Is it worth keeping a bath?

Author: Wilson Thiel  |  Last update: Monday, April 21, 2025

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 a good idea to get rid of a bathtub?

Do not remove that tub. It absolutely could affect the sale of that home to the variety of people who need a second bathroom for guests, and one for visiting grandchildren. Seniors do not soak hand washables in the tub. They have a laundry room or other large sink area. That is my insight.

Is it necessary to have a bath?

In the end, it all comes down to personal choice. If your home is to be occupied by a young family, we recommend having at least one bath in the home. Being able to bath young children – or even wash the family dog! – are essential requirements for young families.

Does it devalue your house to not have a bathtub?

It is unlikely to decrease value directly, but it may decrease due to less competition - people with small kids are going to be more likely to walk away from a house without a bath. More likely than not it's not an issue.

Is it worth having a bathtub?

If you're interested in promoting relaxation, easing fatigue, and treating chronic pain, a bathtub might be the right choice for you. If you're more interested in an efficient daily cleansing, a shower might be the better choice.

11 Bathroom Design Regrets & Costly Mistakes To Avoid

Is it OK to not have a bathtub?

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.

Do buyers prefer baths or showers?

Real estate professionals typically suggest that homeowners have at least one bathtub in the home for the highest resale value: a recent study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that over 50 percent of home buyers prefer a master bath with a bathtub and a shower as opposed to just a shower stall.

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.

How hard is it to sell a house without a bathtub?

“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.

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 people still want baths?

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.

Should I keep my bathtub?

If you rarely use it, removing the tub might make sense. However, if a bathtub is part of your daily relaxation routine, or you need it for therapeutic reasons, then keeping it would make more sense. If you have young children or pets in the home, a bathtub may also be a safer and more convenient way of bathing them.

Is it healthy to not bath?

When you don't cleanse your skin daily, you risk clogging your pores with dirt, sweat, and oils. This can lead to various skin problems, including acne, pimples, and even skin infections. Proper daily washing helps remove these impurities, keeping your skin healthy and clear.

Do you lose value if you remove a bath?

Removing your bath could well devalue your house, especially if your property is a family home. Without a bath, you'll be limiting your market when you come to sell your property.

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.

What are the disadvantages of a bathtub?

Cons
  • They are more expensive than showers.
  • More time is spent filling a bathtub since it requires a lot of water.
  • A large amount of heated water used in a bathtub increases your energy costs.
  • Older people may find it difficult to climb in and out of the tab.

Does it hurt home value to not have a bathtub?

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.

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 code to have a bathtub?

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

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.

Are baths going out of fashion?

The short answer is no, they are not going out of style. Freestanding baths are very much still popular, with people purchasing them all the time to give their home a more luxurious feel.

Why do some people hate baths?

Childhood aversion – Childhood aversion to baths and showers is not uncommon. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as a fear of getting water or soap in their eyes, a dislike of having their hair washed, a dislike of the change of temperature and sensory issues related to water.

Should you keep a bathtub?

Bathtubs can be a must-have for smaller children or pets. Whether you or future owners of your home plan on having either, keeping a tub available may be a good idea. This is especially true If your home is in an area popular for young families.

Should you keep a bathtub for resale?

In summary, remember that tubs still hold historic sway when it comes to resale value, but show-stopper showers are another way that you and future owners can fall and stay in love with a primary bathroom.

Does replacing a bathtub with a shower devalue a house?

Replacing a bathtub with a shower can potentially devalue your house, especially if it is your only bathtub and most comparable homes have them. But a luxurious or spacious shower or a bathroom designed for families with young children can lessen the impact.

Previous article
Do spider catchers actually work?
Next article
How do you get crystal clear glasses in the dishwasher?