Quick Answer
It is one of the most common questions homeowners ask during a bathroom renovation: should you keep the bath or switch to a walk-in shower? The answer depends on your home, your buyer profile, and how you use the space.What Estate Agents SayMost estate agents recommend keeping at...
Key Information
- Last Updated:
- 3 Sep 2026
- Category:
- Bathroom Advice
- Reading Time:
- 1 min read
It is one of the most common questions homeowners ask during a bathroom renovation: should you keep the bath or switch to a walk-in shower? The answer depends on your home, your buyer profile, and how you use the space.
What Estate Agents Say
Most estate agents recommend keeping at least one bath in the house, especially if you have a family home. Removing the only bath can reduce your property value by 5-10%. However, adding a walk-in shower as a second bathroom or ensuite is consistently one of the best value-adding improvements.
When a Walk-In Shower Wins
In small bathrooms, a walk-in shower with frameless glass creates a feeling of space that a bath cannot match. For older homeowners or those with mobility concerns, a level-access shower is both practical and a strong selling point.
When to Keep the Bath
If your home has only one bathroom, keep the bath. Families with young children need baths, and buyers will factor the cost of reinstalling one into their offer. Freestanding roll-top baths in larger bathrooms are a genuine luxury feature that adds perceived value.
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Living in Manchester, I've seen walk-in showers really open up small bathrooms. But as a family home, keeping that bath was a must – our kids wouldn't survive without it!
I'm curious though, does replacing a bath with a shower always decrease property value by 5-10%? Or is that more of an average?
As a homeowner in Manchester, I've found having both a bath and shower in our family home has been a lifesaver. But when we renovated our ensuite, we went for a walk-in - added real value when it came to selling!
I'm considering this for my Bath renovation. As a family home with kids, I'd hate to lose that bath, but adding a walk-in shower ensuite could really boost our value in this competitive market.
I'm a homeowner in Bristol and I've always loved my bath. But after reading this, I might consider adding a walk-in shower to our en-suite - could really add value when we sell!
I'm torn between keeping my bath and adding a walk-in shower. But if removing the bath reduces my property value by 5-10%, why would estate agents recommend it? Could someone clarify this?
I've always loved baths but after reading this, I'm tempted to add a walk-in shower too. Any tips on making mine feel spacious despite having a small bathroom?
I'm interested in the claim about reducing property value by 5-10% without a bath. Where's that statistic from?
Consider waterproofing when installing walk-in showers. A well-sealed shower can prevent moisture damage and mould growth, adding longevity and safety to your bathroom renovation.
I'd add that for those considering walk-in showers, ensure your shower tray is at least 170mm deep to prevent water spillage. It's a small detail that can save costly repairs later on.
I've just installed a walk-in shower in my en suite and it's amazing! I was worried about losing the bath but now I'm wondering why we ever had one 😂
I'm based in Bristol and we've noticed walk-in showers are popular here with both families and elderly residents. However, our property still has a bath as my parents live nearby and they're keen on soaks.
I'm from Manchester and always thought a bath was essential for our rainy days. But this has made me think - maybe a walk-in shower could add value to my property too?
I appreciate the points on value and practicality, but could you clarify where the 5-10% reduction in property value comes from? Interested to know if this is a general consensus or based on specific market research?
I understand the value of walk-in showers, but isn't removing a bath in a family home a bit of a risk? Surely, some buyers would prefer a bath for their children?
Interesting point about frameless glass showers creating space. Did you know that using low iron glass can minimise reflections for an even greater illusion of width?
Interesting points on bathroom trends. However, I'm unclear about how much value is really lost when removing the bath if it's replaced by a walk-in shower? Would love to see some concrete figures.
As a Birmingham-based estate agent, I've seen firsthand that while walk-in showers boost value, especially in city flats, keeping at least one bath is crucial for family homes. It's all about balance!
I've been wondering this myself while planning my renovation! I have two bathrooms, so do you think it'd be worth switching one to a walk-in shower?
Interesting points, but could you elaborate on how exactly removing the bath reduces property value? Surely it's more about having at least one?
I'm from Leeds and I've just put my house on the market. After reading this, I think I'll keep the bath in the main bathroom but add a walk-in shower in the ensuite - hopefully that'll appeal to both families and older buyers!
Just remember, for walk-in showers to truly add value, they must be installed with proper waterproofing and drainage. I've seen many DIY jobs fail here.
I'm planning my bathroom reno in Bristol and this has been a big decision for me. Great to know that adding both a bath and walk-in shower could increase my property value. Thanks for the practical advice!
I've found that a well-designed walk-in shower with a thermostatic mixer tap adds significant value. It's not just about aesthetics but also peace of mind for potential buyers knowing they won't have to worry about temperature fluctuations.
I understand estate agents' advice to keep a bath for family homes, but can someone clarify how much value a walk-in shower actually adds? Is it solely based on the 5-10% estimate, or are there other factors at play?
I've always wondered, would converting our old, large bath into a walk-in shower make our tiny bathroom feel bigger? Or is it a step too far for resale value?
I'm in Manchester and we've just added a walk-in shower to our ensuite. It's made such a difference, especially for my elderly parents when they visit.
I understand the appeal of walk-in showers, but I'm surprised that estate agents recommend keeping at least one bath when it could reduce property value by up to 10%. Could someone clarify if this is true for all types of properties?