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.
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.
The bottom line is you will narrow the field of potential buyers if you don't have a bathtub. Depending on how hot your market is (**when you sell, not right now), that might not be a problem. You may still have plenty of interested parties. But you will absolutely have LESS interested buyers without a bathtub.
Yes it will hurt resale. There's lots of safety reasons to have a tub aside from baths. A tub can be hidden in during tornados, it can hold drinkable water in hurricanes or water outages, it can help with first aid, etc etc.
Although not as popular among adults, bathtubs are still the most effective way to bathe young kids and pets. For young families, a bathtub is practically a necessity. Most children younger than 8 have a difficult time using a shower. In addition, baths are much more efficient when cleaning up multiple kids at once.
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.
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.
Homeowners are using bathtubs less and wanting a fresh look and style when remodeling. They feel these showers are convenient and provide additional safety.
Real estate professionals also agree that bathtubs are attractive to homeowners with children (and even those with pets). If your home has at least one bathtub when it's time to sell you will likely attract a larger group of prospective buyers, which could net you a larger profit.
Of course, there are those who like to relax in the bathtub, but some families absolutely need a tub. In particular, homes with young children or pets tend to use bathtubs more often. Washing little ones in the kitchen sink may work while they are really small, but bathing them in a tub is inevitable.
A half bath is a selling point, adding about $8,000 to $10,000 to the overall value of your home. Removing it can decrease your home's value—particularly if you have too few bathrooms for the number of bedrooms. That said, it may not make much difference if the number of bathrooms isn't a problem.
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.
“There absolutely has to be at least one bathtub in any condo or home. When you sell, you're also selling a lifestyle and having no tub will hinder a sale to most buyers,” she says. Research backs up the anecdotal evidence.
There is no code that requires a bathtub in a residential home.
Showers Are Easier to Get In & Out Of
For more mature adults and those with limited mobility, getting into and out of a traditional tub can be difficult, A tub-to-shower conversion is ideal for homeowners who want to maximize their bathroom's comfort and safety.
Many homeowners are ditching their bathtubs in favor of luxurious walk-in showers. This trend isn't just about aesthetics; it's a reflection of changing lifestyles and a desire for bathrooms that prioritize functionality, accessibility, and a spa-like experience.
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.
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.
Bathroom Features that Boost Resale Value
A home appraiser pointed out that having at least one tub is crucial since it appeals to a broader audience. Think about young families needing bath-time ease or just anyone looking forward to unwind; they're all eyeing that tub. Showers aren't slacking, though.
Tubs require a lot of water to fill and use, and they are generally less water-efficient than showers. Think of taking out the tub as another move toward a more eco-smart design, like replacing outdated and leaky shower heads or toilets.
In the UK, the average cost to remove a bathtub ranges between £150 and £400, depending on the type of tub, labour involved, and any additional services such as waste disposal. Understanding these costs can help you budget effectively for your project.
A: While there is no right or wrong answer, it is helpful to examine your personal habits, lifestyle and space considerations before deciding to keep or ditch the bathtub. In any case, there are many shower options that can compete with bathtubs when it comes to resale value.
Remodeling your bathroom can be a great way to increase your home's market value and desirability to potential buyers. In fact, a full remodel may not even be necessary to see a strong return on your investment: Updating to a glass shower alone can add tremendous value and can help you to sell your home more quickly.