

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