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:
- 7 Jun 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.